Coppin State University, the historically Black educational institution in Baltimore, will launch a new bachelor in nursing to doctor of nursing practice degree program starting this fall.
The BSN to DNP program, in the College of Health Professions’ Helene Fuld School of Nursing, will offer registered nurses, who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an accelerated path to a doctor of nursing practice degree. Prospective students who are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree for the role of a family nurse practitioner can combine the graduate and doctoral coursework into one seamless terminal degree. The 36-month program will the university’s second pathway to a doctoral degree. There is only one other such program among the nation’s HBCUs.
“At Coppin State University, we believe that educating nurses to the highest level is essential for the future of health care in Maryland and beyond,” said Joan Tilghman, professor and DNP program chair. “In addition, this program supports a needed priority of attracting and retaining nurses and nurse educators throughout Maryland. The BSN to DNP pathway will assist in ensuring equal opportunity for Maryland’s diverse citizenry through education and creation of a pipeline to doctoral degrees that will increase all nurses including nurses of color with doctoral degrees.”
“Guiding nurses and creating a pathway to reach the top educational level of their profession improves quality care, patient and healthcare outcomes,” added Tracey L. Murray, dean of the College of Health Professions. “Equally important, it positions nurses to be advanced practice registered nurses ready to lead within healthcare and any venue wherein evidence-based healthcare solutions can be implemented.”
