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UT Tyler Announces New Doctorate in Nursing Practice Program

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January 27, 2016

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

The University of Texas at Tyler will offer a new doctoral program within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences beginning this summer, President Rodney H. Mabry announced.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the Doctorate in Nursing Practice at its quarterly meeting earlier this month. The DNP is the fourth UT Tyler doctoral program and the second within the School of Nursing, which began offering a Ph.D. in nursing in 2008.

"Our plan is to create a unique environment that fosters collaboration between the DNP and Ph.D. students. As researchers, clinicians and nurse leaders, these students have opportunity to make significant contributions to our health care system," said Dr. Barbara Haas, UT Tyler interim associate dean for the School of Nursing. "The DNP is a practice doctorate – similar to the practice doctorates offered by other disciplines such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and physical therapy – while the Ph.D. is a research doctorate, focused on discovery and advancing nursing science."

The UT Tyler doctorate in nursing practice will have two concentrations. The advanced practice track is for master's prepared advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners. The second track focuses on leadership and is appropriate for master's prepared nurses working in health care administration or advanced practice. Graduates are often employed in health care provider practices and institutions.

"This program will prepare graduates as change agents to help shape the future of health care," said Dr. Sandra Petersen, DNP program director. "As with the Ph.D. program, the DNP will emphasize health in communities within the context of culture."

The first cohort begins with an introductory course and an onsite orientation held alongside with the annual Ph.D. orientation and workshop.

For more information or to apply, contact Petersen, spetersen@uttyler.edu or email Nursing-Graduate@uttyler.edu.

One of the 14 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.