The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has approved the first doctoral degree program at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. In the fall 2019 semester, the university’s School of Nursing will introduce the first cohort of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program.
“The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program represents a milestone achievement in Alcorn’s 148-year history,” said Alcorn State University Interim President Dr. Donzell Lee. “As the University’s first-ever doctoral degree program, the DNP will significantly enhance our mission and catapult Alcorn to a new level of leadership in higher education. It will greatly expand our consistently successful efforts in producing healthcare professionals with the knowledge and character required to positively impact the communities we serve and beyond.”
The new doctoral degree program will be offered as a full-time progression option to graduates of the university’s family nurse practitioner master’s degree program. Students will complete five semesters of continuous enrollment and take courses on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, healthcare systems, evaluation of practice models, and health policy.
“What a special day in the history of Alcorn State University and the School of Nursing,” said Dr. Debra Spring, dean of the School of Nursing. “The road to offering the first doctoral program in Alcorn’s history is possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of a number of individuals at all levels of the university. I am so proud of what we have accomplished to get us to this point.”
Congratulations, Alcorn State.