by Nicole Hackett, Student Public Relations Writer
Starting fall 2019, Cedarville University's School of Nursing will add two specializations to its Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program. The new specializations are nursing leadership in healthcare improvement (NLHI) and pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP).
“We are excited to expand the offerings in the M.S.N. program,” said Dr. Kim Higginbotham, assistant dean of the school of nursing, director of graduate programs and associate professor of nursing. “As Christian nurses we have the opportunity to show the love of Christ to patients and families. We educate our students to be competent and compassionate and desire that they use nursing as a ministry for Jesus Christ.”
— Kim Higginbotham
These new specializations can be completed online; however, PNP will require on-campus experiences during clinical courses. The NLHI area of focus will prepare students with the educational background to sit for certification exams for nurse leaders. Completing the PNP track meets the educational requirements to sit for the pediatric nurse practitioner - primary care certification exam.
“There is a market demand for nurse practitioners, as there is a shortage of pediatric primary care providers,” said Higginbotham. “We have a solid primary care focus with the family nurse practitioner, so the PNP area of focus will be a great addition to the offerings at Cedarville.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,193 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including its M.S.N. family nurse practitioner (FNP), pediatric nurse practitioner, and nursing leadership in healthcare improvement programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.