Lubbock Christian University Now Granting Doctoral Nursing Degree

Starting in the Fall semester of 2023 Lubbock Christian University will be granting doctoral degrees after recently being granted a level change by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in June. The first set of doctoral degrees will be for the Clinical Doctor of Nursing Practice, which is set to begin in August of 2023.

The reason for this change is due to the growing demand and requirements by several national nursing organizations on the degrees in a clinical specialization. Lubbock Christian University's Department of Nursing has always been made a big impact within the Lubbock community and surrounding areas after being created back in 1991. It wasn't until 2005 though that those interested in nursing were able to obtain their Masters of Science in Nursing Education/Leadership. Then in 2014, almost a decade later, is when the Family Nurse Practitioner program was introduced for those interested in that job field.

Dean of the B. Ward Lane College of Professional Studies at Lubbock Christian University, Dr. Toby Rogers, released a statement in regards to the new program and how it will benefit the school and community.

With the current success of our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)- Family Nurse Practitioner Program, we feel the addition of the Post MSN- Clinical Doctor of Nursing Practice will position our graduates to meet the demands of these growing expectations. In addition, providing a clinical focus to the doctoral preparation will provide current and relevant advanced clinical training to enhance evidence-based practice for these specialists.

Dr. LaNell Harrison, Chair of the Department of Nursing at Lubbock Christian University did state that this new degree level will prepare students to become instruments of change and innovation in an already complex industry.

These changes would not have been possible without a lot of hard work from those working effortlessly to make the program a reality to a level-5 doctorate granting institution. More information on LCU’s various levels of their nursing program can be found online at LCU.edu/nursing.