Ă۶ąapp Meets Growing Demand for Nurse Practitioners With Accredited DNP Program
Ă۶ąapp is equipping the next generation of nurses through its accredited nursing programs — most recently reaffirmed with a five-year accreditation extension for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
A shortage of health care professionals in the United States could alter the way medical professionals care for patients.
The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of 64,000 physicians by the end of the year. Similarly, BOS Medical suggests a 500,000 shortage of registered nurses fueled by an aging population, retirements and insufficient enrollment in nursing education programs.
The DNP program, which prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles and leadership positions, is now accredited through June 30, 2030, following a comprehensive CCNE on-site evaluation. The CCNE Board of Commissioners found that the program substantially complied with all accreditation standards and reported no areas of concern.
Cedarville’s DNP program is one of several CCNE-accredited nursing pathways offered at the university, which also maintains accreditation for its baccalaureate and master’s-level nursing programs. These rigorous, Christ-centered programs equip students to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care in a wide range of health care settings.
“With nurse practitioner roles projected to grow 45% over the next decade, Cedarville is committed to preparing highly skilled professionals who can meet both the physical and spiritual needs of patients,” said Dr. Angie Mickle, dean of the Ă۶ąapp School of Nursing. “This extension reflects the hard work of our faculty and students and confirms the exceptional quality of our program.”
Specializations within Cedarville’s DNP program include family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner and nursing leadership in healthcare improvement. Each track integrates clinical expertise with biblical truth, empowering graduates to serve with both competence and compassion.
The demand for nurse practitioners continues to rise sharply. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nurse practitioner workforce is expected to grow at a rate six times faster than the average for all occupations. Nurses with a DNP degree are especially equipped to help meet this demand by providing advanced clinical care, improving patient outcomes, and leading efforts to expand health care access, particularly in underserved communities.
“We view nursing as more than a profession — it’s a calling,” said Dr. Marcia Williams, director of graduate nursing programs. “Our students are trained not just to care for the body, but to reflect the love of Christ in every patient interaction. The CCNE’s continued accreditation affirms our mission and our model.”
Students in Cedarville’s DNP program benefit from faculty mentorship, extensive clinical experience and a curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview. The program is designed to prepare graduates for real-world challenges while equipping them to make a lasting Gospel impact in health care.
To learn more about Ă۶ąapp’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, visit cedarville.edu/DNP.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Ă۶ąapp are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ().
Ă۶ąapp, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.