Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) has launched its first doctoral-level program — Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
“As MVNU starts the DNP, I am excited to see us leaning into our mission of learning and serving,” said President Carson Castleman, Ph.D. “Academic excellence is critical for us, but more importantly, is our commitment to nurturing compassionate key leaders in the nursing field who are looking for a doctoral degree to help them move to the next level. We believe that through this program, our first doctoral program, we will empower future nurse leaders to make a profound impact on healthcare, serving with love, integrity and dedication to the well-being of others.”
Seamlessly blending advanced clinical mastery with visionary leadership, the Doctor of Nursing Practice from MVNU enables nurses to drive innovation, elevate patient care, and lead transformative change in today's dynamic healthcare landscape. Graduates will position themselves at the forefront of healthcare evolution with the expertise, influence, and impact of a DNP credential.
“At MVNU, we believe that nursing, in its essence, is a ministry. The curriculum is specifically designed to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to practice their vocation at the highest level, enabling them to positively impact health outcomes of patients and populations both locally and globally,” said DNP Program Director and Associate Professor of Nursing Debra Garee, DNP, RN. “Students have multiple options and can choose the best path to help them advance their practice and care for those they are called to serve.”
MVNU’s DNP program is designed for professionals in any stage of their nursing journey, whether they are recent graduates from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, experienced Registered Nurses (RNs) with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or seasoned Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), all levels of experience can pursue the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at MVNU. Students can go from a BSN to DNP in as little as three-and-a-half years taking one or two courses at a time.
“With the flexibility and inclusivity of the DNP program, MVNU encourages nurses from diverse backgrounds and career stages to pursue advanced education and professional development, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to the nursing profession and the broader healthcare community, regardless of where they are in their nursing career journey,” said DPN Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Nursing Jessica Myers, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, APRN. “The goal of the MVNU DNP program is to empower leaders, enrich souls and transform healthcare through faith and knowledge.”
The DNP program offers students the option of selecting one of three concentrations: Doctor of Nursing Practice concentration, the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration, and the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
Upon completion of the DNP program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam.
“Nurses who have a strong commitment to advancing nursing practice, improving patient care outcomes, and contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession should consider progressing their own educational experience by pursuing a DNP degree,” Myers said. “They should also possess critical thinking skills, leadership potential, and a desire to engage in lifelong learning and professional development.”
For those interested in more information about MVNU’s first doctoral program, virtual information sessions have been established to speak with program leaders and faculty.
Monthly sessions are:
•The second Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. (EDT).
•The fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. (EDT).
The link for these virtual sessions, and more information about the program, is available at mvnu.edu/dnp.
The first class begins in November 2024.
