FORT WORTH, Texas (Sept. 20, 2024) – Texas Christian University’s Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences launches a new and innovative doctoral program aimed at addressing the national shortage of nursing educators and researchers. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-to-Ph.D. in Nursing bridge program offers DNP-educated nurses a streamlined pathway to earning a research doctoral degree in nursing.
This new program will enable DNP-prepared nurses to build on their clinical experience by developing a strong research foundation, allowing graduates to advance research in multiple settings and further open doors for academic positions,” explains Suzy Lockwood, Ph.D., MSN, RN, FAAN, associate dean for nursing and nurse anesthesia, who will oversee the program.
The nursing profession continues to face shortages due to a lack of potential educators, high turnover and inequitable workforce distribution. The launch of this DNP-to-Ph.D. in Nursing bridge program comes at a critical time. With a 7.8% national nursing faculty vacancy rate, and most faculty positions (79.8%) requiring or preferring a doctoral degree, the demand for qualified nurse educators is urgent.
TCU’s comprehensive hybrid curriculum blends on-campus and online coursework while maintaining direct engagement with faculty and peers, preparing DNPs for tenure-track faculty positions in schools of nursing.
Applications are open with the first cohort slated to begin fall 2025.
About Texas Christian University
Founded in 1873, TCU is a world-class, values-centered private university based in Fort Worth, Texas. The university comprises nine schools and colleges offering 117 areas of undergraduate study, 62 master’s level programs and 39 areas of doctoral study. Total enrollment stands at 12,785, including 10,915 undergraduates and 1,870 graduate students. The student/faculty ratio is 13.5:1, and 88% of TCU’s 735 full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their discipline. TCU consistently ranks among the top universities and colleges in the nation, and the Horned Frog family consists of more than 100,000 living alumni. For more information, please visit TCU’s website.
About Harris College of Nursing and Heath Sciences at TCU
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences is the original nursing school of Fort Worth, training the next generation of health care professionals since 1946. Today, with more than 1,950 students enrolled, the areas of study include applied health sciences, communication sciences and disorders, kinesiology, nursing, nurse anesthesia, occupational therapy, social work and the future area of study, physician associate (PA) studies Harris College aims to transform global health through equitable, accessible and inclusive education, scholarship and innovation. To learn more, please visit Harris College’s website.