DNP Programs in Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Organizational Leadership concentration empowers experienced nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. This practice-focused online program equips students with advanced skills to innovate, implement evidence-based improvements, and drive systemic healthcare changes. Students complete a comprehensive 32-38 credit curriculum designed for working professionals, with flexible 8-week terms and no campus visits required. Graduates are prepared to take on high-level roles in diverse healthcare settings, with competitive online tuition at $716 per credit hour and complimentary textbooks.

• Online DNP with Organizational Leadership
• 32-38 total credit hours
• No campus visits required
• Online tuition $716/credit
• Free textbooks for students
• Ranked top 50 online nursing program
• Individualized mentorship
• Practice-focused curriculum
• Competitive admission
• Career advancement opportunity

The University of Louisville's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. Students can enter with either a BSN or MSN, choosing from multiple specialties and pathways. The program focuses on translating evidence-based knowledge into practice, improving health outcomes, and developing clinical expertise. With flexible online and hybrid learning options, students complete 1000-2880 clinical hours and a comprehensive DNP project that demonstrates advanced practice skills and scholarly application.

• 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

The University of Louisville's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers advanced clinical training for nurses seeking to elevate their healthcare impact. This comprehensive program prepares students to become expert clinicians and transformative leaders in nursing practice. Students can enter through BSN or MSN pathways, with flexible online and hybrid learning formats. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership skills, and innovative healthcare solutions, enabling graduates to improve population health outcomes and drive systemic changes.

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

The University of Louisville's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP program prepares advanced nursing professionals to address critical mental health challenges. Students engage in a comprehensive three-year full-time curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical training. The program covers essential areas like psychopathology, advanced assessment, psychopharmacology, and individual and group psychotherapy techniques. Designed for experienced nurses, this hybrid program offers in-depth preparation for specialized mental health practice, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and transformational leadership in healthcare.

• 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

The University of Louisville's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare through evidence-based practice and leadership. Students can enter the program with a BSN or MSN, choosing from multiple specialties and pathways. The comprehensive curriculum develops clinicians who can improve population health outcomes, collaborate across disciplines, and drive systemic healthcare innovations. With flexible online and hybrid learning formats, students complete a minimum of 1000 clinical hours and a capstone DNP project, positioning graduates to assume critical roles in clinical practice, healthcare leadership, and policy development.

• 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

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Louisville empowers advanced practice nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. Designed for both BSN and MSN graduates, this program prepares clinicians to translate evidence-based knowledge into practice, improve health outcomes, and drive systemic change. Students complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours, engage in innovative practice projects, and develop advanced skills in collaboration, policy development, and healthcare quality improvement.

• 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

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Louisville empowers nurses to become advanced clinical leaders and transformative healthcare professionals. Designed for both BSN and MSN graduates, this comprehensive program prepares students to improve population health outcomes through evidence-based practice. Students can choose from multiple specialty tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner, with flexible online and hybrid learning formats. The rigorous curriculum combines scholarly research, leadership development, and practical experience, requiring 1,000 clinical hours and a substantial DNP project that demonstrates advanced practice skills.

• 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

Western Kentucky University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in healthcare leadership. This comprehensive 76-credit program blends rigorous scientific foundations with evidence-based practice, emphasizing clinical expertise and systemic healthcare improvements. Students develop advanced skills in health assessment, pharmacology, and primary care, with opportunities to gain national FNP certification. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical experience, equipping graduates to drive meaningful patient care transformations across diverse healthcare settings.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in healthcare. This rigorous 76-credit program emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy development, and clinical expertise. Students gain comprehensive skills through a hybrid format, focusing on advanced physiological assessment, pharmacology, and primary care for infants, children, and adults. Graduates are eligible for national FNP certification and can pursue diverse healthcare leadership opportunities.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses for transformative leadership roles in healthcare. Designed for both BSN and MSN graduates, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy development, and organizational change. The Nurse Executive concentration specifically equips nurses with advanced leadership skills across healthcare settings, focusing on strategic management, organizational behavior, and innovative healthcare delivery. With a comprehensive curriculum spanning 63 credit hours, students develop critical competencies in financial management, communication, and ethical leadership.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses for transformative leadership roles in healthcare. Offering flexible BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy development, and organizational change. Students can specialize in Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Executive concentrations, gaining comprehensive skills to address complex healthcare challenges. The rigorous curriculum combines scientific foundations, clinical expertise, and leadership training, enabling graduates to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes across diverse healthcare 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

Bellarmine University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program empowers healthcare professionals to become transformative leaders in nursing. With flexible online tracks including Advanced Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership, and Nurse Anesthesia, students gain advanced clinical and leadership skills. The program offers specialized preparation for nurses seeking to elevate their practice, with total credit hours ranging from 35-68 depending on the chosen track. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum focuses on enhancing patient care, healthcare systems management, and advanced clinical expertise across diverse healthcare settings.

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

Bellarmine University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Advanced Nursing Practice concentration equips healthcare professionals to become transformative clinical leaders. This comprehensive online program prepares advanced practice nurses to elevate patient care quality through specialized knowledge and strategic system improvements. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning with 35-38 credit hours, enabling students to advance their careers while managing personal and professional commitments. Graduates gain critical skills in documentation, practice trend analysis, and implementing systemic changes to enhance patient population outcomes.

• 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 University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Executive Leadership concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to become transformative healthcare leaders. This fully online program equips students with specialized skills in organizational management, strategic planning, and systemic healthcare improvements. Designed for working nurses seeking doctoral-level leadership roles, the program blends advanced clinical knowledge with critical business and management competencies. Students develop expertise in financial aspects of healthcare, human resource management, and innovative organizational strategies. Tailored for professionals with existing nursing credentials, the program offers flexible learning pathways and comprehensive preparation for high-level healthcare leadership positions.

• 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 University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia is an intensive, full-time 36-month program preparing advanced practice nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The comprehensive curriculum combines rigorous online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences across leading healthcare facilities in Louisville. Designed for post-BSN nurses with critical care backgrounds, the program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and one year of critical care nursing experience. Students undergo comprehensive training to administer anesthesia across diverse patient populations, with opportunities to work in various medical settings. Graduates are positioned to take the National Certification Exam and enter a high-demand healthcare profession with significant autonomy and professional respect.

• 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

The University of Kentucky's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in complex pediatric healthcare settings. This specialized program uniquely equips students to provide critical care for critically ill children and those with unstable chronic conditions. Students learn to integrate cutting-edge research into clinical practice, becoming champions of innovative pediatric healthcare interventions. Graduates are trained to work in multidisciplinary teams across children's hospitals, acute care facilities, and specialized medical settings.

• Only Acute Care PNP Program in Kentucky
• Doctoral-level pediatric nursing curriculum
• Multidisciplinary healthcare training
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board recognized
• Advanced research integration skills

The University of Kentucky's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a pioneering, top-ranked nursing doctorate offering transformative advanced practice education. Established in 2001 as the first DNP program in the U.S., it prepares nurses for high-level clinical leadership roles through flexible learning paths. Students can choose between Post-BSN (3 years) and Post-MSN (2 years) tracks, with hybrid online and on-campus coursework. Graduates emerge as expert healthcare innovators equipped to design, implement, and evaluate complex healthcare delivery systems with advanced clinical and executive skills.

• First DNP Program in U.S.
• Top 9% Nationwide Ranking
• Two Entry Point Options
• Hybrid Learning Model
• CCNE Full Accreditation
• Part-Time Study Available
• Nationally Recognized Faculty

The University of Kentucky's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a pioneering healthcare education pathway designed to elevate nursing professionals to advanced practice and leadership roles. As the first DNP program in the United States, established in 2001, it offers two entry points: Post-BSN and Post-MSN, with flexible full-time and part-time study options. Ranked in the top 9% of DNP programs nationally, the program prepares nurses to transform healthcare through evidence-based practice, innovative leadership, and comprehensive patient-centered care.

• First DNP Program in U.S.
• Top 9% DNP Programs
• Hybrid Learning Model
• BSN and MSN Entry Options
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 2-3 Year Completion Time
• Advanced Practice Focus
• Clinical Leadership Preparation
• Nationally Recognized Faculty

The University of Kentucky's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, established in 2001, is a pioneering and top-ranked program preparing advanced practice nurses for leadership roles. Focusing on the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, students develop comprehensive skills in healthcare delivery, evidence-based practice, and system-level management. The program offers flexible entry points for BSN and MSN graduates, with full-time paths completing in two to three years. Students gain expertise in person-centered care, population health, and innovative healthcare strategies through a hybrid learning model that combines online and on-campus experiences.

• 1st DNP Program in US
• Top 9% Nationwide Ranking
• Hybrid Learning Model
• Two Entry Point Options
• Full CCNE Accreditation
• BSN-DNP in 3 Years
• MSN-DNP in 2 Years
• National/International Faculty