The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing has opened a new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree track to educate aspiring nurse executives.

"Bringing our nurse executive DNP online expands our opportunity to build nurse leaders, something for which the college is well-known," said Dean Wendy Likes, PhD, DNSc, APRN-BC, FAAN, FAANP. "This degree is perfect for a registered nurse aspiring to serve as a chief nursing officer, chief executive officer, director of nursing, or in a leadership role for a governmental agency or non-profit organization."

This is the ninth area of concentration in the DNP program, and it is the first to focus on an aspect of nursing beyond clinical care.

UT Health Science Center is the largest producer of doctorally prepared nurses in Tennessee. According to U.S. News & World Report, the College of Nursing's DNP program ranks No. 16 nationwide among public universities with DNP programs. Among public and private schools nationwide, the college's DNP program ranks No. 25.

Applications for the new degree are open. Nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or a DNP in another area qualify for the program.

The DNP for nurse executives at UT Health Science Center is unique in that it offers a greater emphasis on crisis communications and strategy. "Events over the past few years have demonstrated the need for nurse executives to have the tools to provide leadership and communication strategies during times of crisis," said Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs Bobby Bellflower, DNSc, NNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP.

UT Health Science Center also offers eight other DNP concentrations, three dual DNP concentrations, and a dual DNP/PhD degree. The DNP tracks include nurse midwifery, nurse anesthesiology, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care, pediatric acute care, neonatal nurse practitioner, and adult gerontology/acute care.

More information about the nurse executive DNP and how to apply is available on the College of Nursing's website.