WASHINGTON – The Howard University College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS) will redefine healthcare education with the launch of two innovative online degree programs scheduled to begin in 2024. The Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in today's dynamic and intricate healthcare landscape while providing a flexible learning experience.

The launch of an MHA program makes Howard University the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the Washington, D.C. area to offer a fully online MHA program. While the healthcare workforce has become increasingly diverse, the American College of Healthcare Executives continues to emphasize the underrepresentation of racially and ethnically diverse employees in top healthcare leadership positions.

“These two programs are the beginning of greater healthcare initiatives to come from the College, that will address healthcare needs on a global level,” said Gina S. Brown, Ph.D., dean of CNAHS. “Howard continues to lead out academically, strategically and with excellence, not just among HBCU’s, but among the top tiered universities in the world. We continue to stand proud of the practitioners that we produce at every level.”

Howard University's MHA online program, which launches in the Fall of 2024, seeks to challenge this status quo by producing graduates who are accomplished scholars and insightful practitioners, mirroring our diverse community. Kyrone Davis, Ed.D., assistant professor and chair of Health Management for the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, said the program will help with these efforts.

“To change the face of healthcare, we must change the ‘face’ of healthcare,” Davis said. “We know the systemic challenges that are at play and this program underscores the pivotal role of educational institutions in addressing them.”

Doctor of Nursing Programs often overlook representation from minoritized communities. Howard University's online DNP program will launch in January and is designed to address healthcare disparities among underserved communities of color, specifically focusing on mental health and integrative healthcare requirements in our contemporary society. Howard University experts say that a diverse healthcare leadership not only enhances the quality of care but also elevates the quality of work environments, fosters stronger community relations, and positively impacts community health outcomes.

"The online format caters to the demanding schedules of professional nurses,” said Caron Strong, DNP, ARN, co-chair and assistant professor of nursing for the CNAHS graduate nursing program. “As an HBCU, Howard remains unwavering in its commitment to educating Black students and other students from diverse cultural backgrounds in alignment with the needs of our multicultural and pluralistic society."

The DNP program offers two distinct concentrations for nurses holding a master's degree - a generic DNP and a psych-mental health nurse practitioner DNP. Comprising 38 credits, students can choose between full-time and part-time enrollment options. Additionally, Howard University is pleased to offer attractive scholarship opportunities to support students and reinforce its dedication to nurturing future DNP leaders and clinicians.

Assistant Provost for Digital and Online Learning and Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CETLA), Morris Thomas, Ph.D. said, "It is an exciting time for innovations in digital and online learning. This area continues to be one of the fastest-growing higher education sectors, and I am excited that Howard University is responding to this growing need. When specifically considering the health care profession, these new online programs will increase access to many learners who cannot complete a traditional in-person program at Howard University, ultimately expanding our reach."

To learn more, please visit https://provost.howard.edu/DOL/Online-Programs.

Media Contact: Misha Cornelius; misha.cornelius@howard.edu

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced two Schwarzman Scholars, four Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American PhD. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.