Development of an Innovative Endocrinology Training Program for Nurse Practitioners

Background:Nurse practitioners (NPs) have a critical role in meeting the growing demand for health care in the current complex health care system. The use of NPs in both primary care and specialty settings is expected to rise significantly by 2025 in response to increased demands and a shortage of physician providers.

Method:The Duke University School of Nursing, with funding from the Health Resource Services Administration, has implemented the first endocrinology specialty training program for primary care NP students.

Results:The first in the country, this innovative, hybrid training program prepares primary care NP students to manage complex diabetes mellitus and general endocrine conditions.

Conclusion:Well-trained NPs can help meet the increased demands in primary care. This subspecialty certificate program provides a framework for other graduate nursing schools that are considering adding specialty content as a supplement to primary care training. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(8):506–509.]

Kathryn Evans Kreider, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, BC-ADM; B. Iris Padilla, PhD, FNP-BC