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Nursing practice professionals seeking a terminal degree will have a new opportunity to earn the post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) credential at Ramapo College of New Jersey starting this fall. Applications are currently being accepted through August 21 for admission to September 2020 classes. “We have built this DNP program on a very, very strong foundation. Ramapo’s existing Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing programs have graduated thousands of remarkably skilled nurses over the years,” said Peter P. Mercer, Ramapo College President. “Now, at a time in which our communities are grappling with an unprecedented health crisis, our College is responding by launching its first doctoral program– a program developed to provide these talented health care providers with additional opportunities for professional mobility and service to others.” A mainly online program with a small number of in-person sessions per course, Ramapo’s 36-credit DNP curriculum builds on traditional nurse practitioner Master’s programs by providing education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other key areas. “An alternative to research-focused doctoral programs, the Ramapo DNP program offers greater emphasis on practice, said Kathleen Burke, Assistant Dean of Nursing Education. “The self-selected DNP capstone part of the program allows doctoral students to transition through four levels of residencies in their area of interest and expertise, well equipping them to fully implement evidence-based practice changes to improve health care protocols and practice.” Ramapo College is the sole academic partner in the practice-oriented New Jersey Council of Magnet Organizations (NJCOMO) which is comprised of all the Magnet-credentialed institutions in NJ and some in NY. These strong relationships allow Ramapo to focus on the clinical practice requirements of nursing and advanced nursing degrees. In addition, Ramapo Nursing programs maintain solid partnerships with many local healthcare institutions and hold formal partnerships with The Valley HealthCare System and St. Joseph’s Health. “Developed by our highly engaged and experienced faculty, the DNP program will prepare students to be expert practitioners and clinical faculty who are capable of conducting evidence-based research and practice; applying organizational and systems thinking that advances the design, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare initiatives to ensure quality outcomes; crafting health policies and strategies that advance health promotion and disease prevention; and delivering the highest level of patient-centered care,” said Interim Provost Susan Gaulden. Ramapo’s DNP admission requirements include having earned a MSN from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.3 GPA, Advanced Practice Certification, a personal statement with a focus on a potential practice problem and an interview. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) called for all Nurse Practitioners to be prepared at the DNP level by 2015. According to AACN, while this call has not yet resulted in regulation, it is expected that the requirement for a DNP as the minimal level of education for a Nurse Practitioner is in the near future. For additional information and to apply, please visit www.ramapo.edu/nursing/dnp/ or call 201-684-7749.