Loyola University New Orleans to offer Louisiana's First Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree

Dec. 23, 2009 - PRLog -- In May of 2009, the board of trustees of Loyola University New Orleans unanimously approved the addition of the Doctor of Nursing Practice, often referred to as DNP, degree program to its School of Nursing curriculum. The addition of this program makes Loyola the first university in Louisiana to offer such a degree, which will be delivered exclusively online to better meet the demands to serve nurses locally, regionally and nationally. Pending final approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Loyola New Orleans will enroll its first 25 post-master’s degree students in summer 2010, anticipating growth to 125 students within five years.

Since its inception in 1979, the Loyola University New Orleans School of Nursing has been on the cutting edge of innovative programs in health care, keeping pace with dramatic changes in nursing education. That tradition of excellence continues with the transition of its curriculum for nurse practitioners from the master’s level to the doctoral level.
Rapid growth in the complexity of healthcare delivery requires nurses to be prepared with the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure the health of the public. Graduate nursing education has responded by instituting the DNP degree, similar to terminal practice doctorate degrees in medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and audiology.

According to Loyola’s Director of the School of Nursing, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N., A-CCC, this DNP program will take a unique approach with emphasis on the rapid translation of science and research findings to patient care and health care systems innovation.

"The application of informatics, organizational analysis and implementation science is critical to healthcare effectiveness," Cary said. "We intend to incorporate the use of integrated behavioral health approaches in primary care practices as a method to address effective healthcare delivery."

"The increasing gap between an adequate supply and the demand for primary care practitioners contributes to a widening health disparity among populations and locations," Cary said. Gwen George, D.N.P., F.N.P.-B.C., coordinator of Loyola’s DNP degree program adds "This is particularly important in New Orleans and other areas of the country where mental health resources are scarce."

While nursing shortages plague hospitals across the country, Loyola continues to produce highly skilled nurses with advanced degrees. The School of Nursing annually enrolls more than 650 students. It has graduated nearly 1,200 registered nurses with baccalaureate degrees, and more than 500 advanced nursing practice providers with master’s degrees. These nursing graduates are educated in the Jesuit tradition of social justice, critical thinking and service to the community, which makes them even more marketable to the medical community.

"Nurse practitioners need the highest level of education available to more effectively meet these challenges,” according to Cary.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program will admit those who hold a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner with a focus in family/adult, women’s health, pediatric or gerontology. Applications for the DNP degree program are being accepted through January 31, 2010 on Loyola's School of Nursing web page.

To learn more about the DNP program or to apply, visit the School of Nursing's web page at http://css.loyno.edu/nursing/general-information-and-appl... and select doctoral program or contact Ann Cary at 504-865-2579.