Friday, May 16, 2003

WILMINGTON, NC –The School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington plans to establish the UNC system’s first Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research. Wilmington-based PPD Inc. is providing $300,000 to develop the program.

"Clinical research provides information that ultimately improves health care for all through the development of new medications, devices and treatments,” said Dr. Virginia Adams, dean of the School of Nursing. “We’re excited that PPD, a leading global provider of discovery and development services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, is investing in the preparation and education of clinical researchers.”

According to Adams, UNCW’s program will provide graduates with the health assessment background, communication and critical thinking skills and understanding of the clinical environment needed to manage research studies.

"Graduates will be able to function as administrators, coordinators or consultants in clinical research,” said Adams.

"With the existing shortage of registered nurses and others knowledgeable in clinical research, this new program will undoubtedly benefit clinical research organizations throughout eastern North Carolina and across the state,” said Fred Eshelman, chief executive officer of PPD. “We are pleased to work with the UNCW School of Nursing in developing this program and look forward to recruiting its top graduates to help us meet the growing global demand for our drug development services.”

The proposed degree requires 127 semester hours of course credits including 63 hours of courses in the clinical research concentration. An internship with a clinical research organization, such as PPD, will also be required. UNCW will be the first public university in the state to offer a four-year nursing degree with a concentration in clinical research. Durham Technical Community College offers a two-year program. Duke University has a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on clinical research. Campbell University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in clinical research through its School of Pharmacy.

Adams said she anticipates program planning will begin this fall. Prior to enrolling students, the UNC Board of Governors must approve the establishment of the degree.

In addition to providing startup funding over a three-year period, PPD will help plan the degree curriculum, and the UNCW School of Nursing will use qualified PPD staff as adjunct faculty, said Adams.

Located between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is committed to becoming the best undergraduate teaching university in the South. Its School of Nursing is a community of health care professionals dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship, practice and professional community service. The school offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a two-year family nurse practitioner course of study leading to a Master of Science in Nursing. Registered nurses who wish to obtain a bachelor’s degree can enroll in the school’s RN ACCESS Program, a Web-based application in distance learning.

For more information, contact Dr. Adams at 910/962-7410.