Akron, Kent State nursing schools team up on proposal for doctor of nursing practice degree

Nursing education is changing and institutions in Ohio are following suit.

Nursing schools at The University of Akron and Kent State University are in the early stages of a proposal to offer a doctorate for advanced nursing practice. The degree, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), will be required for anyone who wants to become an advanced practice nurse after 2015.

The schools’ proposal still needs approval of the two universities and the Ohio Board of Regents. But if all goes well, the program could begin in the fall of 2010, said Laura Dzurec, Kent State’s dean of nursing.

The University of Akron-Kent State collaboration stems from a goal established in 2004 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Members of the association decided that, by 2015, the level of preparation necessary for advanced practice nurses – including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives – should shift from a master’s degree to a DNP.

The DNP prepares “expert practitioners” in a way that is consistent with other health professions and allows them to serve as clinical faculty, said Margaret Wineman, dean of nursing at The University of Akron. She cited a 2005 report by the National Academy of Sciences, which stated that the development of a “nonresearch clinical doctorate, similar to the M.D. and Pharm.D. in medicine and pharmacy, respectively” would meet a need.

More than 80 universities throughout the United States, including four in Ohio, already accept students into DNP programs, according to a list maintained by the AACN. Case Western Reserve University is home to the nation’s first nursing practice doctorate.

Dzurec said she thinks people are “chomping at the bit to do the DNP.”

Assuming the program gets the green light to move forward, The University of Akron and Kent State will begin by admitting students who have master’s degrees and are working as advanced practice nurses but want to earn the DNP, Wineman said.

Another goal is to admit students who have earned bachelor’s degrees in nursing. The course of study will vary accordingly. For those with bachelor’s degrees, it will take between three and three-and-a-half years to complete the DNP, said Kathy Ross-Alaolmolki, assistant dean at Akron’s College of Nursing.

[Photo courtesy of Flickr user gadgetdude]

Sarah Latson

Sarah Latson covers topics including medical education and research for MedCity News. She is a lecturer in journalism at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s College at Florham in Madison, N.J. Previously, she worked as a medical reporter at The Plain Dealer. Sarah has a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Colgate University.

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Tags: education, Kent State University, medical school, Northeast Ohio, Nursing, Ohio, University of Akron

Comments Post a comment

Interesting article on Doctorates in Nursing. As a practicing RN I’m well aware of the need for advanced degrees. Perhaps such programs will ease the shortage in nursing faculties countrywide. Applications to nursing programs are up but acceptances are limited by the lack of qualified teachers.

Comment by janet — April 23, 2009 @ 9:08 pm

Case Daily…

The 2009 Hudson Relays will be celebrated on campus this weekend. The 26-mile relay footrace commemorates Western Reserve College’s 1882 move from Hudson, Ohio, to University Circle. Also happening this weekend are a statue dedication to Ignacio “Doc…

Comment by CASE DAILY — April 24, 2009 @ 3:05 pm

I worry about the rush to get these programs implemented. I know it has been in the works and I support the effort fully. What I am seeing is a wide variety from state to state on pre recs and hours for completion. They are offering BSN to DNP degrees. Theoretically since High school students graduate as college sophomores these days they would take nursing classes for two years and go straight into a DNP program. The most common answer is they work while they are in school, BUT it is not regulated its just a statement. You could end up with a 20 year old BSN in the DNP program graduating in two years at age 22 never worked as a nurse but now a DNP. This is the rush I am addressing. I think as Nurses fight for independence and the ability to break down barriers to practice these programs could be used against our cause. I would like to hear what others have to say or am I out of line?

Comment by fnp student — April 24, 2009 @ 3:18 pm

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Comment by Akron, Kent State nursing schools team up on proposal for doctor … | Travel RN Nurse — April 24, 2009 @ 7:11 pm

Kent State is in the business of making money, growing the business of education. It is something else to sell to students. This is a bad idea.

Comment by Stephanie — August 12, 2009 @ 4:53 pm

I think Kent State is a great school. I received my master’s degree in psyche/mental health as well as my primary care NP. They really support the nurses. In regards to the DNP, my sister is a pharmacist, and she had her Doctorate of pharmacy by the age of 23/24 years old. Is that so wrong that nurses can be at that age and still function highly. If you are determined, you deserve the degree that you get.

Comment by Ingrid — November 14, 2009 @ 11:54 am