Released on: January 8, 2008, 10:40 pm

Press Release Author: Kathleen Baldwin

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: The University of Illinois (UIC) Chicago - College of Nursing
in Peoria is now accepting applications for the very first Doctorate of Nursing
Practice (DNP) Program in downstate Illinois.

Press Release Body: Peoria, IL, Jan 09 2008 -- When it comes to graduate nursing
programs, the University of Illinois (UIC) Chicago -College of Nursing in Peoria
sets the pace for others in the nation. Not only the very first College of Nursing
to offer a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program in downstate Illinois, the
UIC College of Nursing also offers the only joint degree - Master's in Nursing and
Master's in Public Health in Illinois (MS-MPH). Created for those seeking an
advanced nursing degree, the DNP Program is the final practice degree for the
nursing profession and is expected to produce leaders who will affect the future of
our nation's healthcare and nursing. The College of Nursing is accepting
applications for the next DNP Program until February 1st.

One of the Nation's Leading Institutions

"What many people don't realize is that Peoria's nursing programs are often among
the first of their kind," Kathleen Baldwin, PhD, RN, Associate Professor (Public
Health Nursing) said. "We've worked to address our nation's nursing shortage by
providing the greatest range of master's programs for nurses in the region. We also
believe this program will create more of our nation's nursing educators and
leaders."

Unlike other nursing programs in the area, the UIC College of Nursing offers
graduate programs in all areas of nursing, with the exception of anesthesiology.
"Peoria has been gifted with a premier nursing college that is consistently ranked
among the top 10 for teaching institutions and among the top five for research,"
Baldwin said. "In addition to receiving the nation's first federal grant funding for
our DNP program, we have also been advocates for public health (or community health)
nursing for years." The DNP program is partially supported by funds from the
Division of Nursing, Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services
Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services.

NEW DNP Program Incorporates Distance Learning

In keeping with the most recent position statements of the American Association of
Colleges of Nursing, the UIC nursing practice doctorate will prepare individuals to
be nurse leaders at the highest level of practice. This degree advances both
practice and leadership skills in nursing. Slated to begin in August 2008, the DNP
Program will be primarily web-based and is ideal for distance learning. The program
is especially designed to accommodate students who wish to continue in the workplace
while achieving an advanced degree.

The UIC College of Nursing is recognized internationally for its preparation of
advanced practice nurses. Therefore, the credentials of this online nursing program
are like no other in their ability to advance nursing careers. Students can expect
the very best education, including top-notch research and practice skills. In
addition, opportunities exist to work collaboratively with students in both the
College of Medicine and School of Public Health.

Addressing the Nursing Shortage

As the population ages and chronic diseases become more prevalent in Illinois and
across the nation, the shortage of nurses is expected to become more acute in future
years. Since Illinois has one of the largest healthcare markets in the country, a
20% shortage is anticipated here. Demand for highly specialized nurses who can excel
in complex, interdisciplinary environments is also expected to increase. Therefore,
nurses who will be able to implement their education in practice will be required.

The UIC College of Nursing DNP Program will address policy, translation of research
skills and "systems think" so that students will understand strategic management and
ways to change systems based on research. "Our DNP Program has instructors who are
uniquely qualified doctoral faculty. All have one foot in education and one foot in
practice," Baldwin added. "This program will help students translate research into
current practices and become the best in the industry."

The UIC College of Nursing is well respected as a top research facility (#3 in the
nation), with unique graduate nursing programs such as the joint MS-MPH degree
featuring interdisciplinary education (students studying with physicians and medical
students, environmental health workers, community health educators and more).

To enroll in the DNP Program or for additional information on the joint MS-MPH
degree, visit www.uic.edu/nursing or call the UIC College of Nursing at (309)
671-8464. In addition, RNs interested in obtaining a bachelor's in nursing may
contact UIC's global campus for opportunities at 1-866-923-4601 or email
gcadvisor@uillinois.edu.
ABOUT US:
For more information, please contact: Kathleen Baldwin at the University of Illinois
Chicago, College of Nursing at kbaldwin@uic.edu OR (309) 671-8467 or visit
www.uic.edu/nursing or
Brenda Tomlinson, Director of Public Relations, McDaniels Healthcare Marketing,
(309) 346-0512.
Press Release Distribution By PressReleasePoint(http://www.pressreleasepoint.com)


Contact:
Kathleen Baldwin
UIC,College of Nursing
Peoria, IL
(309) 671-8467
kbaldwin@uic.edu
http://www.uic.edu/nursing



Web Site: http://www.uic.edu/nursing

Contact Details: Kathleen Baldwin
UIC,College of Nursing
Peoria, IL
(309) 671-8467
kbaldwin@uic.edu
http://www.uic.edu/nursing