Sometimes, Formative and Summative DNP Evaluation Complement Each Other in Ipsative Assessments

In some cases, a single test can serve both formative and summative purposes. This test combination ensures that DNP learning is both adaptive and measurable. Capstone project phases submitted at various stages of completion are formatively assessed, while the whole project is considered a summative evaluation.

The above example may also fall under a third DNP evaluation sub-category, Diagnostic Assessments, if you include the project proposal! Med schools may choose this diagnostic examination to identify student strengths and weaknesses either before or during a learning cycle. This especially happens after changes in the DNP curriculum, when faculty heads wish to pinpoint areas to provide syllabus support.