The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #35299

R. Craig Stotts, RN, DrPH, College of Nursing, Univ of Tenn Hlth Sci Ctr, 1776 Hasbrook Ct, North Little Rock, AR 72116, (501) 753-7008, cstotts@utmem.edu

The professional doctorate in nursing (DNSc) offers a career path for nurses wanting to not only improve their research skills but also receive advanced education in their specialty areas. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center recently initiated possibly the first doctoral program in the country focusing specifically on public health nursing. The DNSc specialty in PHN builds upon the essential elements required of master’s-prepared PHNs and provides additional content in each of the areas deemed essential for PHN practice: epidemiology, economics, policy, community empowerment, population-based practice, and program planning and evaluation. In addition, a data-based dissertation is required. This program is offered entirely online, which allows students to remain in their home communities and do their PHN practice and dissertation work there. The development of this program will be described from its inception.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the differences between a professional doctorate and a research doctorate.
• Identify the essential elements of a professional doctorate in public health nursing.
• Describe the characteristics of the graduate of a DNSc program in public health nursing.

Keywords: Nursing Education, Community-Based Public Health

Related Web page: www.utmem.edu/nursing

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: College of Nursing, Univ of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.