Clarkson College will update multiple programs this fall in an effort to remain on the forefront of health care education.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Clarkson College will implement the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program option in fall 2018. The decision came following a 2016 strategic planning process to examine the current DNP curriculum. The Critical Success Factor committee recommended updating the curriculum and implementing a BSN to DNP option, and College leadership voted to implement the program option with three specialty tracks in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia.
Research shows that interest in BSN to DNP programs is very high. A 2016 Clarkson College BSN student survey revealed that 74.1 percent were interested in a BSN to DNP program option, and 96.08 percent were interested in continuing their education at Clarkson College.
Students enrolled in the Clarkson College BSN to DNP program option have the opportunity to select evidence- based projects that are applicable to their work environment. The curriculum requires a minimum of 300 residency hours and the completion of a scholarly project that demonstrates a student’s ability to translate research into evidence-based health care practice.
The implementation of a BSN to DNP option reflects the growing need for doctorally prepared nurses. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) now recommends a DNP degree for all advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists mandates all nurse anesthesia programs graduate doctorally prepared nurse anesthetists by 2025.
Graduate Nursing Director Dr. Layna Himmelberg believes the new program option will offer benefits for nurses looking to advance their careers. "All levels of nurses are needed in our ever- changing world of health care," she said. "The demand for doctorally prepared nurses is very high, which gives those who earn their DNP the opportunity to follow many different career paths. As a doctorally prepared nurse, you gain knowledge not only of clinical practice, but also of the business and management side of health care."
The College will enroll students in the BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks beginning fall 2018. Students who choose the Nurse Anesthesia track will enroll in spring 2020. The curriculum will continue to prepare students to provide quality care and meet the new standards of qualifications for advanced practice nurses.
Community Health
The Clarkson College Health Care Services program name will change to Community Health effective fall 2018. The program’s core focus remains the same as it aims to help students develop the knowledge base, skill set and professional experiences necessary for health care. A Community Health degree prepares students for positions in health outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.
The Community Health interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses in health literacy and patient advocacy, legal and ethical implications, environmental and cultural influences on health, and health care organizations. Students choose from concentration areas in Gerontology, Health Care Business, Human Services, Public Health or Women’s Health as they progress through the program. Traditional Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health, Post-Associate’s degree and dual degree options are available as part of the program.
Radiography
The Clarkson College Radiologic Technology program name will change to Radiography beginning fall 2018. Faculty and College leadership voted to approve the name change in an effort to conform to industry standards and mirror top organizations within the field, including the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
The name change will not affect program requirements or course curriculum. The Radiography program will continue to teach students skills in anatomy, medical terminology, radiographic exposure, patient positioning, and medical image manipulation and evaluation. Students must also learn proper use of high- tech imaging equipment and complete clinical practicums to prepare for real- life settings.
The College will also continue its dual degree option for students to earn an Associate’s degree in Radiography and a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Imaging. The flexible, online format of the Bachelor’s degree offers advanced skill sets in specialty modalities, including angiography, mammography and magnetic resonance imaging. Students with no prior college credits can complete the dual degree option in as few as three years, and students with an Associate’s degree in Radiography from an accredited institution can complete the program in as few as two years. The in-depth training and education offered in these areas increases students’ job marketability and salary earning potential in the radiography field.
