NMC Launches Public Health Policy Doctoral Program

Omaha  - Starting in the 2017 fall semester, Nebraska Methodist College will enroll its first class in the online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Public Health Policy track.

Headlines touting the uncertainty of America’s healthcare structure have caused concern in the healthcare industry. After more than 60 failed attempts to repeal the 2010 Affordable Care Act, a new Congress will convene this week to discuss potential changes to Obamacare.

Advanced nurses are needed more than ever to start conversations in their local communities to improve public health programs, develop new programs and coordinate care. Ultimately, these discussions can lead to reform at the regional and national levels. Nurses with a terminal degree in nursing, at the height of their profession, will be uniquely qualified to translate years of experience into a transformation of public health policy at a systems level. 

“Nurses in the DNP - Public Health Policy program will be experts in evidence-based practice nursing. As teachers, mentors, consultants and researchers, they will influence management and systems improvement,” said Alice Kindschuh, Ph.D., RN, director of doctoral studies at Nebraska Methodist College. “They will be prepared with the knowledge and real-world experience necessary to positively influence public health policy locally, regionally and nationally.”

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to DNP pathway requires nurses to complete a minimum of 50 credit hours and 960 clinical practice hours. Students may earn credit hours via synchronous and asynchronous online learning with one on-campus intensive weekend. Clinical practice requirements are completed in a preceptor experience.

A full-time student in the online DNP program can graduate in as little as 24 months. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Nebraska Methodist College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The application process for the DNP - Public Health Policy program, with class set to begin in August, is now open. Visit methodistcollege.edu/dnp-php for a full description of courses, application requirements, cost and more.