First Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia (DNP NA) cohort graduates from South College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 2024

The first cohort to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia (NAP) from South College graduated Dec. 13 in a ceremony held at the Knoxville Convention Center.

The innovative advanced degree provides a specialized DNP NAP curriculum through hybrid distance education, on-ground intensive learning sessions, integrated simulation curriculum and clinical practicum experiences. The cohort began in January 2022 and became the inaugural graduating class.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a credit to the discipline and commitment of the students,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “The need is tremendous for skilled nurses in the field of anesthesiology. I congratulate this cohort on a milestone event for both the graduates and South College and its nursing faculty.”

In addition, graduates of the Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs participated in commencement ceremonies.

“All of the graduates earned degrees in advanced healthcare fields,” South said. “Our primary goal at South College is to provide a high-quality education for our students and prepare our graduates for opportunities in medical settings and other workplaces.”

The DNP NAP program prepares graduates to be independent, highly skilled anesthesia experts who deliver compassionate, evidence-based anesthesia care to patients across the lifespan. The curriculum is a commitment to excellence in education and scholarly activity, including research, service and patient care.

The blended learning model combines best practices in distance learning and hands-on immersive learning sessions to create a program where top critical care nurses can learn without the need to physically relocate until program quarter six, and if living in their clinical satellite region, no relocation is required for the duration of the program.

To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.

About South College

South College serves more than 14,000 students and is proud of its more than 17,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.