Liberty University Expands Online Nursing PhD
Liberty University is promoting its online PhD in Nursing Education program as part of a commitment to preparing nurse-leaders. The expansion of digital learning is framed as essential for equipping the next generation of nurses and midwives with technological fluency.
- The program's focus on preparing nurse educators and leaders aligns with the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) strategic plan, which emphasizes advancing the practice of midwifery through education, research, and leadership development. Graduates with a PhD in Nursing Education are positioned to contribute to the body of nursing knowledge through original research, a key component of the program. - In Virginia, there is a significant need for improved maternal health outcomes, with a maternal mortality rate of 32.7 per 100,000 live births between 2018 and 2022. PhD-prepared nurse leaders can advocate for and implement evidence-based practices and policies aimed at reducing these rates. - The Virginia affiliate of the ACNM has been actively involved in legislative efforts, such as advocating for a budget amendment to address barriers for midwives contracting with Virginia's MCOs. Graduates of a PhD program are equipped to engage in health policy advocacy to support such initiatives. - There is a growing integration of technology in midwifery, including telehealth, remote monitoring, and electronic health records to improve patient care. A PhD program with a focus on digital learning prepares nurse leaders to be fluent in these technologies. - Recent Virginia legislation (HB1904) set to take effect in July 2025 will expand the roles of certified nurse-midwives in an effort to address maternity care shortages, particularly in the 36% of Virginia counties considered "maternity care deserts". - The ACNM's vision is to have "a midwife for every community," addressing the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare needs. Nurse educators with a PhD are critical in preparing the next generation of nurses and midwives to fill these roles. - Research from Liberty University's School of Nursing includes doctoral dissertations on topics such as the relationship between maternal-fetal training and compassion fatigue in maternal desert workers, indicating a focus on relevant maternal health issues. - The use of telehealth for maternal care is expanding in Virginia, with initiatives to provide remote monitoring for high-risk pregnancies and at-home monitoring for newborns recently discharged from the NICU, which has been shown to improve health outcomes.
