Coppin to Launch New BSN to DNP Accelerated Nursing Degree Program Starting in Fall Semester 2021
Coppin State University (CSU) will launch a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program starting this fall semester 2021.
The BSN to DNP program, in CSU’s College of Health Professions’ Helene Fuld School of Nursing, will provide registered nurses who have a BSN degree an accelerated path to the DNP degree. Prospective students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree for the role of a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) are encouraged to explore this new pathway which combines the graduate and doctoral coursework into one seamless terminal degree. The 36-month program marks a major milestone for CSU by becoming the university’s second pathway to a doctoral degree and by making the program one of only two BSN to DNP programs in the nation among HBCUs.
The inaugural program will begin accepting applications from mid-April until June 1st.
“At Coppin State University, we believe that educating nurses to the highest level is essential for the future of health care in Maryland and beyond,” said Dr. Joan Tilghman, CSU professor, and DNP program chair. “In addition, this program supports a needed priority of attracting and retaining nurses and nurse educators throughout Maryland. The BSN to DNP pathway will assist in ensuring equal opportunity for Maryland’s diverse citizenry through education and creation of a pipeline to doctoral degrees that will increase all nurses including nurses of color with doctoral degrees,” Dr. Tilghman said.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has recommended that by 2025 the DNP should be the standard credential for all advanced practice nurses. Similar recommendations from other professional organizations include the American Association of Nurses, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS).
“Guiding nurses and creating a pathway to reach the top educational level of their profession improves quality care, patient and healthcare outcomes. Equally important, it positions nurses to be advanced practice registered nurses ready to lead within healthcare and any venue wherein evidence-based healthcare solutions can be implemented,” said Dr. Tracey L. Murray, CSU College of Health Professions dean and professor.
To learn more or apply for the program, call the CSU School of Graduate Studies at 410-951-3090 or by email at graduatestudies@coppin.edu and visit the BSN to DNP website.
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