MERVYN M . DYMALLY
SCHOOL OF NURSING
School of Nursing Launches Doctoral Program at CDU
The Mervyn M . Dymally School of Nursing ( MMDSON ) continued to raise the bar in the development of emerging nursing leaders by launching the new Doctor of Nursing Practice ( DNP ) degree program in Fall 2021 . CDU received approval from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges ( WASC ) for the DNP program in August 2021 , making it the first Doctoral program at CDU .
The DNP program offers flexibility , convenience , and diversity through an executive model that includes both hybrid and online formats . The new program comes during a pivotal time in health care as the industry faces an increasing demand for diverse advanced practice clinical nurse leaders . The DNP program supports a nurse ’ s professional experience and career goals by building upon advanced knowledge in systems , as well as developing their ability to think critically and proficiently as expert clinical leaders .
“ As nurse educators , we are charged to increase the numbers of practicing nurses that hold a doctoral degree and advance nursing leadership in the health care setting , thereby positioning nurses to meet the call of the Institutes of Medicine and the American Nurses Association to advance the nursing profession ,” said Campus Nursing Officer and former MMDSON Interim
Dean , Dr . Delia Santana . “ Our new DNP program at CDU will prepare nurse leaders that will meet the school of nursing vision of excellent nursing care for all in a world without health disparities .”
The doctoral-level advanced practice degree emphasizes critical thinking and evidence-based practice , positioning graduate-level nurse leaders for paradigm organizational change , leading to improved process changes , increased efficiency and better patient outcomes . DNP graduates advance the nursing discipline and practice through research , education , policy , management , and leadership .
“ The DNP program is set to advance and prepare nurse leaders to solve complex health challenges such as global pandemics , emerging infectious diseases , health inequities including access and affordability for care most especially amongst our underserved and rising aging population ," said DNP Program Director , Dr . Juana Ferrerosa .
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