AUHS Celebrates Inaugural Launch of its Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
By Gregorio De Grano, PhD, DNPc, APRN, FNP-C, Dean of Graduate Nursing Programs
Preparing Nurse Leaders to Transform Health Systems and Address Population Health Challenges
The American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) proudly announces the successful launch of its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, offering specializations in Population Health Leadership and Health Systems Leadership. This inaugural milestone marks a significant advancement in the university’s mission to empower nurse leaders with the knowledge, skills, and vision to transform healthcare at every level.
The DNP program at AUHS is uniquely designed to address the most urgent healthcare priorities, emphasizing social determinants of health, health policy, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. It prepares nurses to lead, improve patient outcomes, influence policy, and reduce health disparities across communities.
A Diverse Cohort of Nurse Leaders
The inaugural DNP cohort at AUHS is more than a group of students—it is a collective of passionate, purpose-driven nurse leaders, each bringing a unique story, voice, and vision to the program. This group of 25 individuals represents a powerful cross-section of the nursing profession, united by a shared mission to improve health outcomes and create lasting change in their communities.
Among them are hospital administrators and nurse executives who have spent years navigating the complexities of healthcare systems. They have firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in delivering care at scale. They now seek to lead those systems with a deeper focus on innovation, equity, and strategic reform.
Others are Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) who serve on the frontlines of patient care. These clinicians have already led impactful initiatives—from expanding access to care in rural and underserved areas to implement quality improvement projects in primary care settings. Their commitment to population health is personal, and their leadership is driven by a deep understanding of their patients’ lived experiences.
Also among the cohort are nurse educators devoted to preparing the next generation of nurses. They bring a passion for teaching, curriculum design, and academic leadership. They aim to influence nursing education with a broader systems perspective grounded in evidence-based practice and health policy advocacy.
Together, these students reflect the diversity of backgrounds, practice settings, and perspectives that define the future of nursing leadership. Their combined experiences form a rich learning environment that reflects AUHS’s mission to develop compassionate, competent, and culturally responsive nurse leaders committed to transforming health at every level.
Looking Ahead
AUHS is now accepting applications for its next DNP cohort, continuing its commitment to developing culturally competent, visionary nurse leaders. The DNP program reflects AUHS’s enduring values of service, leadership, and excellence and its focus on producing highly skilled, socially conscious, and mission-oriented healthcare professionals.
To learn more about the DNP program at AUHS, visit [www.auhs.edu].
