Walden University Introduces Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree

MINNEAPOLIS, April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the American Association of Colleges of Nursing calling for the more than 200,000 advanced practice nurses to hold doctoral degrees by 2015, the need for nursing education at the highest level is in great demand. Walden University, the No. 2 largest online graduate nursing program by enrollment, according to U.S. News & World Report, is introducing a new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed to meet the country's critical demand for doctoral-level nurses who can prepare and mentor the next generation of nurses.

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"Our healthcare system is changing rapidly, and now more than ever, we need expert nurse leaders to advocate for changes in the healthcare system," said Dr. Sara Torres, associate dean of Walden's School of Nursing. "Walden's DNP program is focused on helping nurse leaders build their skills and expertise to make a difference where it counts, by improving care across their organization and enhancing the health of populations and communities."

The DNP program prepares nursing professionals to assume greater practice and leadership roles in healthcare organizations, promote a more effective and efficient healthcare system and evaluate and apply research that contributes to better patient outcomes. Aligned with the most current national professional standards, this practice-focused doctoral program's coursework covers a range of topics, including healthcare policy and advocacy, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, information systems/technology, advanced nursing practice and organizational and systems leadership.

Along with the right experience and training, the DNP program can position graduates to take on leadership and education roles -- such as chief nursing officer (CNO), nurse administrator, director of quality and regulatory affairs, nursing policy positions and others -- across the healthcare industry so they can make significant contributions to improving the quality of patient care and enhancing the training of nursing professionals.

The DNP is the latest in the Walden School of Nursing's suite of lifelong learning programs, which include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), both accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and Post-Master's Certificates in Nursing.  For more information, go to www.WaldenU.edu/nursing.

About Walden University

For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 42,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network -- a global network of more than 55 online and campus-based universities in 27 countries.

Walden offers more than 50 degree programs with more than 225 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

SOURCE Walden University