Twenty years ago, students welcomed a new degree option — the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). As nurses nationwide now mark the anniversary of that innovation, Wilmington University honors its DNP graduates.
“The DNP represents a seismic shift in higher education standards for nurses, emphasizing the importance of doctoral preparation for nurses in both advanced practice and leadership positions,” says Dr. Aaron Sebach, dean of the College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences and a DNP himself. “DNP-prepared nurses are change agents specializing in evidence-based practice.”
Accredited Nursing Program
In 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) endorsed the degree. Since then, more than 83,500 nurses have completed their DNP. WilmU launched its accredited Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 2013, and its 33rd cohort will start this spring.
“The DNP program at Wilmington University is unique because the faculty are student-focused and provide individualized guidance and support to every student on their doctoral journey,” says Dr. Kathryn Leach, DNP program chair. “The DNP team strives to provide a current program curriculum our students can apply in their current nursing practice to implement evidence-based practice changes to improve patient and health care system outcomes.”
Dr. Leach earned her DNP at WilmU, and so did Dr. Angela Herman, director of Health Sciences programs.
“As a nurse, I wanted a program that supported what I thought was important in nursing and valuable to continue on with my career,” says Dr. Herman, whose DNP coursework increased her clinical knowledge, leadership skills and policy understanding. “It really highlights all the aspects that define nursing and allows us to practice at a higher level.”
DNP Program Graduates Improve Health Care
Wilmington University’s distinguished DNP alumni also include Dr. Johnny Gayden, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and assistant professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. According to the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program, he’s one of only seven Black male CRNA full-time faculty members nationwide.
“I’ve never seen myself as a role model. I have considered myself a mentor,” says Dr. Gayden. “I’m just trying to be a good person and support others,” adding that his goal “is not only to help people but to bring people together.”
Dr. James Thomas, a fellow DNP graduate and 2024 Vista Millennial Superstar, is making a difference at Main Line Health in suburban Philadelphia.
“WilmU’s multidisciplinary approach is the foundation of my leadership growth, and my experience in the DNP program helped to prepare me for my role as director of nursing at Main Line Health, overseeing three different nursing units,” Dr. Thomas says.
Online DNP Programs: Many Paths To Reach Your Goal
Wilmington University’s flexible, affordable DNP is available 100% online or in a hybrid course format, with concentrations in Advanced Practice or Leadership. Cohorts begin three times a year.
WilmU offers accelerated MSN to DNP and Ph.D. to DNP pathways as well as dual degrees. Students can excel in health care administration with a combined DNP and MBA or DNP and M.S. in Management, or they can receive a DNP with Post-Master’s Certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Legal Nurse Consultant, Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive or Public Health.
“We value and recognize the demands of working professionals and have carefully curated a curriculum that enables students to balance personal, family and professional commitments,” Dr. Sebach says.
Ready to advance your nursing career? Earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree your way at Wilmington University.
