Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP)

Hours: 75 On-Campus Online

About

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway at Fort Hays State University is designed for registered nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. This hybrid program delivers much of the coursework online, requiring limited on-campus attendance during select semesters, based on specific course requirements. On-campus dates are published at least six weeks before the start of each semester.

The program requires that all preceptor clinical experiences be completed in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma. It is open to applicants residing in these three states.

Students pursuing this pathway will complete a total of 75 credit hours in the Family Nursing Practitioner (FNP) track. The FNP track equips nurses to deliver primary care services across the lifespan, preparing them for advanced clinical roles in a variety of settings.

The DNP project is a key part of the program, emphasizing the translation of research into clinical practice. Each project must address a specific, evidence-based issue within the healthcare setting and should be achievable within a minimum of 600 hours. While many students conduct their projects in a clinic setting, community-based projects are also acceptable. Students are encouraged to collaborate with stakeholders in their organization or community to identify meaningful areas for improvement. Choosing a project that aligns with personal and organizational priorities helps build a strong support system throughout the planning and implementation phases.

Students are not required to have a confirmed project before beginning the DNP program. Instead, the project focus is developed and refined during the program’s initial project courses. The project intensifies during the final three semesters (DNP I, II, and III), which feature a low student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1, ensuring students receive personalized guidance. For more detailed information, prospective students are encouraged to visit the Department of Nursing’s DNP Scholar’s page.

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

FHSU features small class sizes, allowing students to receive personalized attention from experienced nursing faculty. This supportive structure fosters a collaborative learning environment and ensures that each student receives the individualized guidance necessary for academic and professional success.

Who is this program for?

This pathway is designed to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and stages in their nursing careers, providing opportunities for professional advancement. It is an excellent fit for the following:

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

Learning Outcomes

Through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on learning experiences, students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway develop proficiency across multiple disciplines. The knowledge and skills gained through this program are highly valued in today’s competitive job market. Expected learning outcomes include:

Professionalism

Graduates will demonstrate ethical competence and collaborate effectively with professionals from other disciplines to improve health outcomes for patients and populations.

Theory

Graduates will critically analyze and apply knowledge from research and theoretical frameworks to develop and implement evidence-based practices.

Evidence-Based Practice

Graduates will employ systematic inquiry to translate, implement, and evaluate evidence-based practices aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Leadership

Graduates will apply leadership skills to guide healthcare systems in improving the health outcomes of individuals, communities, and populations through interdisciplinary collaboration and the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care.

Advanced Practice Role

Graduates will utilize their advanced practice expertise to enhance health outcomes, assess and improve healthcare business practices, engage actively in healthcare policy, evaluate information systems, and promote health and disease prevention for individuals, communities, and populations.

Informatics

Graduates will analyze, apply, and evaluate information technology to provide leadership and enhance patient care.

Health Care Systems

Graduates will advocate for, influence, and assess the development and implementation of healthcare policies.

Holistic View

Graduates will deliver comprehensive healthcare to diverse populations, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and awareness.

Real-World Applications

Students complete 900 clinical hours under the supervision of approved preceptors across diverse settings, including primary care, specialty clinics, and rural healthcare environments. The wide-ranging clinical experience prepares graduates to confidently address the healthcare needs of varied populations.

A key component of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway is the DNP project, which focuses on quality improvement. This project gives students an opportunity to apply their knowledge to a specific clinical issue within their specialty area. Through research, data analysis, and the development of evidence-based solutions, students gain valuable experience in translating scientific knowledge into real-world improvements in patient care. Throughout the program, they receive guidance from experienced faculty who understand the educational requirements and career goals of post-master’s DNP students.

Beyond clinical preparation, the DNP project also fosters the development of essential leadership skills, enabling students to contribute to meaningful change within healthcare settings.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The healthcare sector is continually evolving, requiring advanced practice nurses to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate current trends and provide evidence-based care. This hybrid pathway equips students with the tools needed to succeed as family nurse practitioners. Additionally, the focus on current research prepares graduates to meet the changing needs of patients and communities.

Hands-on Activities

Students must complete all clinical clearance requirements in the semester prior to starting clinical courses. This may include vaccinations and/or titers. Additional costs for items such as clinical tracking, drug testing, lab work, and immunizations may apply. Failure to obtain clinical clearance will prevent students from participating in clinical and project courses, potentially delaying or halting their progress in both the courses and the program.

Students are required to secure approved preceptors and clinical sites through the Department of Nursing. While the department maintains agreements with numerous sites and preceptors across Kansas, students may also find additional preceptors with faculty approval.

Clinical preceptors must meet the following requirements:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)

Holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice or Master’s degree in Nursing from an accredited university
Maintains current RN and APRN licenses in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma
Provide proof of National Board certification
Experience: Has a minimum of one year of experience in an advanced clinical practice role
Demonstrate expertise and clinical practice relevant to the course objectives

Physicians

Holds a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy degree from an accredited university
Maintains current medical license in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma
Provide proof of National Board certification
Experience: Has a minimum of one year of experience in family practice or internal medicine
Demonstrate expertise and clinical practice relevant to the course objectives

Other Masters-Prepared Health Care Providers (including PAs)

Holds a Master’s degree from an accredited university
Maintains current license in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma
Provide proof of National Board certification (if applicable)
Experience: Has a minimum of one year of experience in a clinical practice role
Demonstrate expertise and clinical practice 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 is standardized for each cohort and cannot be modified, except for the option to take up to two courses as a non-degree student.

Those wishing to begin coursework before the summer cohort may apply as Nursing Graduate Non-Degree students. This allows them to complete up to six credit hours prior to formal admission into the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and subsequently apply for admission to the following summer cohort. Eligible courses include NURS 808 Advanced Statistics and NURS 872 Informatics in Healthcare Systems, subject to seat availability. Completion of these courses does not guarantee admission to the DNP program. For further questions or information, prospective students may contact Dr. Michelle Van Der Wege.

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 on 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

FHSU accepts applicants from Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska for the BSN to DNP pathway.

Complete the Fort Hays State University Graduate Student Application
- Application Tutorial Videos
Submit all official academic transcripts:
- Applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited program, either CCNE or ACEN.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on a BSN degree.
Submit two letters of reference addressing academic ability, professional competency, or personal character.
- Letters of recommendation must be written on official letterhead and include the signature of the author.
- Authors may also email the letters directly to the Graduate School. The applicant’s name should be included in the subject line.
Resume: Email the Graduate School with the applicant’s full name in the subject line.
Personal Statement: Email the Graduate School with the applicant’s full name in the subject line.
- Provide a personal statement of no more than 500 words outlining an applicant’s motivation for pursuing their DNP. The statement will be evaluated for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Current RN license: Email the Graduate School with the applicant’s full name in the subject line.
- Possess a current, active RN license in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma
Submit DNP Clinical Acknowledgement Form:
- BSN-DNP

All nursing courses and transcripts from institutions outside the United States require additional evaluation by the Commission of Graduates Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). A detailed course-by-course assessment is required to verify the degree, course credits, grades, and overall grade point average.

Clinical Clearance Requirements

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) pathway at FHSU requires preceptor-led clinical experiences in courses: NURS 924, NURS 960, NURS 934, and NURS 961. In addition, students must complete a DNP project, which also requires clinical clearance.

Clinical clearance requirements include obtaining student liability insurance, completing a background check and drug testing, and submitting immunization records. A full list of clinical clearance requirements is available by contacting Dr. Michelle Van Der Wege.

All costs associated with meeting clinical clearance requirements are the responsibility of the student. Failure to obtain and maintain clinical clearance 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 $33,624.63 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 ($348.78 /credit hour), and 63 credit hours at the FHSU DNP tuition rate ($467.29/credit hour). Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

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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 tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of its students. The following options are designed to support individual career goals and personal aspirations:

FAQ

How are the classes structured?

Courses in this pathway are offered in either 8-week or 16-week formats. Most coursework is completed asynchronously, allowing students to work independently while meeting assigned deadlines. Occasionally, students are required to participate in virtual synchronous presentations or class meetings.

All classes are held through the Blackboard Learning Management System, where faculty use a variety of tools to enhance learning and engagement. This includes discussion boards, video content, and other interactive methods. Students also have frequent opportunities to engage and collaborate with both peers and faculty throughout the program.

What clinical experiences are required?

Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway are required to complete 900 clinical hours and 600 project hours as part of their training. Clinical experiences must be completed under the supervision of preceptors and at clinical sites approved by the Department of Nursing. The department maintains agreements with a variety of clinical sites and preceptors throughout Kansas, providing students with a broad range of placement options. Students may also propose additional preceptors or clinical sites, subject to faculty approval.

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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