Capella University Launches Groundbreaking Direct Assessment Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program
September 03 2020 - 11:00AM
Business Wire
New program rounds out the University’s nursing
portfolio with offerings at the doctoral level in Capella’s
signature learning format, FlexPath, as well as a new non-degree
nurse leadership development series
Capella University, an online higher education institution
serving working adults, is now offering its Doctor of Nursing
Practice (DNP) program in a competency-based, direct assessment
format. The DNP in direct assessment format was approved earlier
this year by the Higher Learning Commission’s Institutional Actions
Council (IAC) and Capella University is the first to offer a
direct-assessment, competency-based DNP, when compared with the 10
largest universities conferring doctoral nursing degrees*. This new
modality for the DNP rounds out the full portfolio of nursing
degree programs at Capella offered in its signature FlexPath direct
assessment learning format, which already includes RN-to-BSN and
MSN programs.
Through the self-paced FlexPath format, which has over 10,000
graduates, students can personalize their learning by customizing a
schedule to fit their lives. Students can take one or two courses
at a time during the coursework phase of the program and complete
as many courses as they want in 12 weeks for one tuition fee**. In
the DNP program with FlexPath, students will also be able to set
their own deadlines, manage costs and leverage their work
experience to advance at their own pace.
“On-demand education is the future and Capella University is
already there with FlexPath,” said Dick Senese, President of
Capella University. “I’m proud today to welcome into our portfolio
the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program in a direct
assessment format. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it painfully
clear how nurse leaders influence patient care and outcomes every
day. It is critical that they are provided flexible education
options to further expand their practice.”
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) notes
that nursing is the nation’s largest healthcare profession, with
more than 3.8 million registered nurses nationwide. Employment for
registered nurses is projected to grow 12% between 2018 and 2028,
much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“We know nurses in leadership positions are looking for flexible
options to pursue a DNP while also working a full-time job. The
FlexPath format provides a great option for students to progress at
their own pace while balancing work and other responsibilities,”
said Betty Nelson, PhD, RN, Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences at
Capella University.
“Capella University has always been at the forefront of
innovation in their program development for nurses,” said Dr.
Cathleen Wheatley, President, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
& Wake Forest Baptist Health System Chief Nurse Executive, Sr.
Vice President of Clinical Operations. “As a member of Capella
University’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board,
I can attest that we were greatly involved in understanding how
this program was going to be built and gave input into how the
desired outcomes of the program would add value to Capella DNP
students and their employers. Their passion to move FlexPath into
doctoral nursing education will positively impact and influence the
role nurses will have within their organizations to deliver high
quality, patient-centered care.”
The doctoral program will be an extension of Capella’s current
FlexPath program offerings. Students wanting to learn more about
acquiring a degree from Capella’s other FlexPath programs can
visit: https://www.capella.edu/lp/flexpath.
In addition to the DNP, Capella University is piloting a
non-degree leadership series for nurses at select employer
partners. The Nursing Leadership Development Series is a six-module
program that employer partners can leverage to build a talent pool
of nurse leaders prepared to lead at the highest levels within
their organization. The series offers nurses continuing education
(CE) credit and was designed by Capella faculty with a nurse
leader’s perspective in mind. Capella will pilot the offering to
select employers this year.
The learning experience for the Nursing Leadership Development
Series will include engaging video content from online medical
education company Osmosis.
“With the healthcare industry projected to grow faster than the
average for all occupations, investing in the professional
development and continuing education of our nurses is an economic
imperative,” said Jennifer Dixson Hoff, Strategic Education, Inc.
Senior Vice President of Portfolio Strategy. “We’re proud to offer
this new learning pathway that will deepen the expertise of our
nursing professionals who do so much in our communities and are
currently on the frontlines of our nation’s health crisis.”
* Source: 10 largest universities by number of doctoral degrees
in nursing conferred during the 2018 academic year as reported by
IPEDS
** Books, supplies and other fees apply
About Capella University
Capella University (www.capella.edu) is accredited by the Higher
Learning Commission. Founded in 1993, the university is dedicated
to providing flexible, professionally aligned online degree
programs designed to help working adults advance in their careers.
Known for its commitment to learner success, academic quality and
innovations in online education, Capella pioneered competency-based
direct assessment programs, allowing students to learn at their own
pace. For more information, call 1.888.CAPELLA (888.227.3552).
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