India launches first doctor of nursing practice programs with US collaboration

With the support of the University of Houston's Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing, two Indian universities have introduced the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The MGM Institute of Health Sciences in Mumbai and Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences are the first institutions in India to offer this advanced nursing education program.

The DNP degree is designed to prepare family nurse practitioners and nurse executives to tackle shortages in primary care providers, nursing educators, and leaders within a complex healthcare environment. This program elevates the preparation level from a master's degree to a doctorate.

The initiative was inspired by Durga D. Agrawal, a member of the UH Board of Regents and president and CEO of Piping Technology & Products, Inc. In February 2017, Agrawal and his wife Sushila met with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss how the DNP program could address healthcare needs in rural areas. Agrawal stated, "We discussed ways the DNP program could assist in addressing India’s healthcare needs, particularly in rural areas."

Kathryn Tart, founding dean at Gessner College, along with Shainy Varghese, professor of nursing and global nurse consultant, traveled to India later that year. They worked with the Indian Nursing Council and both universities to establish the groundwork for this program through monthly online meetings.

"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."

In October 2024, Varghese attended inaugural ceremonies for the DNP program launch in India alongside Beena Joseph from UH. Varghese remarked on its potential: "The program holds immense potential to revolutionize nursing education and critical care practice in India."

In Texas alone, approximately 3,000 DNP professionals are practicing today with about 5,000 more enrolled across various programs statewide. Agrawal expressed optimism about its impact: "Given the limited number of physicians and healthcare professionals, I believe that this program is having a significant impact... Looking ahead, I envision this program continuing to grow and set a benchmark for Nursing education nationwide."