UH Hilo graduates first class of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Contact:
Alyson Kakugawa-Leong, (808) 932-7669
Dir, Media Rel, University Relations
Posted: May 18, 2015

The School of Nursing (SoN) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo awarded its first Doctor of Nursing (DNP) degrees at its Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 16, at Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium.

Ten students from both the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP tracks comprise the first class of DNP students to graduate since the SoN began accepting applications to the DNP program in 2012. The late Senator Daniel K. Inouye was behind the program to improve healthcare to Hawaiʻi’s people. These new DNP primary care providers will begin to fill the service gaps across the State. 

“Our students receive applied experiences that educates and trains primary healthcare providers who are grounded in community- and population-based health promotion that help address health disparities and improve community capacity,” explained Dr. Kay Daub, director, School of Nursing.