University of Hawaii’s School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene is to offer a doctorate of nursing practice degree next year.

The university said in a news release Thursday the program is designed to meet the statewide demand for a nursing workforce skilled in the delivery of safe, quality nursing care.

A 2010 Institute of Medicine report has called for a doubling of nurses with doctorates by 2020.

The program is to admit licensed registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing or related field.