If there is one thing the coronavirus pandemic has underscored, it’s the importance of well-educated, well-trained nurses and health care providers. Doctorally prepared nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to fulfill a myriad of needs throughout communities and health systems. To meet this need, Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is launching a Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Practitioner (DNP-NP) program.
Aiming to enable future nurse leaders to enhance patient care, positive health outcomes, and the functional autonomy of nurse practitioners (NPs) in clinical spheres, DNP prepared NPs are the industry goal. The program currently offers three options for specialization: geriatric primary care, geriatric acute care, and family/individual across the lifespan care. With over 450 already established clinical site partners, students can take advantage of a robust network of options while also receiving the individualized attention and mentorship Penn State Nursing faculty are known for providing.
“The college is well-positioned to transition our already master’s-level NP program to the doctoral level, and this speaks to the quality curriculum, faculty, and students in our graduate programs,” shared Mariya Tankimovich, DNP program director. “Current NP certification pass rates of 100% are a clear marker of our successful program. Moving this program to a terminal level is the natural next step, and we are thrilled to launch the new DNP-NP.”
Delivered online through Penn State World Campus, the DNP-NP program lets students take courses online in either full- or part-time status. Students can enroll with a BSN or MSN, and clinical experience is not a requirement, rather it is incorporated into the curriculum to facilitate a seamless transition for current BSN undergraduates.
The curriculum has been developed by expert clinical faculty within the Nese College of Nursing. The program meets the American Academy of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) DNP Essentials guide and aligns with the official position of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). With the industry goal and expectation being that entry-level NPs have a DNP by 2025, prospective students can apply now to be given priority status. With only an extra semester or two beyond master’s level nurse practitioner programs, depending on full or part-time status, students can complete their final clinical degree and be prepared for high-quality patient care, administration, and a variety of other career paths.
Visit the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing website to learn more about the new DNP-NP Program.