Post M.S.N. - D.N.P. in Nursing

Graduates of the post-M.S.N.-D.N.P. option are expected to be experts in designing, implementing, managing and evaluating healthcare delivery systems. Simultaneously, they will know how to manage the complex balance between quality of care, access and fiscal responsibilities. Individuals have the option of a Clinical Leadership focus in their current specialty, an Executive Leadership option, or the option of completing the D.N.P degree with a new or additional APRN specialty. Specialties include: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner; Family Nurse Practitioner; Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner; Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale
• Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE or ACEN accredited program
• Master of Science in nursing degree from a CCNE or ACEN accredited program
• Three references (form will be provided) attesting to the applicant’s expertise in nursing or health care. References are preferred from the following:
  1. A recent faculty advisor or a nursing faculty (doctorally prepared)

       2. A current supervisor

       3. No more than one from a peer

• Personal interview(s)
• Current active, unencumbered and unrestricted RN License and APRN License, if applicable.  The APRN and RN license cannot have any restrictions on licensure that would preclude meeting the requirements of the degree program and required clinical rotations.
• Clinical nursing experience prior to the first DNP clinical course
• Goal Statement: The mission of the University of Kentucky College of Nursing is to promote health and well-being through excellence in nursing education, research, practice and service while fostering diversity and inclusion. To support our mission, we strive to build a community that includes students of diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and cultures.

      1. Please write a one to two double spaced essay describing what you would bring to our educational community, the advanced practice nursing profession and the community you seek to serve.

      2. Include your short- and long-term professional goals. Identify and discuss a health system or organizational issue/problem you wish to expand your knowledge on during your MSN program.

• Scholarly written work:  An example of scholarly written work, completed within three years of application, related to nursing that demonstrates excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly and logically. Samples of scholarly work: formal research paper written in your BSN program; published article on a nursing issue; or paper written on a nursing issue of interest to you.
• Current vita/resume.