News Story
October 08, 2025
La Roche University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Earns ACEN Accreditation

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 8, 2025 – La Roche University is proud to announce that its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program has earned initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)—a distinguished recognition of the program’s excellence, academic rigor, and commitment to preparing advanced practice nurses to lead in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
“This is a significant milestone for La Roche and a testament to the strength of our nursing faculty and the quality of our graduate programming,” said Gregor Thuswaldner, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. “We are especially grateful to Program Director Dr. Angela Smith and Division Co-Chair Dr. Pamela Chapman for their leadership, vision, and tireless work in guiding the DNP program through a successful accreditation process.”
Designed for experienced nurses seeking to lead in a rapidly changing healthcare environment, La Roche’s DNP program offers a 26-credit, low-residency curriculum that can be completed in as few as three semesters full-time or six semesters part-time. The program blends academic excellence with flexibility, enabling working professionals to advance their education while maintaining their clinical roles.
Students engage in advanced coursework in evidence-based practice, leadership development, healthcare policy, and applied research. The program’s scholarly focus prepares graduates to improve patient outcomes, influence system-level change, and address pressing healthcare challenges, including public health inequities, chronic disease management, and access to care.
“Our program is designed to elevate the impact of nurse leaders across all care settings,” said Angela Smith, DNP, RN, Director of the DNP Program. “Through rigorous training, flexible delivery, and real-world application, we equip nurses to lead with confidence and compassion.”
With ACEN accreditation, La Roche University joins an elite group of institutions whose nursing programs meet the highest standards for academic quality and professional preparation.
The DNP program complements La Roche’s full suite of nursing programs, which includes RN-to-BSN Completion, Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Post Master’s Certificate, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) offerings.
Applications are now being accepted for students who will begin the DNP program in May 2026.
For more information, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies & Adult Education: graduateadmissions@laroche.edu or 412-536-1260.
About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of
Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study,
eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in
education, business, criminal justice, psychology, nursing, and health and
medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic
design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for
women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div.
III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La
Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all
faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to
international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong
learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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