The University of North Dakota’s First Class of Doctor of Nursing Practice Students

The University of North Dakota has enrolled its first students in its Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. Seven women from the North Dakota, Minnesota, and Idaho are enrolled in the program that offers advanced practice nurses the opportunity to earn a terminal degree in clinical practice. In contrast, the Ph.D. in nursing is a research-oriented degree program.

Much of the degree program is conducted online. Students will meet on campus once a semester for an intensive on-campus experience. In addition to their studies, the women must complete 500 hours of clinical work to qualify for their degree and complete a scholarly project or thesis.

Back row, left to right: Illaria Moore, Melanie Nash, Sheila Wiegman, Michelle Ullery, and Bettina Thompson. Front row, left to right: Elizabeth Jahn and Jessica Ahmann.