Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P)

General Information

The School of Nursing offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The DNP program is designed to allow nurses who possess a graduate degree in nursing, healthcare or leadership to prepare for the highest level of nursing practice.

Program Outcomes

1. Synthesize and apply advanced nursing knowledge and theories to inform clinical and systems-level transformation, innovation, and sustainable improvements in health outcomes.

2. Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based care within a system that is culturally responsive and grounded in shared decision-making.

3. Utilize population health data, epidemiological trends, and policy analysis to design, lead, and evaluate system-wide strategies that address social determinants of health and promote health.

4.  Generate, translate, and disseminate practice-based evidence to inform decision-making, improve care quality, and shape practice and policy at the organizational and population levels.

5.  Design, lead, and evaluate quality improvement initiatives using data-driven methods and implementation science to enhance safety, effectiveness, and outcomes within healthcare systems.

6.  Build and sustain strategic interprofessional partnerships to lead collaborative change efforts, align shared goals, and optimize care delivery within healthcare systems.

7.  Demonstrate strategic leadership within a healthcare system to manage resources, influence policy, and ensure the delivery of safe, quality, cost-effective care.

8.  Integrate informatics, data analytics, and emerging technologies to guide organizational decision-making, evaluate care delivery, and support strategic innovation.

9.  Model professional identity and accountability through ethical leadership, policy advocacy, and lifelong commitment to the values of the nursing profession.

10.  Demonstrate leadership that fosters positivity, resilience, reflective practice, mentoring, and lifelong learning.

Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program include:

1. a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), healthcare, or leadership area from a nationally accredited program.  If applicant does not have MSN degree, the applicant must have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program. 
2. an unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license from an approved state,
3. a graduate GPA of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale).

Admission is competitive. In addition to the Graduate School application, applicants must also submit to the School of Nursing a separate completed DNP application form, a resume or curriculum vitae, a professional statement (750 words), and 3 professional references. Admission will be based on careful consideration of all information included in the admission application packet and the degree to which each candidate meets the requirements. Complete applications, which include all requested information, are given priority in the selection process.

Please refer to the School of Nursing website at https://www.eku.edu/chs/nursing/doctor-nursing-practice/ for specific information on the application process for admission and progression plans for study, or contact (859) 622-8222 for information on the application process for admission.

Progression Policy

Students must complete all required course work with a grade of “B” or higher and must complete any pre-requisite courses before advancing to the next course. Students who fail to meet the requirements for progression must apply for readmission. Readmission to a nursing course is not guaranteed to any student. Please refer to the DNP Student Handbook for specific information on readmission procedures. The program reserves the right to alter the suggested plan of study as necessary to enhance a quality educational program.

Program Requirements

CIP Code: 51.3818 

Required hours will be individually evaluated on a planned program of study for each student, depending on academic background and career goals.

Exit Requirements

DNP Project (NSC 994 DNP Project Analysis & Dissemination) – Candidates are required to satisfactorily complete and present a DNP project before they are eligible to graduate from the program. Students must have documentation of a minimum of 1,000 total clinical hours completed beyond the BSN. Hours required to be completed at EKU will be assessed upon admission to the DNP Program and a plan of study developed accordingly.