DNP Programs in Kentucky

Bellarmine University's DNP program offers a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking advanced leadership and clinical expertise. The flexible online curriculum spans multiple specialized tracks, enabling healthcare professionals to customize their doctoral journey. With credit hours ranging from 35-68, students can pursue Advanced Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership, or Nurse Anesthesia concentrations. The program prioritizes transformative learning, emphasizing strategic healthcare improvements, evidence-based practice, and system-level interventions. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications, graduates are prepared to drive innovation, enhance patient care quality, and assume advanced professional roles across diverse healthcare environments.

• Fully online program
• Multiple specialized tracks
• 35-68 total credit hours
• Post-master's and BSN options
• CCNE accredited program

Bellarmine's Advanced Nursing Practice DNP concentration provides a targeted approach for clinical professionals seeking high-level expertise. The online program strategically develops advanced practice nurses capable of implementing comprehensive patient care improvements. Through 35-38 credit hours, students engage in rigorous curriculum focused on systematic healthcare analysis, documentation strategies, and population health management. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program enables nurses to advance their clinical capabilities while maintaining professional commitments. Graduates emerge with enhanced skills in evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and the ability to drive meaningful improvements in complex healthcare delivery systems.

• Fully online DNP program
• 35-38 total credit hours
• Advanced clinical leadership focus
• Flexible start times each semester
• CCNE accredited program
• Designed for working professionals
• Post-master's and BSN tracks available

Bellarmine's Executive Leadership DNP concentration cultivates sophisticated healthcare management professionals. The fully online program meticulously prepares nurses for transformative leadership roles by integrating advanced clinical knowledge with strategic business competencies. Spanning 35-38 credit hours, students develop expertise in organizational management, financial strategies, and innovative healthcare interventions. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive leadership development, enabling graduates to navigate complex healthcare environments effectively. By blending theoretical frameworks with practical applications, the program equips nurses with the skills necessary to drive systemic improvements, manage resources strategically, and lead multidisciplinary healthcare teams with exceptional proficiency.

• Fully online DNP program
• Executive Leadership concentration
• 35-38 credit hours
• Start any semester
• Designed for working professionals
• Post-master's and BSN to DNP tracks
• Healthcare leadership focus
• CCNE accredited program

Bellarmine's Nurse Anesthesia DNP represents an intensive 36-month program preparing advanced practice nurses for specialized critical care roles. The comprehensive curriculum combines rigorous online coursework with extensive clinical experiences across premier healthcare facilities. Targeting post-BSN nurses with critical care backgrounds, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and one year of specialized nursing experience. Students undergo comprehensive training to administer anesthesia across diverse patient populations, developing sophisticated clinical skills and professional autonomy. With 101 total credit hours and a focused 20-student cohort, graduates are strategically positioned to excel in the National Certification Exam and enter a highly respected, high-demand healthcare profession.

• Doctoral degree in Nurse Anesthesia
• 9 semesters, 101 credit hours
• 20 student cohort size
• No GRE requirement
• Multiple clinical affiliations
• Full-time study only
• COA accredited program
• Critical care RN certification

Eastern Kentucky University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Organizational Leadership, tailored for nurses aiming to lead and innovate in healthcare. This online program focuses on developing leaders capable of implementing evidence-based practices to improve healthcare systems. With a curriculum spanning 32-38 credits, the program is designed for flexibility, featuring 8-week terms and no need for on-campus attendance. At $716 per credit hour, it provides an affordable pathway to advanced nursing leadership, including the added benefit of free textbooks. Recognized among the top 50 online nursing programs, it offers individualized mentorship and a practice-focused approach to prepare graduates for high-level healthcare roles.

• Online DNP with Organizational Leadership
• 32-38 total credit hours
• No campus visits required
• Online tuition $716/credit
• Free textbooks for students
• Individualized mentorship
• Practice-focused curriculum
• Competitive admission
• Career advancement opportunity

University of Louisville's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) transforms nurses into cutting-edge healthcare leaders through comprehensive, flexible training. The program uniquely accommodates both BSN and MSN entry pathways, offering seven distinct nursing specialties. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practice, clinical expertise development, and scholarly application. With a dynamic blend of online and hybrid learning formats, participants complete between 1000-2880 clinical hours, culminating in an advanced DNP project that demonstrates sophisticated practice skills and leadership potential.

• 75-112 credit hours total
• Online first year, hybrid format
• BSN and MSN entry pathways
• 7 nursing specialties available
• Minimum 1000 clinical hours
• Leadership and policy focus
• Comprehensive DNP project

Specialized Family Nurse Practitioner DNP at University of Louisville equips nurses to deliver exceptional primary care across patient lifespans. This comprehensive program bridges advanced clinical training with transformative leadership preparation. Students navigate flexible online and hybrid learning environments, gaining profound insights into evidence-based healthcare practices. The curriculum meticulously develops clinical competencies, emphasizing comprehensive patient care strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative healthcare solutions that address complex population health challenges.

• 75-112 credit hours total
• Hybrid online/campus format
• 1000+ clinical hours required
• Multiple entry pathways
• Leadership-focused curriculum

University of Louisville's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides intensive training for advanced nursing professionals seeking specialized mental healthcare expertise. This three-year hybrid curriculum comprehensively explores psychopathology, advanced assessment techniques, and sophisticated psychotherapy interventions. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills through extensive practicums, engaging with evidence-based methodologies and transformational leadership principles. The program strategically prepares graduates to address complex mental health challenges and implement innovative therapeutic approaches.

• 3-year full-time BSN-DNP track
• 77 total credit hours
• Hybrid program format
• Extensive clinical practicums
• Work experience recommended
• Advanced mental health focus
• Comprehensive coursework
• Evidence-based practice emphasis

University of Louisville's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in complex healthcare environments. The curriculum strategically integrates evidence-based practice, leadership development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students pursue comprehensive training through flexible online and hybrid formats, completing a minimum of 1000 clinical hours. The program emphasizes innovative healthcare solutions, positioning graduates to drive systemic improvements, develop critical policy insights, and assume transformative roles in acute care settings.

• BSN and MSN entry pathways
• Minimum 1000 clinical hours
• Online and hybrid learning
• Seven nursing specialties
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• DNP project capstone experience
• Prepares APRN certification

University of Louisville's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP empowers nurses to become sophisticated healthcare change agents. This meticulously designed program bridges advanced clinical knowledge with transformative leadership preparation. Accommodating both BSN and MSN graduates, the curriculum emphasizes translating evidence-based research into practice, developing comprehensive healthcare improvement strategies. Students engage in innovative practice projects, cultivating advanced skills in collaboration, policy development, and quality improvement across complex healthcare landscapes.

• 75-112 credit hours total
• Hybrid online/campus delivery
• BSN and MSN entry options
• Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
• Specialty tracks available
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Practice-focused doctoral degree

University of Louisville's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program cultivates advanced nursing professionals capable of delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care. This rigorous curriculum seamlessly integrates scholarly research, leadership development, and practical experience. Students explore multiple specialty tracks through flexible online and hybrid learning formats, completing 1,000 clinical hours and a substantial DNP project. The program strategically prepares graduates to improve population health outcomes, implement evidence-based practices, and drive meaningful healthcare innovations.

• BSN and MSN entry options
• 7 nurse practitioner specialties
• 75-112 total credit hours
• 1,000 minimum clinical hours
• Online and hybrid learning
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Culminating DNP project

Frontier Nursing University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a top-tier online offering for RNs aiming to reach the apex of clinical nursing education. Over 18 months, students tackle 30 credit hours, focusing on evidence-based practice, systems leadership, and clinical excellence. The program includes a significant quality improvement project and a unique campus immersion experience, blending online flexibility with hands-on learning. Designed for nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives, it prepares graduates to lead healthcare improvements effectively. Highlights include small cohorts, a 500-hour clinical requirement, and a curriculum that's both rigorous and adaptable for working professionals.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 18-Month Program Length
• 30 Credit Hours Total
• 500 Clinical Hours Required
• Campus Immersion Experience
• Quality Improvement Project
• Small Student Cohort
• Doctorate Level Clinical Practice

Specializing in Nurse-Midwifery, Frontier Nursing University's DNP program is tailored for RNs pursuing advanced clinical training and leadership in midwifery. This 18-month online program requires 30 credit hours and a 500-hour quality improvement project, emphasizing evidence-based practice and healthcare transformation. A brief campus immersion complements the online coursework, making it ideal for certified nurse-midwives seeking to enhance their practice without pausing their careers. The program's focus on small cohorts ensures personalized attention, preparing graduates for national certification and leadership roles in midwifery and beyond.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 18-month Program Length
• 30 Credit Hours
• 500 Clinical Hours
• One Campus Immersion
• Quality Improvement Focus
• Small Student Cohort
• National Certification Required

For RNs targeting advanced practice roles, Frontier Nursing University offers a DNP program with concentrations in various Nurse Practitioner specialties. This 30-credit-hour, 18-month online program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement. Students engage in online coursework, a comprehensive quality improvement project, and a three-day campus immersion. Designed for flexibility, it supports working professionals aiming to elevate their clinical expertise and leadership capabilities in specialized areas of nursing practice. The program's structure fosters a deep dive into systems leadership and clinical excellence, preparing graduates for impactful roles in healthcare.

• Online coursework
• 30 credit hours
• 18-month completion
• Quality improvement project
• Campus immersion
• Nurse Practitioner concentrations
• Focus on leadership skills
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Systems leadership development
• Small cohort size

Western Kentucky University's DNP program with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers a transformative educational experience for advanced nursing professionals. This comprehensive 76-credit hybrid program meticulously prepares nurses to elevate healthcare delivery through evidence-based practice and clinical excellence. Students develop sophisticated skills in health assessment, pharmacological interventions, and primary care management. The curriculum strategically integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experiences, empowering graduates to become innovative healthcare leaders who can address complex patient care challenges across diverse medical environments.

• 76-credit hybrid DNP program
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• National FNP certification eligible
• Full and part-time options
• Leadership and policy focus
• Minimum 3.25 GPA required
• Clinical practicum included
• Advanced health assessment training
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Healthcare technology integration

Western Kentucky University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration offers a dynamic pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. The 76-credit hybrid program expertly blends rigorous academic training with practical healthcare leadership strategies. Students gain comprehensive skills in advanced physiological assessment, complex pharmacological interventions, and patient-centered primary care across different life stages. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to implement cutting-edge healthcare solutions and drive systemic improvements in patient care delivery.

• 76-credit hybrid DNP program
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• National certification eligible
• Minimum 3.25 GPA required
• Full and part-time options
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership-oriented curriculum
• Clinical practicum included
• Advanced health assessment training
• Comprehensive primary care courses

Western Kentucky University's Nurse Executive DNP concentration provides a sophisticated leadership development pathway for advanced practice nurses. This 63-credit hybrid program cultivates strategic management skills, organizational behavior understanding, and innovative healthcare delivery techniques. Students explore complex financial management principles, advanced communication strategies, and ethical leadership frameworks. The curriculum is strategically designed to transform nurses into visionary healthcare administrators capable of implementing meaningful organizational change and driving systemic improvements across medical institutions.

• Hybrid program format
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• 63 total credit hours
• Concentration in Nurse Executive
• Advanced healthcare management skills
• Interdisciplinary leadership courses
• 3.25 GPA admission requirement
• Clinical practicum included
• Professional licensure required

Western Kentucky University's comprehensive DNP program offers flexible pathways for nursing professionals seeking advanced practice leadership. With options for BSN and MSN graduates, the program provides specialized concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Executive tracks. The curriculum integrates scientific foundations, clinical expertise, and transformative leadership training. Students develop advanced skills to address complex healthcare challenges, emphasizing evidence-based practice, health policy development, and innovative patient care strategies across diverse medical settings.

• 76-hour BSN to DNP program
• Two concentration options
• Competitive 3.25 GPA requirement
• Practice-focused leadership degree
• National certification eligible
• Full and part-time options
• Clinical practicum included
• Advanced leadership coursework
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Professional reference required