Fabulous Nurse Magazine
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA UCF College of Nursing Offers Advanced Doctoral Degree Online ORLANDO, Aug. 29, 2011 -- A new doctoral degree
support the growth of practice-based doctoral degrees to
track at the University of Central Florida prepares nurses
address national concerns about quality of care and pa-
in a leadership role to succeed at the highest level of ad-
tient safety. UCF’s program will prepare nurses to use the
vanced practice by becoming “change leaders.”
latest technologies, trends and research to address chang-
The degree track, a post-master’s Executive Doctor of
ing regulations and anticipated nursing shortages over the
Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), is the most recent example of
next decade.
the College of Nursing’s efforts at creating cutting-edge
Designed for working professionals, the part-time, flex-
programs that give its graduates the ability to adapt and
ible degree consists of online courses and an intensive
lead during challenging times in healthcare. The track
three-day seminar at the start of each semester. The semi-
will prepare students to shape practice, and their proj-
nar brings together theory and practice to round out the
ects will make a difference in improving care for patients
comprehensive program.
where they work. “For busy nurse leaders, the program promotes out-of-
leadership and organizational analysis. In addition to
the-box thinking to shake up what they are already do-
opportunities for online collaboration with peers, the
ing, to support them in becoming change leaders,” said
seminar will allow students to meet their professors and
Associate Dean for Graduate Affairs and Professor Susan
develop deeper relationships with faculty members and
Chase. “They’re not just responding to new policies, but
their colleagues. Nationally recognized leaders in health-
informing the policy and putting into practice the evi-
care will share their best practices during the seminars
dence that is there.”
and in presentations open to interested nurses in the Or-
The federal Institute of Medicine and other groups are
lando area.
calling for more advanced educational programs as the
The first group of students, who will stay together for the
nation’s healthcare environment grows ever more com-
required nine semesters, starts coursework in January.
plex and demands of nurses a higher scientific knowledge and practice expertise. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and its member schools also
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Curriculum focuses on areas such as decision making,
As nurse leaders and administrators plan for policy changes, the Executive D.N.P. will provide them with analytic