News Releases
Capella University Launches Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
The DNP is the recommended terminal degree for nursing leaders and advanced practice nurses
MINNEAPOLIS, August 18, 2010 Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults, announced a new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The DNP is the preferred credential for advanced practice nurses and will be the required terminal degree for the profession by 2015. More than 38,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella University (http://www.capella.edu), with 31 percent enrolled in Capella’s doctoral degree programs, and 47 percent enrolled in Capella’s master's degree programs.
Capella’s DNP focuses on nursing leadership competencies
The DNP differs from a PhD because it concentrates on practical contributions to the nursing field, which also allows it to be completed more quickly than a research-focused PhD. Capella’s DNP, unlike many DNPs that address clinical areas of nursing, focuses on the administrative, organizational, and systems leadership competencies required for a variety of nursing leadership positions. Capella’s DNP curriculum also incorporates The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
Capella DNP offers individualized educational experience
“We’ve developed a program that offers the foundational knowledge all nursing leaders require, but also allows many opportunities to focus on individual areas of interest within the field,” said Mary Bemker, RN, DSN, PsyS, faculty chair of Capella’s Nursing Department. “Students will be able to tailor their field experiences, as well as many of their course assignments, to match their needs and interests. The program culminates in a final capstone project that produces a practice- and evidence-based solution to a problem encountered during the field experience.”
Capella’s DNP program will leverage the expertise and faculty of its current nursing programs, which include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with Nurse Educator and Nurse Educator Bridge specializations, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN-to-BSN Degree Completion specialization.
Enrollment now open
Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for its Doctor of Nursing Practice. For more information, please call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) or e-mail info@capella.edu.
This DNP is not a clinical degree and is not designed to prepare advanced practice registered nurses for roles as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified nurse anesthetists.
North Dakota residents are not eligible to enroll in this program at this time.
About Capella University
Capella University is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Nearly 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral online degree programs in the fields of business, counseling, education, health administration, human services, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 137 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. More than 38,000 learners were enrolled as of June 30, 2010, from all 50 states and 52 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).
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*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.
Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), http://www.capella.edu/
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