Oklahoma City University has introduced a new graduate nursing program focused on training educators who can help prepare and guide the next generation of nurses.
OCU’s Kramer School of Nursing (KSN) is accepting enrollments for a January start for its new Nurse Educator track in the school’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Completion Program. OCU now is the only university in Oklahoma to offer a Nurse Educator track within its DNP program.
Cene’ Livingston, Chair of Advanced-Practice Programs at KSN said enrollment across the nation for PhD programs in small non-research driven institutions has been diminishing over time.
“We were trying to figure out how to continue to serve those that want to specialize as nurse educators and obtain education at the doctoral level,” she said “We put together a task force of our PhD faculty, and after research, the determination was that a DNP nurse educator track would be an excellent option, and consistent with national trends. We’ve had a great deal of interest in the program track.”
Livingston said enrollment for the new program has garnered increased interest.
“Enrollment is (going) excellent,” she said.
Kramer School of Nursing Dean Gina Crawford said the move is significant because while much of the recent conversation about the nursing shortage has focused on growing the number of nurses in patient-care roles, it is equally important to consider the educators who train and support would-be nurses.
“Nursing retirements and attrition impact not only patient-facing health care, but the teaching and instruction environments as well,” Crawford said. “The demand is significant right now for highly educated nurses who can shape the next generation both within a classroom setting and in administrative roles in hospitals.”
OCU’s DNP Nurse Educator track focuses on preparing nurses to function within educational administrative roles, to impact health policy, and to participate in research, Crawford said.
Livingston said the program is designed with working adults in mind, with 100 percent online coursework.
Students can complete the course in as little as two years and must have previously earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree to be eligible to enroll. Graduates who go on to pursue faculty appointments may be eligible to participate in loan reimbursement programs to help recoup educational expenses.
“Students can start any semester, fall, spring, or summer,” Livingston said. “(Before enrolling) we have a conversation (with students) just to make sure that the program option aligns with the nurse’s professional goals”.
Livingston said OCU Kramer School of Nursing also offers a Master’s in Nursing Education.
“KSN offers RN to MSN and BSN to MSN tracks in nursing education,” she said. “The BSN to MSN track is five semesters and is delivered completely asynchronously online. These options are user-friendly and perfect for those wanting to become professional nurse educators.”
The introduction of the Nurse Educator track follows a series of moves by OCU to help address the nation’s nursing shortage. In February, the university announced a five-year scholarship and employment partnership with SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital aimed at junior and senior nursing students, and in September the school introduced the state’s first in-person 12-month accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
“We certainly feel we can play a vital role in the nursing profession and when it comes to the betterment of health care and health outcomes,” Crawford said. “We will continue to pursue programming and initiatives that can help move our community forward.”
For information about the new DNP Nurse Educator track, email, at [email protected]. Additional information about nursing programs at Oklahoma City University is available at https://www.okcu.edu/nursing/home.
