Henderson State University’s Board of Trustees today approved plans to offer the university’s first doctoral program – the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. In addition, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) was approved.
“These programs are an extension of our newly added online RN to BSN program and the success our cooperation with CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs has had,” said Dr. Steve Adkison, provost. “We’re extending the ladder of opportunity for area nurses and helping our region respond to a nationwide nursing shortage.”
The MSN program will produce either nursing administrators or practitioners and will flow naturally into the DNP program. The first students should be able to enroll in January 2019.
“We can see the response to our online RN to BSN and the demand for advanced degrees in the nursing field,” Adkison added.
The program plan will now go before the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) Coordinating Board for approval. Next, the Higher Learning Commission, Henderson State’s accrediting board, needs to approve a role and scope change for the university.