FYI: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/loc..._98653909.html

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will soon begin offering a doctorate in nursing practice, pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

On Thursday, UT regents approved the new degree, which will replace the advance practice concentrations in the master's degree program. The new degree will provide an alternative to the research-focused doctorate, preparing graduates for advanced practice and administrative or public health leadership roles.

The shift is expected to draw nursing students and faculty to the medically underserved regions of South Texas and enable nurses already working in South Texas to pursue a doctorate. Students in the program are expected to graduate in three years.