UIC College of Nursing in Peoria Now Accepting Applications for New Doctorate of...

UIC College of Nursing in Peoria Now Accepting Applications for New Doctorate
of Nursing Practice

PEORIA, Ill., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to graduate nursing
programs, the University of Illinois (UIC) Chicago - College of Nursing in
Peoria sets the pace for others in the nation. Not only the very first College
of Nursing to offer a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program in downstate
Illinois, the UIC College of Nursing also offers the only joint degree --
Master's in Nursing and Master's in Public Health in Illinois (MS-MPH).
Created for those seeking an advanced nursing degree, the DNP Program is the
final practice degree for the nursing profession and is expected to produce
leaders who will affect the future of our nation's healthcare and nursing. The
College of Nursing is accepting applications for the next DNP Program until
February 1st.
One of the Nation's Leading Institutions
"What many people don't realize is that Peoria's nursing programs are
often among the first of their kind," Kathleen Baldwin, PhD, RN, Associate
Professor (Public Health Nursing) said. "We've worked to address our nation's
nursing shortage by providing the greatest range of master's programs for
nurses in the region. We also believe this program will create more of our
nation's nursing educators and leaders."
Unlike other nursing programs in the area, the UIC College of Nursing
offers graduate programs in all areas of nursing, with the exception of
anesthesiology. "Peoria has been gifted with a premier nursing college that is
consistently ranked among the top 10 for teaching institutions and among the
top five for research," Baldwin said. "In addition to receiving the nation's
first federal grant funding for our DNP program, we have also been advocates
for public health (or community health) nursing for years." The DNP program is
partially supported by funds from the Division of Nursing, Bureau of Health
Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration and the Department
of Health and Human Services.
NEW DNP Program Incorporates Distance Learning
In keeping with the most recent position statements of the American
Association of Colleges of Nursing, the UIC nursing practice doctorate will
prepare individuals to be nurse leaders at the highest level of practice. This
degree advances both practice and leadership skills in nursing. Slated to
begin in August 2008, the DNP Program will be primarily web-based and is ideal
for distance learning. The program is especially designed to accommodate
students who wish to continue in the workplace while achieving an advanced
degree.
The UIC College of Nursing is recognized internationally for its
preparation of advanced practice nurses. Therefore, the credentials of this
online nursing program are like no other in their ability to advance nursing
careers. Students can expect the very best education, including top-notch
research and practice skills. In addition, opportunities exist to work
collaboratively with students in both the College of Medicine and School of
Public Health.
Addressing the Nursing Shortage
As the population ages and chronic diseases become more prevalent in
Illinois and across the nation, the shortage of nurses is expected to become
more acute in future years. Since Illinois has one of the largest healthcare
markets in the country, a 20% shortage is anticipated here. Demand for highly
specialized nurses who can excel in complex, interdisciplinary environments is
also expected to increase. Therefore, nurses who will be able to implement
their education in practice will be required.
The UIC College of Nursing DNP Program will address policy, translation of
research skills and "systems think" so that students will understand strategic
management and ways to change systems based on research. "Our DNP Program has
instructors who are uniquely qualified doctoral faculty. All have one foot in
education and one foot in practice," Baldwin added. "This program will help
students translate research into current practices and become the best in the
industry."
The UIC College of Nursing is well respected as a top research facility
(#3 in the nation), with unique graduate nursing programs such as the joint
MS-MPH degree featuring interdisciplinary education (students studying with
physicians and medical students, environmental health workers, community
health educators and more).
To enroll in the DNP Program or for additional information on the joint
MS-MPH degree, visit http://www.uic.edu/nursing or call the UIC College of
Nursing at (309) 671-8464. In addition, RNs interested in obtaining a
bachelor's in nursing may contact UIC's global campus for opportunities at
1-866-923-4601 or email gcadvisor@uillinois.edu.
For more information, please contact:
Kathleen Baldwin at the University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing at
kbaldwin@uic.edu OR (309) 671-8467 or visit http://www.uic.edu/nursing
- OR -
Brenda Tomlinson, Director of Public Relations, McDaniels Healthcare Marketing
(309) 346-0512
SOURCE UIC College of Nursing

Kathleen Baldwin of University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing,
+1-309-671-8467, kbaldwin@uic.edu; or Brenda Tomlinson, Director of Public
Relations of McDaniels Healthcare Marketing, +1-309-346-0512, for UIC College
of Nursing