First doctorate degree offered exclusively through UAA is in Nursing Practice
by Michelle Saport |
UAA nursing students practice hands-on learning at the Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center, located in the Health Sciences Building.
An exciting announcement for National Nurses Week! Starting this fall, the University of Alaska Anchorage will offer a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. This is the first doctorate degree offered exclusively through UAA.
"This is a huge step for UAA," said Chancellor Tom Case. "This degree gives our students more post-graduate opportunities, and demonstrates our cooperation with the state and healthcare industry to help fill gaps in Alaska's workforce."
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities recently approved the three-year degree program, allowing UAA to proceed with recruitment and admissions.
Like the rest of the nation, Alaska is facing a severe shortage in healthcare workers, particularly in primary care and behavioral health. The situation is especially challenging in rural Alaska, where frequent turnover leads to high job vacancy rates.
This new program builds on UAA's existing School of Nursing associate, baccalaureate and master's degrees. Given recent changes in healthcare delivery, occupations within the workforce are changing, and new ones are emerging. UAA's move is on trend with the Lower 48, where universities are adding this new layer to advanced practice nursing education-in-depth knowledge of health policy that empowers graduates to advocate for healthcare system improvements.
UAA offers several doctorate degrees through partnerships with other universities; however, the Doctorate of Nursing Practice is the first doctorate available solely through UAA.
Learn more on the School of Nursing's webpage.
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