TYLER, Texas — The UT Tyler School of Nursing has been approved for a doctoral-level adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner certificate by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Dr. Carol Rizer, assistant dean for advanced practice nursing, said in a press release that this new program will help meet the need for a rising aging population.
"The demand for specialized care in acute care is not just a trend—it's a pressing necessity," Rizer said. "As advanced practice nurses, we have a responsibility to equip ourselves with the specialized skills and knowledge required to meet the needs of the community.”
This certificate can either be completed in a year and a half or allow students to transition to a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 38% growth in jobs for advanced practice nurses through 2032, up from an average job growth of 3%.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or SACSCOC, is the regional body responsible for awarding accreditation status for higher education institutions in Texas and other southern states. To become accredited, an institution must undergo a review process to judge their educational quality, of which they will be awarded accredited success if deemed successful.
According to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, "accredited status" means that both the student body and public can expect a higher degree of education from the programs offered by an institution, and ensures a degree or credential has value. In other words, accreditation shows the public they can have confidence in the worth of an institution or program.
“We’re thrilled to have received approval for this advanced level certificate,” said Dr. Barbara K. Haas, dean of the UT Tyler School of Nursing. “This achievement speaks to the collaboration between our faculty and industry partners who developed this program in response to community needs.”
The first class will begin in the fall semester of 2024.
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