Featured in the Winter 2024 print edition of spectRUm magazine.
The field of nursing is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by an increasing need for advanced, specialized healthcare providers. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are at the forefront of this evolution, taking on critical roles in improving patient outcomes and addressing healthcare shortages. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 35% growth in demand for nurse practitioners by 2026 and a 40% rise in need for CRNAs by 2033, the opportunities for nurses to advance their careers have never been greater.
The Co-Evolution of Medicine and Nursing Post-War
The past 75 years have seen remarkable advancements in nursing, closely tied to the evolution of medicine. Following World War II, medicine underwent significant changes, with physicians increasingly specializing. By 1960, more doctors were in medical residencies, leading to a shortage of primary care physicians. In response, nurses stepped up, particularly in underserved and rural areas, filling critical gaps in primary care.
The Social Security Amendments of 1965 further expanded the need for primary care across the U.S., and nurses became trusted experts in health promotion and prevention, particularly for children and families. This era marked the beginning of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role, formalizing nurses’ expanded responsibilities in primary care.
How The APRN Education Has Evolved
In 1965, Loretta Ford, a nurse leader, and Dr. Henry Silver, a physician, revolutionized nursing education by creating the first nurse practitioner training program at the University of Colorado. This partnership led to the nationwide establishment of nurse practitioner programs.
Through the 1970s and 1980s, nurse practitioners expanded their practice further and established themselves as a critical voice in their field through the start of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. In 2008, the ANA endorsed the APRN Consensus model to: 1) promote uniformity in the regulation of APRNs across the US, 2) provide guidance in areas of licensure, accreditation, certification, and education, and 3) advocate for legislation that supported APRNs like inclusion in the Affordable Care Act. Nurse practitioners are one of several different types of APRNs.
Critical Care Nurses wishing to specialize in anesthesiology as an entry-level Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) were previously required to have a master’s degree, however, by 2025, a doctoral degree will be required for entry-level CRNA’s, highlighting the increasing standards in nursing education.
Career Outlook for DNPFNPs and DNPNAs
The outlook for nurses pursuing advanced practice roles is incredibly promising:
- Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs): According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 35% by 2026, with salaries averaging $121,993 annually and top earners making up to $167,000.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs): CRNA roles are projected to increase by 40% by 2033, driven by the rising need for anesthesia providers in surgery. The average salary for CRNAs in 2023 was $214,200, making it one of the highest-paying nursing specialties.
This growing demand reflects broader healthcare trends, including an aging population and rising rates of chronic disease, which increase the need for specialized nursing care.
Roseman University’s DNP Programs: Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Roseman University’s College of Nursing has responded to the exceptional demand for ARPNs by launching two advanced degree programs in 2024: the Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner (DNPFNP) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNPNA). These programs are designed to meet the growing need for highly trained healthcare providers, while also preparing nurses to excel in a dynamic and rewarding field.
Doctor of Nursing Practice—Family Nurse Practitioner (DNPFNP)
Roseman University’s DNPFNP program is a 36-month, full-time, online program designed for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who want to achieve the highest level of nursing practice. Key program highlights include:
- Enables graduates to practice as Family Nurse Practitioners, lead in administrative roles within healthcare systems, teach in academia, conduct and translate evidence-based research, improve safety and quality, and advocate on behalf of their patients.
- Offering the ability to earn an MSNFNP in under two years and sit for licensure while continuing to complete the DNP.
- Launching its inaugural class in July 2025, with applications closing in June 2025.
“We are very excited to offer the DNPFNP to nurses, as the demand for nurse practitioners is rapidly growing, with the BLS citing nurse practitioners as the third fastest growing occupation between 2022-2033. For students wishing to achieve the highest level of training with a DNP, our graduates will be prepared to practice, lead, advocate, educate and make a difference in the world.” – Dr. Jason Major, DNP, MSN, FNPBC, APRN, Interim Director of Family Nurse Practitioner Program, College of Nursing.
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNPNA)
Roseman University’s 36-month, full-time, year-round hybrid-online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia program is designed for aspiring nurses seeking to embark on a fulfilling journey toward becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Key program highlights include:
- The only DNPNA program in Nevada.
- Developed specifically for those holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or an equivalent baccalaureate qualification, approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
- Accepting applications for its second class, which begins in July 2025, with applications closing in February 2025.
“Roseman’s DNPNA students will learn how to administer anesthesia and deliver anesthesia-related services independently and as part of an interprofessional team. Students will learn through real-world scenarios using state-of-the-art simulation and training in collaboration with clinical partners in Southern Nevada. Further, students will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and systems-level thinking, while learning their important role in a healthcare team.” – Dr. Nathaniel Apatov, Roseman’s DNPNA program director.
The DNPFNP and DNPNA programs leverage Roseman’s unique teaching and learning model, the Six-Point Mastery Learning Model®, which ensures high levels of achievement for all students and fosters cooperation and collaboration in the learning process.
Roseman continues to respond to our community by creating healthcare education programs that equip our graduates to fulfill needed professional roles to serve the healthcare needs of our families, neighborhoods and communities at large.
Prepare for the Next Chapter in Nursing with Roseman University
The future of nursing is full of opportunities for growth, leadership, and meaningful impact. By advancing your education, you can prepare to meet the evolving needs of healthcare while taking your career to the next level.
The Roseman University College of Nursing’s innovative DNP programs are designed to equip nurses with the skills, expertise, and confidence to excel in advanced practice roles. Whether you aspire to provide compassionate primary care or specialize in nurse anesthesia, Roseman offers the foundation to help you succeed.
Take the first step toward shaping the future of nursing—and your career—today.