Profound changes in increasingly complex health care systems mandates change to improve quality of care while reducing costs, improving access, eliminating disparities, and promoting safe practice.  “Practice-focused doctoral programs are designed to prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice.  They focus heavily on practice that is innovative and evidence-based, reflecting the application of credible research findings" (AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advance Nursing Practice, p. 3).

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program focuses on development of advanced competencies for complex practice, and research utilization for the improvement of clinical care delivery, patient outcomes, and system management. Graduates will be expert in designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating health care delivery systems and will be prepared to lead at the highest clinical and executive ranks.  

There are two entry points to the D.N.P. program. Currently we offer a post-Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) entry option for those with an awarded master's degree in nursing who are already prepared in the role of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (A.P.R.N.).  Beginning fall 2009, the post-Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) entry option will be offered. This option builds on the B.S.N. degree, and prepares individuals for the A.P.R.N. role. Both options culminate with the D.N.P. degree. 

The D.N.P. program offers:

• Clinical Leadership, Public Health, and Executive Management options
• Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist specialties
• Faculty known nationally and internationally for work in their specialties
• Close work with clinical mentors
• Classes that mix online work with on-campus work*

The post-M.S.N. program can be completed in two years and the post-B.S.N. option can be completed in three years of full-time study. Part-time plans are also available.

* D.N.P. nursing courses are Web-enhanced and require attendance at class meetings approximately 4 times each semester on UK's campus.

Deadline for fall admission is Feb. 15. Admission decisions are made on a competitive basis. Applications received after Feb. 15 may be considered on a space-available basis.

You could be eligible for free tuition! 

If you work full time for University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital, or Good Samaritan Hospital  you are eligible for up to 8 credit hours in free tuition each semester. More...

Program of Study (full time and part time available - new curriculum)

Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements

Graduate Faculty

Financial Support (College of Nursing)

Financial Support (outside agencies)

Application Procedure

Application Form (2 pages)*

Reference Forms * (4 pages; print 3 copies)

Application for Scholarship/Service Awards (2 pages)*

Citizenship and Residency Verification form*

Immunization Requirements

Technical Standards

FAQs about applying to our graduate programs

Student Travel Guidelines and Forms (for current students)

*You must have Adobe Reader in order to access these forms.
Print out the forms, complete and mail to the College of Nursing at the address below. (Adobe  Reader is a free download.)
 

Mailing address

University of Kentucky
College of Nursing 
Office of Student Services
315 College of Nursing Bldg.
Lexington, KY 40536-0232

Questions? E-mail conss@uky.edu or call (859) 323-5108.

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