Doctorate of Nursing (DNP)

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Benefits of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice Academic Programs
Applying to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Admission Criteria | DNP Application
Tuition
Courses
DNP Project Information
DNP Program Outcomes
Contact Information
Accreditation
Handbook

Benefits of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

Nurses graduating with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Fort Hays State University are educated to provide high quality, efficient patient-centered nursing care that emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based practices. DNP graduates assume key leadership roles and participate in executive decision making processes for best patient care outcomes.

NOTE: The MSN-DNP Pathway does not prepare you as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Students seeking education as a Family Nurse Practitioner should apply for the BSN-DNP Pathway.

*FHSU DNP Programs had a 100% Pass Rate for the 2020 and 2021 National Certification Exam as reported by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners!* 

Doctor of Nursing Academic Programs

BSN to DNP Pathway -  Applications are accepted until May 1st.  

For students who have graduated from an accredited school with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree. This program prepares students for a Doctor of Nursing Practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. A Family Nurse Practitioner provides primary care across the life span.  Accepting applications from Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

We are honored to announce that our May 2020 and 2021 DNP classes received a 100% pass rate on their national certification.

MSN to DNP Pathway-  Applications are accepted until May 15th.

For students who have graduated from an accredited school with a Master's of Science in Nursing degree in an Advanced Practice role as a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, and Nurse Midwife. The MSN to DNP Pathway provides advanced education for students who have already obtained a MSN degree with an APRN license. Applicants from 46 states are accepted.

Fort Hays State University Department of Nursing does not accept applications for the nursing program from the following states: Tennessee, Utah, Alabama, Washington

Applying to the Doctor of Nursing Program

Admitted cohorts for both the BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP begin in the summer semester each year.

Admission Criteria

BSN and MSN

• 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 MSN degree and minimum GPA of 3.0 is required based on BSN degree
• Submit 2 letters of reference in the areas of: academic ability, current professional competency, or personal character
• Resume
• Personal Statement
• Within 30 days after acceptance into the nursing program, Clinical Clearance Requirements must be complete to register in nursing courses

• Complete a personal or virtual interview with faculty to clarify goals and aspirations
• RN license in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oklahoma is required

• APRN licensure in any of the accepted 46 states is required
• Proof of National Board Certification is required

Can you complete your degree at FHSU? Fort Hays State University is authorized to provide online education in only specific states. See if your state has granted FHSU authorization before applying.

Tuition

Tuition may be found at the following link- Tuition and Fees

Optional Courses Prior To Admission 

The following list of courses are optional for students who are interested in completing credits prior to formal acceptance in the DNP program by the Department of Nursing. The list below is a list of courses which students may take up to 6 hours prior to admission. Completion of any of the courses below does not guarantee acceptance into either DNP program. Registration in these courses is based on seat availability. See recommended semester below

NURS 808: Advanced Statistics

NURS 872: Informatics in Health Care Systems (Fall only) or Spring pending space availability and prior written approval by Dr. Manry

 DNP Project Information

The DNP project is about transcribing research into practice.  First and foremost, it needs to address an identified problem in the clinical setting.  Secondly, it should be something the student is passionate about and can spend the required hours on—a minimum of 600.  Finally, all DNP projects are evidence-based.  Many choose to do their DNP project within a clinic, but it is also acceptable to do a project in the community.  It’s best to ask stakeholders within your community or organization something they’d like to accomplish to improve healthcare outcomes.  By choosing something others are interested in accomplishing, you are ensuring you have a support network throughout planning and implementation.  You do not have to have a project confirmed before starting the DNP Program—you will work to refine this throughout the initial project courses.  The project goes into full swing the last three semesters (DNP I, II, and III on the plan of study).  The student to faculty ratio per class for project courses is 4:1, allowing for individualized support throughout the project.

Examples of FHSU DNP Projects: ** FLIP BOOK HERE**

DNP Program Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes
1. Professionalism -Graduates will use interprofessional collaboration with ethical competency to improve patient and population health outcomes.
2. Theory-Graduates will analyze and integrate knowledge from research and theory to develop and implement evidence based practice.
3. Evidenced Based Practice - Graduates will utilize the process of systematic inquiry to translate, implement, and evaluate evidence based practice to improve patient outcomes.
4. Leadership- Graduates will apply leadership skills to lead health care systems to improve the health outcomes of individuals, communities, and populations through interdisciplinary collaboration and implementation of high-quality and cost-effective care.
5. 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.
6. Informatics-Graduates will analyze, utilize, and evaluate information technology to provide leadership and improve patient care.
7. Health Care system -Graduates will advocate, influence, and evaluate policy making and implementation.
8. Holistic View - Graduates will provide comprehensive health care to populations while exhibiting sensitivity to cultural diversity.

Contact information

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
Dr. Michelle VanDerWege
mlvanderwege@fhsu.edu
785-628-4209

Accreditation

Fort Hays State University has received approval by 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. 

The RN to BSN program, MSN programs, and DNP program are all online. These programs do not meet the requirements for International students who require on campus courses.