MINNEAPOLIS, April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuous advancements in nursing science research, education and practice are increasing the demand for nurses with doctoral degrees. To help prepare new leaders in these expanding fields, Walden University is now offering an online Ph.D. in Nursing program for nursing professionals who want to directly impact nursing practice today or conduct cutting-edge research that improves patient care tomorrow.

"In today's complex healthcare environment, increasing importance is being placed on doctoral-level education to advance the science of nursing and the quality of patient care," said Dr. Andrea Lindell, associate dean of the School of Nursing. "Through Walden's Ph.D. in Nursing program, students can gain the credentials and interdisciplinary knowledge required to conduct research at the highest levels in their field, educate future nurses or shape healthcare policies, systems and processes."

Students in the program will conduct original research that addresses increasingly complex healthcare issues, contribute to scientific nursing knowledge and help advance the nursing profession. Through multidisciplinary projects with other doctoral students from various health disciplines, students will develop the skills to lead or collaborate with diverse, cross-functional healthcare teams to promote positive change. Students can also develop advanced expertise in a focus area of their choice, such as Education, Healthcare Administration, Interdisciplinary Health, Leadership or Public Health Policy.

Walden's new research-focused doctoral program joins the CCNE-accredited, practice-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, which is designed to meet the country's critical demand for doctoral-level nurses who can lead and mentor the next generation of nurses. The DNP program prepares nursing professionals to assume greater practice and leadership roles in healthcare organizations, promote a more effective and efficient healthcare system and evaluate and apply research that contributes to better patient outcomes. 

Through Walden's offering of both doctoral programs, students can now choose how they wish to play a key role in leading advancements in hospitals, educational institutions, public policy organizations, pharmaceutical companies and other health-related settings.

Walden's portfolio of CCNE-accredited degree programs also includes the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with specializations in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Leadership and Management, Nursing Education and Nursing Informatics and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program.

To help nursing and all other students achieve their goal of advancing their education, Walden is offering millions of dollars in grants, scholarships and tuition assistance when they start their program in 2014. To learn more about our nursing programs and tuition assistance, call an enrollment advisor at 1-855-203-7874 or visit www.waldenu.edu.  

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 50,000 students from all 50 states and more than 150 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 75 campus-based and online universities in 30 countries.

Walden offers more than 80 degree programs with more than 370 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, social work, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.waldenu.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

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SOURCE Walden University