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University of Maryland School of Nursing Announces New Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program
June 2, 2006
First DNP program in Maryland to begin in fall 2006
Baltimore, Md. – The University of Maryland School of Nursing is once again demonstrating visionary leadership as it prepares to launch the first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in the state of Maryland. The program will enroll its first class of students for the fall 2006 semester.
“We are proud to assume a leadership role in offering the DNP program because it clearly responds to current and future needs of the American health care system and to the educational demands of current nurse educators, nurse administrators, nurse informaticians, and all advanced practice nurses,” says Janet D. Allan, PhD, RN, CS, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing.
Until now, master's prepared nurses desiring to further their education had no choice but to enter PhD programs, which, by design, prepare nurse scientists. While nursing research is vitally needed and contributes to the improvement of health care for the nation, many nurses prefer to remain focused on direct patient care or leadership in patient care systems as they pursue advanced degrees in their profession.
Additionally, many DNP candidates look forward to educating the next generations of nurses by becoming faculty in nursing schools. To specifically support this effort, the School of Nursing has received a five-year, $1,020,000 grant from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission to fund the new DNP program.
“This practice-focused doctoral program opens the door for nurses who want to pursue one of the most advanced degrees in their field, rigorously applying scientific evidence in practice environments, participating in multidisciplinary collaborations, and leading at the highest educational, clinical and executive ranks,” says Patricia G. Morton, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, director of the program.
Call 410-706-4378 for more information, or visit www.nursing.umaryland.edu.