McKendree University Kicks Off New Doctor of Nursing Practice Program This Fall

    LEBANON, IL, September 28, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- McKendree University is proud to announce that they have begun to offer their new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Ethical Leadership program online during the Fall 2016 term.

The new program is geared toward MSN-prepared nurse leaders who are interested in seeking a doctoral degree and is designed for the working practitioner. Students in this program will receive a high-quality educational experience through critical thinking exercises, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice, which will help the students achieve positive health outcomes in the global community.

McKendree created this program in order to address the Institute of Medicine's call to double the number of nurses who earn their doctorate degrees by 2020. Additionally, McKendree alumni indicated a desire for a DNP program to be offered at the university.

"The Division of Nursing at McKendree University is fully-vested in supporting the pipeline for nursing education, which serves as a means to produce dynamic nursing leaders," said Dr. Kelli Whittington, Chair of the Division of Nursing and assistant professor of nursing at McKendree University. "McKendree University's DNP graduates will play vital roles within their institutions and communities as they demonstrate the ability to utilize evidence-based practice to optimize positive health and wellness outcomes throughout our global community."

The DNP in Ethical Leadership program is a 30-credit hour curriculum and is challenging, rigorous, and highly stimulating. Students will complete the program as a group moving together through the program. This 2-year program, which extends over 5 semesters, is a sequential course of study and includes an Advanced Nursing Project. Students will attend two on-campus immersion residencies during each August of the two years.

"McKendree University's Division of Nursing is thrilled to expand our graduate nursing program to offer the Doctor of Nursing in Ethical Leadership," said Dr. Richelle Rennegarbe, Graduate and DNP Program Director and professor of nursing. "This doctoral program will serve our MSN graduate leaders and the organizations that we serve throughout the Metro East, Southern Illinois, and Kentucky regions. We are proud to be able to expand our nursing program to meet the growing need for nurse leaders who will guide the future of nursing practice."

Currently, McKendree University offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration, nursing, education, psychology, and criminal justice. They have also begun offering an online MBA program with Human Resource Concentration, which began this fall term.

Established in 1828, McKendree University is the oldest college in Illinois. McKendree is dedicated to providing its students with a high-quality educational experience by encouraging a broader vision, an enriched purpose, engagement with the community at large, and openness to new ideas. The university instills in its students a passion and dedication to lifelong learning in an atmosphere of open dialogue, free inquiry, and mutual respect.

For more information, please visit McKendree University online at http://www.McKendreeIsOnline.com or call 1-800-BEARCAT, ext. 6576.

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