College of Nursing & Health Innovation hosts largest ever graduating class

The College of Nursing & Health Innovation will hold convocation on May 13 for the largest graduating class to date. Doors open at the Phoenix Convention Center at 8:15 am and the ceremony will begin at 9 am.

The college will confer a total of 596 degrees, 289 more than last year, including 546 undergraduate degrees and 50 graduate degrees.

Of the 546 undergraduate degrees to be conferred, 195 are in Kinesiology, which represents the second largest group to graduate in the program’s history. The Kinesiology program was integrated into the College of Nursing & Health Innovation in 2010. Graduates also include 80 in Exercise and Wellness, 95 in Nutrition, five in Health Sciences and 171 in Nursing.

The class of 2011 will also include19 graduates in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The DNP program was established in 2008 and focuses on improving healthcare through facilitating a culture of best practice, and providing the additional skills necessary to develop the advance practice nursing leader for the future.

Under the leadership of Dean Bernadette Melynk, PhD, RN, CPNP/PMHNP, FNAP, FAAN, the college has undergone substantial growth including development of the Master of Healthcare Innovation and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing & Healthcare Innovation programs, and expanded learning facilities with the award winning NHI Building II.

The College of Nursing & Health Innovation at Arizona State University offers, baccalaureate, master, doctorate, and certificate programs. The college is committed to preparing nurses and health promotion professionals for leadership in service to the community and the profession, and who value lifelong personal growth. The college operates under a 10-year accreditation through June 2014 granted by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for its baccalaureate and master’s degree programs and also is approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing.