image: The idea to bring the Doctor of Nursing Practice program to India began at a meeting of this trio. At far right, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi is joined by Durga D. Agrawal, member, UH System Board of Regents and at left, Sushila Agrawal.
Credit: University of Houston
With support from the University of Houston's Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing, two universities in India - MGM Institute of Health Sciences in Mumbai and Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences - have introduced the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, expanding advanced nursing education in the country. It is the first time any university in India has offered the degree.
The Gessner College graduated its first class of DNP professionals in May 2024.
The DNP doctorate degree prepares family nurse practitioners and nurse executives to address the shortages of primary care providers, nursing educators and leaders in a complex health care environment. The program raises the bar for preparation necessary for advanced nursing practice from the master’s degree to the doctorate level.
The idea is born, and work commences
The idea to launch the degree program in India came across the globe from member of the UH System Board of Regents, Durga D. Agrawal, president and CEO, Piping Technology & Products, Inc. In addition to bringing the DNP program to UH, Agrawal and his wife Sushila had the opportunity, in Feb. 2017, to meet with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his office in Delhi and convinced him of its ability to improve healthcare worldwide.
“We discussed ways the DNP program, could assist in addressing India's healthcare needs, particularly in rural areas,” said Agrawal. “I highlighted how bringing a program like the DNP from Texas could help upskill nurses in India, providing them with the clinical expertise required to address the health challenges faced in underserved regions.”
Later that year Kathryn Tart, Gessner College founding dean, professor and Humana Endowed Dean's Chair in Nursing and nursing professor, Shainy Varghese, professor of nursing, Fulbright specialist and global nurse consultant, traveled to India to lay the groundwork for the DNP program with the Indian Nursing Council and the two universities. The conversations continued with monthly online meetings that shaped the program even amid the pandemic.
“This was a critical moment in securing institutional support in India,” said Tart. “It takes time and so much effort to put this program in place, but the outcome – raising the bar for nursing education and helping fill the leadership shortage – makes all the effort worthwhile. We continue to press forward to help solve the nursing shortage.”
Forward progress to the present
Varghese was in India for the historic launch and festivities surrounding the DNP program inaugural ceremonies in October along with Beena Joseph, UH clinical assistant professor of nursing and coordinator of clinical learning.
“The program holds immense potential to revolutionize nursing education and critical care practice in India, and we are proud to have been a part of this significant milestone,” said Varghese.
In Texas today approximately 3,000 DNP professionals practice with approximately 5,000 more enrolled in one of many DNP programs across the state.
“Given the limited number of physicians and healthcare professionals, I believe that this program is having a significant impact in the healthcare industry to help alleviate these shortages in Texas,” said Agrawal. “Looking ahead, I envision this program continuing to grow and set a benchmark for Nursing education nationwide.”
And in India, too.