Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP)
Hours: 30 Online
About
The Doctor of Nursing (MSN to DNP) pathway at Fort Hays State University is designed for students who hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree in an advanced practice role, such as Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Midwife, from an accredited institution. Students will complete 30 credit hours, with a graduate statistics course required if not previously taken as part of the MSN program. While most of the program is delivered online, students may be asked to participate in virtual synchronous activities, with details provided at the start of each semester to ensure proper planning.
The DNP project focuses on translating research into practice by addressing a specific issue 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 recommended that students consult with stakeholders in their organization or community to identify opportunities for improving healthcare outcomes. Selecting a project that aligns with shared interests helps build a strong support system throughout the planning and implementation process.
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 (MSN to DNP) at Fort Hays State University?
FHSU’s distinct Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) pathway courses are structured consecutively, each building upon the last. Assignments within each class are carefully crafted to complement one another, culminating in a comprehensive project proposal paper and, ultimately, a final project paper. This progressive approach ensures students understand the material deeply and develop essential skills.
Another key advantage of our program is our commitment to small class sizes. In our project courses, the student-to-faculty ratio is an impressive 4:1. This allows for personalized attention and support from our experienced faculty members, ensuring that every student receives the guidance they need to succeed.
Who is this program for?
With a curriculum prepared to meet the diverse needs of advanced practice nurses (APRN, CRNA, and others) with master's degrees, our program attracts a broad spectrum of individuals. Fort Hays State University online recognizes the students' needs and provides a flexible and comprehensive pathway for diverse individuals to elevate their careers and propel healthcare forward. The following individuals will benefit from this degree the most:
- Advanced practice registered nurses with an MSN
- Working advanced practice nurses seeking flexibility
- Advanced practice nurses passionate about quality improvement
Learning Outcomes
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) pathway aims to build upon students' existing MSN degree, amplifying their capabilities. Throughout the courses, participants develop competencies to help them strive as advanced practice registered nurses. The most critical 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 policymaking and implementation.
Holistic View
Graduates will provide comprehensive health care to populations while exhibiting sensitivity to cultural diversity.
Real-World Applications
One crucial element in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) pathway is implementing a DNP project focusing on quality improvement. This project enables students to apply their knowledge to a specific clinical challenge within their chosen specialty. Through research, data analysis, and the development of evidence-based solutions, students gain valuable experience in translating scientific knowledge into meaningful improvements in patient care. Throughout the program, they are guided by experienced faculty who understand the educational needs and career goals of post-master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The program directly integrates the latest advancements and trends into its evidence-based curriculum, ensuring students graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in advanced practice nursing. All courses are grounded in current evidence-based practice and are continually reviewed and updated to reflect real-world developments in the field.
Furthermore, our renowned nurse faculty actively engages in research and clinical practice. They bring their real-world expertise directly into the classroom.
Hands-on Activities
One of the key features of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) pathway is its focus on quality improvement (QI) and leadership. The MSN to DNP pathway does not include preceptored clinical. Instead, students will complete a project that involves working independently and collaborating with facility team members to implement a QI initiative, translating research into practice. The project requires a minimum of 600 hours (200 hours over 3 semesters).
Students must complete all clinical clearance requirements in the semester prior to beginning project courses. Vaccinations and/or titers may be required for clinical clearance. Additional costs, such as those for the clinical tracker, drug tests, lab work, and immunizations, may apply. Failure to obtain clearance will prevent participation in clinical and/or project courses, potentially delaying or halting progression in the program.
What You’ll Learn:
- Application of learning to real-world situations
- Consecutive structured courses for deep understanding
- Implementing quality improvement project
How You’ll Learn:
- Flexibility for working advanced practice nurses' schedules
- Opportunities to participate in conferences and present your quality improvement project
- Engaging in real-world quality improvement projects
- Consecutive courses building comprehensive skills
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
Students progress through the Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) pathway in cohorts, with all cohorts starting in the summer. The plan of study is fixed for all students in a cohort and cannot be altered.
Students wishing to take courses prior to the summer cohort may apply as Nursing Graduate Non-degree students and subsequently apply for admission to the next summer cohort. This option permits enrollment in up to six credit hours before formal admission to the DNP program. The available courses include NURS 808 Advanced Statistics and NURS 872 Informatics in Healthcare Systems, subject to seat availability. Completing these courses does not guarantee admission to the DNP program. Before applying, contact Dr. Michelle Van Der Wege at mlvanderwege@fhsu.edu with questions.
Below are a few of the courses in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) pathway:
NURS 957, 958, and 959: DNP Project I, II, III
These courses collectively ensure that students develop a practical DNP project and gain the skills to implement, evaluate, and disseminate their work effectively.
NURS 914: Healthcare Finance and Policy for the APRN
This course will analyze strategies in health policy, finances, politics, and delivery systems utilized by advanced practice registered nurses to improve population health.
NURS 945: Population Health
This course is designed to examine health promotion and disease prevention interventions, preparing leaders to integrate evidence-based approaches that impact population health. It builds upon the skills and knowledge developed throughout the DNP program.
Discover the full Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
The comprehensive curriculum and personalized support provided by the program prepare students for rewarding and in-demand careers within the healthcare industry. Graduates are well-equipped to assume new roles in their chosen specialties, opening doors to significant opportunities for professional growth.
Leadership Roles
Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) graduates are well-positioned for leadership positions in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies. These roles may contribute to policy development, program management, and quality improvement initiatives, shaping healthcare systems at a broader level.
Admitted cohorts for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) begin in the summer semester each year. Students wishing to take courses prior to the summer cohort may apply as Nursing Graduate Non-degree students and subsequently apply for admission to the next summer cohort. This option permits enrollment in up to six credit hours before formal 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 NLNAC
- 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) outlines an applicant’s motivation for pursuing their 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
- A personal interview may be required.
APRN licensure in any of the accepted 46 states is required. Proof of National Board Certification is required.
Fort Hays State University Department of Nursing does not accept applications for the nursing program from the following states: Tennessee, Utah, Alabama, and Washington.
Clinical Clearance Requirements
The MSN-DNP Program at FHSU requires completion of DNP projects through courses NURS 957, NURS 958, and NURS 959, which may require 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 $14,018.70 during their time as a student.
*Estimated cost based on 30 credit hours required to complete the DNP program at the FHSU Online 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.
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.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers a variety of programs tailored to meet students’ unique needs and interests. Below is a comprehensive list of options designed to align with diverse professional goals and aspirations:
- Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education)
- Graduate Certificate in Nursing Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) programs offer a seamless transition for advanced practice nurses holding a Master of Science in Nursing degree who aspire to attain a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
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.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) programs provide a structured curriculum that builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired during the MSN degree. Courses are created to deepen understanding, enhance clinical decision-making, and foster leadership abilities.
The program doesn't consist of specific specializations or tracks. Still, the curriculum emphasizes developing leadership skills and preparing nurses to guide complex healthcare environments, which applies to various advanced practice roles.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) pathway is two years long, including two summer terms. It is a total of 30 credit hours.
All students travel as a cohort and must take the classes as listed on the plan of study. If the student is unable to progress as planned, an alternate plan of study must be approved by the Graduate Committee.
Transfer of credits is handled on a case-by-case basis. A maximum of 6 credit hours can be transferred. No credits used for another degree can be transferred for the use of the DNP degree.
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.
While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.
- Fort Hays Association of Nursing Students (FHANS): The FHANS is a professional organization that gives pre-nursing and nursing students the chance to get to know their classmates, put leadership theory into practice, learn more about nursing careers, and attend national conferences. Members also do service projects like making Christmas gifts for nursing home residents.
- Nursing Christian Fellowship (NCF): The NCF is a professional organization and a ministry of and for nurses and nursing students. Fort Hays NCF’s goal is to provide Christian-based support for nursing and pre-nursing students. The group meets every other week to learn, share, support, and pray with one another. Members have recently participated in a local service activity by collecting items to donate to Fresenius Dialysis Center.
- Sigma Theta Tau: Sigma Theta Tau is the international honor society of nursing. Students are invited to join the organization based on high academic achievement in their nursing program. Sigma Theta Tau supports knowledge generation in professional nursing practice and also engages in numerous service projects. Nu Zeta, the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, regularly participates in fundraising for research in Alzheimer’s and other diseases. They also provide support for continuing education workshops and social events.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at FHSU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education https://www.ccneaccreditation.org/.
- Doctorate
- On-Campus
- Online
