McNeese Receives Accreditation for Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Graduate Nursing Department at McNeese State University is celebrating the initial accreditation of its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing program. 

“This accreditation allows us to continue to accept students who want to provide accessible mental health care to their communities,” explained Dr. Twila Sterling-Guillory, Graduate Nursing Department head. “The program is part time, but year round so that students can continue to work. It takes three years to complete the program.” 

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has granted McNeese’s DNP program a five-year initial accreditation. The CCNE assesses and identifies nursing programs that engage in effective educational practices and offer a quality education.  

“This is exciting news for our program,” explained Dr. Ann Warner, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “The CCNE determined that our program met all four accreditation standards and had no concerns about any of the key elements.” 

This specialized program at McNeese prepares graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to assess, evaluate, diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health conditions for children and adults. 

“Through the DNP program, McNeese educates advanced practice nurses to help address the severe mental health provider shortages in Louisiana,” said Warner. 

The first DNP students began in the fall of 2021 and three students graduated in December 2023. Seven students should graduate this fall. 

The journey to start the DNP program began in 2018 and the leadership met the normal challenges of a program change, along with a global pandemic, two major hurricanes and other weather disasters. The team members working on the accreditation were Warner, Sterling-Guillory, Dr. Sara Jones, DNP coordinator, and Dr. Peggy Wolfe, retired nursing professor. 

For more information about the McNeese DNP in advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing program, visit www.mcneese.edu.