--- title: Inaugural class arrives on campus to kick off Doctor of Nursing Practice program description: The first cohort of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students arrived on campus for a meet and greet to begin the fall semester in August. image: https://blogs.coker.edu/hubfs/DSC_5165.jpg --- # SEARCH COKER.EDU [![](https://blogs.coker.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/images/coker-logo.png?width=266&height=85&name=coker-logo.png "coker-logo.png")](https://coker.edu/) - [Campus Bookstore](http://bookstore.coker.edu/home.aspx) - [Visit Coker](https://coker.edu/visit) - [Giving](https://coker.edu/after-coker/give-coker) - [Media](https://coker.edu/news-stories) - [Contact Us](https://coker.edu/contact-us) ![Coker University Logo](https://blogs.coker.edu/hubfs/2022%20Images%20and%20Icons/coker-university-logo.svg) - [About](https://coker.edu/about-coker) - [Why Coker?](https://coker.edu/why-coker/) - [Academics](https://coker.edu/academic-programs) - [Admissions & Aid](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid) - 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The first cohort of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students arrived on campus for a meet and greet to begin the fall semester in August.  The inaugural class of five students comes from a variety of backgrounds that will add to their experience at Coker University.  “The DNP is the highest practice degree for nurses and reflects the changing demands in our complex healthcare environment,” Dean of Nursing Dr. Carolyn Hart said. “DNP-prepared nurses have a greater understanding of underlying knowledge of nursing practice; they are more informed about health equity and the quality of patient care.” The students will complete their coursework online, offering flexibility to continue their education while caring for patients daily. The program offers 11 courses on an 8-week term schedule.  The doctoral program is the latest addition to the University’s overall healthcare program expansion. The university welcomed its first Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) cohort in Fall 2022 while introducing a new healthcare education model to increase the number of healthcare workers and access to care in the Pee Dee region.  “It is an exciting time to be at Coker,” Dr. Hart said. “From the administration to our students, we are committed to advancing the nursing profession. Offering a doctoral degree in nursing is a recognition of how vital nursing care is to healthcare.”  Looking to further your nursing education? We are proud to offer extended nursing programs for working nurses looking to advance in their careers. From a traditional bachelor’s program to a degree completion or graduate degree, including a Doctorate of Nursing Practice - you’ll discover how you can be a leader in the nursing field.  Learn more at [https://www.coker.edu/programs-degrees/nursing](https://www.coker.edu/programs-degrees/nursing), and watch our [YouTube video](https://youtu.be/aEAXt04bCUY) highlighting the amazing nursing program.  ### ### ABOUT COKER UNIVERSITY Coker University is a student-focused, comprehensive institution of higher education with a strong liberal arts core, located in Hartsville, South Carolina. Coker combines round table, discussion-based learning with hands-on experiences to encourage active participation in and out of the classroom. A supportive, close-knit community prepares Coker students with the confidence and practical life skills they need to reach their personal best, in college and beyond. Founded in 1908, Coker is a bachelor’s and master’s degree-granting institution and competes in 21 NCAA Division II sports. Coker is included among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review, and by Washington Monthly as a “Best Bang for Your Buck” college in the southeast. ![](https://blogs.coker.edu/hubfs/2022%20Images%20and%20Icons/coker-university-logo--footer.svg "coker-logo-btm.png")   [COKER UNIVERSITY — 300 E. College Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Coker+College/@34.3765787,-80.0726719,17z/data=!4m7!1m4!3m3!1s0x885575dc095a0ce1:0x26550cd394646c1c!2s300+E+College+Ave,+Hartsville,+SC+29550!3b1!3m1!1s0x885575db8a0db6d7:0x3b89353863175f3d) 1 (800) 950-1908   |   (843) 383-8000 © Copyright 2016   |   Privacy Policy