MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Freed

561-297-3022, lfreed@fau.edu

FAU’s College of Nursing Announces Funding for Accelerated Ph.D. Program

            BOCA RATON, FL (June 29, 2006) – The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University is pleased to announce funding for a new, accelerated Ph.D. program for nurses who have B.S.N. degrees and wish to become nurse educators.  The Quantum Foundation of Palm Beach County is funding the three-year, $500,000 project to provide annual stipends for students and funding for additional faculty to expand the current Ph.D. program.  One of the limiting factors in preparing nurses to meet the needs of the region is a shortage of prepared faculty with doctorates. 

Dr. Susan Chase, interim assistant dean for doctoral studies, will direct the program and reports that “the curriculum streamlines the traditional B.S.N. to M.S. to Ph.D. track by guiding students in developing their research ideas early in the program and by reducing total program credits.”

All students will be prepared with coursework and experience needed for the nurse educator role. The project will support growth in the abilities of doctoral students to provide nursing education from a caring and culturally sensitive perspective. Funded students will agree to accept teaching positions in Palm Beach County upon graduation. 

“This grant will mean that we have a younger, doctorally prepared faculty, and this faculty will be available to train many more nurses over their extended careers,” said Jeannette Corbett, president of the Quantum Foundation.

The Quantum Foundation, based in West Palm Beach, is dedicated to advancing access to healthcare and education for the residents of Palm Beach County. Quantum concentrates its grant-making in several areas to assure that all Palm Beach County residents have access to quality healthcare at reasonable costs; to improve the quality of care and provide support for people with chronic health conditions; and to promote healthy communities and life styles through educational programming.  

For more information, contact Dr. Susan Chase at 561-297-3389 or e-mail schase@fau.edu.

- FAU -