Nursing Practice

Students progress through the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway in cohorts, with all cohorts starting in the summer. The study plan 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 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. Prospective students may contact Dr. Michelle Van Der Wege for further information.

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

NURS 905: Advanced Pharmacology

This course, along with Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Health Assessment, builds 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 develop 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. This course focuses on rural healthcare, recognizing the unique needs of rural communities.

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

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) pathway prepares nurses to become Family Nurse Practitioners, equipped to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. Graduates are trained to lead collaborative, evidence-based practices across healthcare settings. They are prepared to take on leadership roles and actively contribute to executive decision-making processes to improve patient care outcomes.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who deliver comprehensive healthcare across the lifespan, from infants through adulthood. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and provide preventive care. FNPs practice independently or in collaboration with physicians, emphasizing patient-centered care, health promotion, and disease prevention. They also build long-term relationships with patients and their families to support ongoing health and wellness.

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.
• 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.
  • Submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words outlining the applicant’s motivation for pursuing the DNP and providing a general description of the community or region in which they plan to complete their clinical hours. 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 complete list of clinical clearance requirements is available by contacting Dr. Michelle Van Der Wege.

All costs associated with meeting clinical clearance requirements are the student's responsibility. Failure to obtain and maintain clinical clearance may delay or prohibit advancement in the program.