D’Youville to Offer ‘Doctor of Nursing Practice’ Degree

D’Youville to Offer ‘Doctor of Nursing Practice’ Degree

Buffalo, New York – March 1, 2012 – The New York State Education Department has approved the college's request to add the program to the long established nursing curriculum at the private college.

"We developed this program to prepare individuals seeking a terminal degree in clinical nursing and to establish a post-masters' DNP program at D'Youville," said Dr. Judith H. Lewis, dean of the School of Nursing.

D'Youville has offered nursing education since 1942.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal professional degree that focuses on the clinical aspects of nursing. The curriculum for the degree generally includes advanced practice, leadership, and application of the clinical research.

Advance Practice nurses have provided healthcare services for more than 40 years. They are registered nurses who are prepared, through advanced education and clinical training, to provide preventive and acute healthcare services in individuals of all ages.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, supported by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, will require all entry level advanced practice nurses including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists to be prepared at the doctoral level by 2015.

Graduates will be prepared to implement new practice approaches to healthcare delivery, be leaders in ensuring quality healthcare through integration of communication, business, financial and culturally sensitive principles, according to Dr. Lewis.

"Initially we will focus on admitting current master's prepared advanced practice nurses who are ready to move to the DNP. Later we will implement a full bachelor to doctorate program both on a full and part time schedule for working adults."

"Advanced Practice nurses, and now those with a doctorate, will be in high demand to meet the needs of a growing and aging population combined with changes in healthcare that will be necessary in the future to serve our communities," Dr Lewis said.

"Our new program will provide an outstanding educational experience for tomorrow's nursing leaders," said Dr. Lewis. "They will be well prepared to help others."

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Contact Dr. Judith H. Lewis at 829-7856, lewisj@dyc.edu