Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Announced
9/3/09
Maryville University’s School of Health Professions has announced a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree will be offered beginning in January 2010.
The initiation of such a program follows a recent decision of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to require educational institutions that prepare advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse mid-wives and nurse anesthetists) to offer this education at the doctoral level by 2015.
Maryville’s new doctoral nursing program recently received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
“Although challenging, the North Central approval process provides an opportunity of self assessment and peer review,” said Charles Gulas, PhD, dean of Maryville’s School of Health Professions. “The onsite team gave our nursing practitioner program an outstanding review. This approval provides us with the ability to continue to serve the community by educating outstanding nurse practitioners.”
The DNP program is designed for nurses seeking a doctoral program focused primarily on practice, rather than research. The post-master’s option will begin in January 2010. The program is 30 credits, five semesters, and will be offered to any master’s-prepared certified advanced practice nurse. A post-baccalaureate option will begin in August 2012.
“This program is designed to further improve the practice of advance practice nurses to prepare them for the increasing complexity of the health care system. We are proud to add the third doctoral program at Maryville University,” said Elizabeth Buck, PhD, RN, director of Maryville’s Nursing Program.
For more information, email Jennifer Gwin, coordinator of the DNP Program, or call 314.529.6587.
Along with nursing, the School of Health Professions at Maryville University prepares students for careers in rehabilitation services and rehabilitation counseling, music therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
Maryville University, founded in 1872, is a four-year, private university located in west St. Louis County. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges in the Masters-Midwest category, Maryville University students may choose from 50 academic programs, including degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. Among recent graduates, 94 percent are employed or attending graduate school. More than 15,000 Maryville alumni work and live in the St. Louis region.