The Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation will produce the next generation of nurse innovators who have the knowledge and research skills to solve complex health problems and improve patient care.
By completing a Ph.D. earlier in their career, Hillman Scholars will have a longer time to influence patient care through leadership, innovation and research in academic and clinical settings.
UNC joins the universities of Pennsylvania and Michigan as one of only three schools of nursing nationally that have been awarded a Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation grant.
About the Program
Length: The program is designed to take five years from entry into the nursing program as undergraduates to completion of a PhD in Nursing.
Funding: The School of Nursing will receive $3 million over five years from the Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation.
Degrees: Hillman Scholars will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a PhD in Nursing. They will also take the licensing exam required to be an RN.
Scholars: Each year, six Hillman Scholars will be selected from undergraduate nursing students. The first scholars will begin the program in spring 2013.
Mentorship: Hillman Scholars will be matched with mentors from within the School of Nursing and throughout UNC who will guide the scholars
from their undergraduate honors research project through their dissertation.
Curriculum: The Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation program incorporates innovative educational approaches and clinical experiences. Participation in highly interactive seminars will assist scholars in integrating the knowledge and skills of reflective practice and scientific discovery. Tailored clinical and research courses are part of a post-baccalaureate bridge summer.
About the Foundation: The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation is a New York-based philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of patients and their families through nurse-led innovation.
About the Director
Dr. Cheryl B. Jones will lead the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation.
Cheryl B. Jones, PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Professor and Chair, Health Care Environments
Schema
For a graphical timeline of the program progression, please visit the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation Schema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read our FAQ.
Application
For more information about applying to the Hillman Scholars Program, please visit the Hillman Scholars in Nursing Innovation Application Page.
In the News
New Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation offers UNC undergraduates accelerated path to nursing Ph.D.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing has been awarded $3 million over five years from the Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation to design and implement the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation.(Read complete UNC news story)
Asking questions, finding solutions
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing was featured in The American Nurse (the official publication of the American Nurses Association) on August 29, 2012 in an article entitled “ Asking questions, finding solutions”.(Read complete Daily Tarheel news story)
Contact
For additional information about the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation, please email hillman@unc.edu or contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services 919-966-4260.