Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP)

Doctorate

Hours: 75 On-Campus Online

About

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway at Fort Hays State University is designed for students who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. This hybrid program offers the majority of coursework online, with only a few semesters requiring minimal on-campus visits, depending on course requirements. On-campus dates are published at least six weeks prior to the start of each semester. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway requires all preceptor clinicals to be completed in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma.

Nurses pursuing the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway will complete a total of 75 credit hours in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) tract. The FNP track prepares nurses to provide primary care across the lifespan. The program accepts applicants from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.

The DNP project focuses on translating research into practice by addressing a specific problem in the clinical setting. It should align with the student’s passion and be feasible to complete within a minimum of 600 hours. All DNP projects must be evidence-based. While many students choose to conduct their project within a clinic, community-based projects are also acceptable. It is advisable to consult with stakeholders within your community or organization to identify areas for improvement in healthcare outcomes. By selecting a project that aligns with the interests of others, you ensure a strong support network throughout the planning and implementation phases.

Students are not required to have a confirmed project before beginning the DNP program, as this will be refined during the initial project courses. The project intensifies during the final three semesters (DNP I, II, and III) of the program. The student-to-faculty ratio in project courses is 4:1, providing individualized support throughout the process. Visit the Department of Nursing’s DNP Scholar’s page for additional information.

Why pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) at Fort Hays State University?

Fort Hays State University offers intimate class sizes, allowing for personalized attention from our experienced nursing faculty. It helps a collaborative learning environment and guarantees you receive the individual support you need to excel in your studies.

Who is this program for?

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway aims to accommodate individuals from various backgrounds and career stages. It allows for an advance in nursing careers for a diverse range of individuals. This program will be an excellent fit for the following:

Those who have a BSN degree and wish to become Family Nurse Practitioners

Learning Outcomes

Students gain proficiency in various disciplines through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on learning experiences. Our knowledge and abilities are highly sought-after in today's job market. The learning outcomes include:

Professionalism

Graduates will use interprofessional collaboration with ethical competency to improve patient and population health outcomes.

Theory

Graduates will analyze and integrate knowledge from research and theory to develop and implement evidence-based practice.

Evidence-Based Practice

Graduates will utilize the process of systematic inquiry to translate, implement, and evaluate evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.

Leadership

Graduates will apply leadership skills to lead healthcare systems to improve the health outcomes of individuals, communities, and populations through interdisciplinary collaboration and implementation of high-quality and cost-effective care.

Advanced Practice Role

Graduates will utilize the advanced practice role to improve health outcomes, evaluate and improve business practices, actively participate in health care policy, evaluate information systems, and promote health and disease prevention for individuals, communities, and populations.

Informatics

Graduates will analyze, utilize, and evaluate information technology to provide leadership and improve patient care.

Health Care Systems

Graduates will advocate, influence, and evaluate policy-making and implementation.

Holistic View

Graduates will provide comprehensive health care to populations while exhibiting sensitivity to cultural diversity.

Real-World Applications

Students will complete 900 clinical hours under the guidance of approved preceptors in diverse settings, including primary care, specialty clinics, and even rural healthcare environments. Exposure to various clinical settings prepares you to address the healthcare needs of diverse populations upon graduation confidently.

Throughout the FHSU's Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway, students will also gain valuable leadership skills by participating in a DNP project incorporating quality improvement. It allows you to apply your knowledge and expertise to improve patient care in real-world healthcare.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The healthcare sector is constantly developing, demanding advanced practice nurses with the knowledge and skills to navigate current trends and deliver evidence-based care. Our hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway provide the tools they need to be successful family practice nurse practitioners. Additionally, the focus on current research prepares students to address the evolving needs of patients and communities.

Hands-on Activities

Students must complete all clinical clearance requirements the semester prior to beginning clinical courses, the semester prior. Vaccinations and/or titers may be required to obtain clinical clearance. Additional costs, such as for the clinical tracker, drug tests, lab work, and immunizations, may apply. If students fail to obtain clearance, they cannot participate in clinical and/or project courses, which could delay or prevent progression in both the courses and the program.

Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway must secure approved preceptors and clinical sites through the Department of Nursing. The department has agreements with numerous sites and preceptors across Kansas, but students may also find additional preceptors with faculty approval.

Clinical preceptors must meet the following requirements:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)

Master’s Degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing from an accredited university
Current RN and APRN licenses in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma
Proof of National Board of Certification
Experience: minimum of one year experience in an advanced clinical practice role
Expertise and practice as relevant to the course objectives

Physicians

Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited university
Currently licensed in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma
Proof of National Board of Certification
Experience: minimum of one year experience in family practice or internal medicine
Expertise and practice as relevant to the course objectives

What You’ll Learn:

Leadership skills through quality improvement projects
Prioritizing patient needs and preferences
Preparation to lead healthcare organizations and manage teams
Understanding and addressing the needs of various populations
Applying research to patient care

How You’ll Learn:

Small classes with experienced faculty
900 clinical hours in diverse settings
Courses built on the latest research and practices

Courses

Students progress through the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway in cohorts, with all cohorts starting in the summer. The plan of study remains the same for all students within a cohort and cannot be altered.

If you wish to take courses before the summer cohort begins, you can apply as a Nursing Graduate Non-degree student and then apply for the next summer cohort. This option allows you to take up to six credit hours prior to formal admission to the DNP program. Eligible courses include NURS 808 Advanced Statistics and NURS 872 Informatics in Healthcare Systems, subject to seat availability. Completing these courses does not guarantee acceptance into the DNP program. For questions or more information before applying, please contact Dr. Michelle Van Der Wege at mlvanderwege@fhsu.edu.

Below are a few of the courses in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway:

NURS 905: Advanced Pharmacology

This course and Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Health Assessment build a foundation for high-quality practice.

NURS 957, 958, 959: DNP Project I, II, and III

These courses collectively ensure students develop practical DNP projects and gain the skills to implement, evaluate, and disseminate their work effectively.

NURS 961: DNP Preceptorship IV

This is the final clinical preceptorship course in the DNP program. In total, students complete 900 hours over four semesters. These courses focus on acute, chronic, and specialty care. In this course, the focus is rural healthcare as we recognize the unique needs of rural communities.

Discover the full Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Admission Requirements

Admitted cohorts for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway begin in the summer semester each year. If you wish to take courses prior to the summer, we do have the option for you to apply as a Nursing Graduate Non-degree student and then apply for the next summer cohort. This option would allow you to take up to six credit hours prior to admission to the DNP program. The courses students may take are limited to NURS 808 Advanced Statistics and NURS 872 Informatics in Healthcare Systems. Registration in these courses is based on seat availability. See additional information below under 'Optional Courses Prior to Admission.' Completion of the courses does not guarantee acceptance into the DNP program. Please contact Dr. Michelle Van Der Wege (mlvanderwege@fhsu.edu) for questions prior to beginning your application.

Complete a Fort Hays State University Graduate Student Application
Submit all official transcripts
Completed a BSN or MSN from an accredited program, either CCNE or ACEN
Cumulative minimum GPA of 3.25 is required based on an MSN degree, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required based on a BSN degree
Submit 2 letters of reference in the areas of academic ability, current professional competency, or personal character
Resume
Personal Statement: This brief statement (no more than 500 words) addresses your motivation for pursuing your DNP. The statement will be evaluated for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Confirmation of License (APRN or RN), Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, and Resume may be emailed directly to the Graduate School (GradSchool@fhsu.edu). Please put the applicant’s name in the subject line
- Letters of recommendation must be submitted on letterhead and contain the signature of the author or be emailed directly from the author.
DNP Clinical Acknowledgement Form
- BSN-DNP
A personal interview may be required.

Accepting applications from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. An RN license in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma is required.

Clinical Clearance Requirements

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) pathway at FHSU requires preceptor-led clinics in courses NURS 924, NURS 960, NURS 934, and NURS 961. In addition, BSN to DNP students will complete a DNP project that requires clinical clearance. Please note that clinical clearance requirements include obtaining student liability insurance, a background check, drug testing, and immunization records. A full list of requirements is available by emailing mlvanderwege@fhsu.edu. Any cost associated with achieving clinical clearance is at the student’s expense. Failure to achieve and maintain clinical clearance requirements may delay or prohibit advancement in the program.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $32,645.28 during their time as a student.

*Estimated cost based on 75 credit hours required to complete the DNP program: 12 credit hours at the FHSU MSN tuition rate ($338.62 /credit hour), and 63 credit hours at the FHSU DNP tuition rate ($453.68/credit hour). Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers a variety of programs customized to meet its students' unique requirements and passions. Below is an extensive list of options prepared to align with your professional goals and individual preferences:

FAQ

How are the classes structured?

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) courses are either 8 or 16 weeks long. Students work asynchronously to complete assignments by the assigned due dates. Occasionally, there are also virtual, synchronous presentations and class meetings.

All courses are held through the Blackboard Learning Management System. Faculty use a variety of tools to facilitate learning and engagement. This includes various discussion platforms, videos, and many other innovative methods. Students have frequent opportunities to interact with other students and faculty.

What clinical experiences are required?

In the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway, students will complete 900 clinical hours and 600 project hours. Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway will be required to obtain the Department of Nursing's approved preceptors and clinical sites. The Department of Nursing has agreements with multiple sites and preceptors across Kansas. Students may seek out additional preceptors as approved by course faculty.

Is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway accredited?

Fort Hays State University has received approval from the Kansas State Board of Nursing, the Kansas Board of Regents, and the Higher Learning Commission to offer the DNP program.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.

Are there specific specializations or tracks within the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) program?

The program doesn't consist of specific specializations or tracks. Still, the curriculum emphasizes developing leadership skills and preparing nurse practitioners to guide complex healthcare environments, which applies to various advanced practice roles.

Are there scholarships and/or financial aid available for DNP students?

Scholarship information can be found on the Financial Aid Scholarship page. Other opportunities may arise from time to time and will be announced to all applicable students.

You can also check out the General Financial Aid page for additional information.

Information about the Department of Nursing

FHSU’s Department of Nursing provides programs and courses incorporating the latest technology in a feedback-driven, student-focused environment, where you will interact with highly qualified faculty eager to share their rich clinical and nursing experiences. This supportive environment ensures you are well-prepared for an in-demand degree that leads to a rewarding career.

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