William Paterson University celebrated 10 years of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. In the last decade, since 2014, sixty-five doctorly prepared nurses have graduated from this program. This Doctor of Nursing Practice program has the distinction of being the first doctoral program at William Paterson University. It is a 41-credit practice doctorate, developed to prepare clinical scholars to make an impact on the health of groups.
The doctoral education culminates with a clinical project that has had the ability to impact health locally as well as internationally. For example, projects included: “Exploring predictors of 30-day readmission rates” “Improving breastfeeding support using social media” and “Improving cardiac status for citizens of Cameroon, Africa.” One alumnus commented, “Going back for my DNP at WP allowed me to explore an issue I am passionate about. With the knowledge I gained along with the academic support, I was able to shape a project that makes a real difference in the lives of people in North Jersey.” The DNP at WP offers a structure for academia to meet clinical practice, with an outcome of improved health.
William Paterson University continues to be dedicated to growing programs that prepare its students for the careers of today and tomorrow. The DNP is no exception. This program has flourished since the first graduating class in 2014. WP is widely recognized as a model of outstanding and affordable public higher education characterized by its rigorous academic preparation.
The program was initiated as an executive model and is transforming into an online program. The program accepts students who are master’s prepared and also accepts students who have completed a BSN and are interested in doctoral study. The format at WP is a cohort progression in a 2.5-year part-time program.
Dr. Maria Brennan, WP’14 DNP alumnus, congratulated the William Paterson School of Nursing for achieving this milestone. Dr. Brennan also commented that the changes in the healthcare delivery system today point out the ongoing need for doctorally prepared clinical nurse thinkers. Her project focused on the impact of nurse leadership on the satisfaction of the nursing unit.
Dr. Kem Louie, PhD, FAAN, Director of the Graduate Program in 2014, placed the Doctor of Nursing hood on each candidate, marking their new accomplishment. Dr. Louie remarked, “It has been wonderful to follow these nursing leaders and see the difference their commitment and the DNP degree made in their practice.”
Looking ahead, Associate Dean of the School of Nursing, Dr. Minerva Guttman EdD, commented, “The WP DNP program has seen many advances in the past 10 years. It started as a partial in-person education for master’s prepared candidates. It has evolved to meet the growing trends toward online education, and now includes baccalaureate prepared candidates.” One area that has not changed is the School of Nursing’s commitment to educating nurse thinkers. 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.
