Nursing Practice, Doctor of Nursing Practice

Program Admission

1. BSN or MSN from a CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN, formerly NLNAC/National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) accredited nursing program
2. GPA - 3.25 cumulative in BSN or MSN
3. Undergraduate degree from an international university outside the U.S. or English is second language submit appropriate TOFEL scores (policy established by Graduate Studies)
4. Three professional references
5. Written goal statement
6. Resume highlighting past education, relevant clinical experience, scholarly endeavors and professional service (BSN to DNP students must document one year of full time experience as a registered nurse prior to enrolling in a clinical course)
7. Professional license
   1. MSN - current and unencumbered RN and APN license (if applicable) in the state residence in which clinical experiences will be completed.
   2. BSN - current and unencumbered RN license in Kentucky or compact state

The following requirements only apply to the MSN to DNP option:

1. Completed verification of post-baccalaureate practice hours form. (Applicants who cannot demonstrate a minimum of 500 clinical clock hours in graduate program will be expected to complete clinical course work beyond the proposed curriculum.)
2. Graduate level statistics course within past 5 years

Following review of the admission materials by the Graduate Committee, applicants may be invited to interview with graduate faculty. Admissions are competitive. Documentation that an applicant meets the minimum admission requirements does not ensure admission to the program. It is expected that applicants have moderate technology skills and access to a personal computer and high speed DSL or broadband internet service.

The WKU DNP program is a practice focused degree preparing advanced practice nurses to assume leadership roles in healthcare. The curriculum is based upon a strong scientific foundation for practice and is designed to emphasize evidence-based practice, leadership, health policy development, organizational analysis, and change.

Two options are available in the DNP program: MSN to DNP and BSN to DNP.  The BSN to DNP has two concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Executive (NE).  BSN to DNP FNP concentration students are eligible to sit for national certification as a FNP.

All students complete a practice immersion experience and culminating DNP Project with a patient population or in a healthcare system that demonstrates application of advanced clinical and evidence-based practice. It will serve as a foundation for future scholarly practice.

Program Requirements (36-76 hours)

BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration (76 hours)

The BSN to DNP is a 76 hour credit program with both full and part time options.

BSN to DNP, Nurse Executive Concentration (63 hours)

MSN to DNP Concentration (36 hours)

The Post-Master's DNP program is a 36 credit hour program with both full and part-time options.