Troy University gets DNP program

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Thought this would be of interest: Troy gets doctoral nursing program | Dothan Eagle

Troy University has received a level change approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, paving the way for the university to offer its first doctoral program, the Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

“This is a milestone in the history of Troy University,” Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. said. “We are excited about this major achievement for our university, but the real beneficiaries will be the people of the state of Alabama as we increase the availability of highly trained nurse practitioners.”

The Commission on Colleges approved the level change for Troy University at its annual meeting in San Antonio. Hawkins shared the news with members of the Board of Trustees at the fall trustees meeting.

Dr. John Dew, associate vice chancellor for institutional research, planning and effectiveness, said the Commission on Colleges decision means Troy University is authorized to offer up to three doctoral programs.

The action by the Commission on Colleges comes a little over a year after the Alabama Commission on Higher Education granted Troy approval to offer the Doctorate of Nursing Practice. At that time, Chancellor Hawkins said by offering the Doctorate in Nursing Practice, the university will help improve Alabama’s healthcare system, particularly in underserved areas of the state.“

Our proposal was based on the indisputable need for more nurses in the state at all levels, from the associate’s degree though the doctoral level,” Dr. Hawkins said. “These new programs will help alleviate the nursing shortage in our state.”

According to Dr. Ed Roach, executive vice chancellor and provost, Troy University is taking steps to implement the DNP
program by fall semester of 2009.