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William Paterson University celebrated the 10th anniversary of its doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program with a special reception for program graduates hosted by the School of Nursing on May 3.
Since 2014, 65 students have graduated with the DNP credential; an additional nine students will graduate later this month. The highest-level clinical degree in nursing, the doctor of nursing practice degree prepares advanced practice nurses who already hold master’s degrees to be clinical scholars and nurse leaders recognized for outstanding patient care outcomes.
The program has evolved over the past 10 years. In addition to accepting students who have a master’s degree, the program now accepts students who have completed a BSN and are interested in doctoral study. To meet market demand, the program will move to a fully online model in fall 2025.
“One area that has not changed is the School of Nursing’s commitment to educating nurse thinkers,” says Minerva Salinas Guttman, associate dean of the School of Nursing. “The program continues to bring nursing research, through evidence-based practice, into the clinical setting where it will improve the health outcomes of folks living today.
More than 40 of the program’s alumni—many of whom are faculty and staff in the University’s School of Nursing—were present at the event, which featured remarks by Maria Brennan, DNP ’14, chief nursing officer at University Hospital and a member of the first graduating class.
Brennan, who also recently served as president of the Organization of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey, spoke about the transformative impact of her degree and the changes in the healthcare delivery system today that point to the ongoing need for doctorally prepared clinical nurse scholars. Brennan’s dissertation focused on the impact of nurse leadership on the satisfaction of the nursing unit.
“It has been wonderful to follow these nursing leaders and see the difference their commitment and the DNP degree made in their practice,” says Kem Louie, professor emerita of nursing, who served as inaugural director of the graduate program when it launched.
The 41-credit program includes courses focused on utilizing technology to advance the quality of care; evaluating health care policy; providing leadership and inter-professional collaboration in multiple health care settings; and evaluating systems responses to health and illness, along with knowledge of nursing theories, related sciences, humanities and economics. Students must also complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised post-baccalaureate practice hours and complete a scholarly clinical project.
The event was a collaboration between the School of Nursing and the Office of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy.
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