Application Deadline
The DNP application opens September 15 and closes January 15 for Fall (August) enrollment. The DNP program does not admit a spring class.
Application Timeline
Qualified, complete applicants will be contacted after the application deadline to schedule interviews with graduate nursing faculty.
Following interviews applications will be reviewed and decision letters mailed to all applicants.
Admission is competitive based on the number of qualified applications received and the space available. We do not admit students from all states.
Out-of-State Students
The University of Kentucky works to provide distance learning courses and programs to students across the state of Kentucky, the country and abroad, but location matters when it comes to the availability of some courses and programs. Each state and territory have different requirements for distance learning. Out of state students who are interested in distance learning should read each section below and confirm that their program of interest can be offered and/or lead to licensure or certification in their state or territory.
- State Authorization is a type of consumer protection regulated by states and territories. Institutions are required to obtain state authorization when they offer online courses or programs outside of their home state. Visit the State Authorization by Program section to learn which programs are authorized in each state.
- States may have additional requirements for programs that lead to professional licensure or certification. Learn which programs can lead to licensure and certification in each state.
- Contact Distance Learning with questions or for more information.
Additional Information
All admitted students will be required to undergo background check, drug screen and submit proof of immunizations and CPR to a medical document service. For more information about the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, please click this link: https://uky.yuja.com/V/Video?v=4428643&a=161674695
BSN-DNP 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
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Three references (form will be provided) attesting to the applicant's expertise in nursing or health care. References are preferred from the following:
- A recent faculty advisor or a nursing faculty (doctorally prepared)
- A current supervisor
- No more than one from a peer
- Personal interview(s)
- Current active, unencumbered and unrestricted RN License. The 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.
- 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.
- 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
* In instances where exemplary practice has been established and/or the applicant has successfully completed post-graduate work, a provisional admission may be considered for applicants with a GPA below 3.0. This will be evaluated case-by-case based on the number of qualified applicants for each admission cycle. Students admitted provisionally must complete the first (9) hours of DNP course requirements with a grade of B or better in each course to remain in the program.
Exemplary practice is defined as a comprehensive understanding of the role of nursing, the application of that role with patients/families/communities/interdisciplinary team and the application of new knowledge and evidence to continuously drive practice forward which will be evaluated by application material and interview results. (American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2019)
MSN-DNP Option 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:
- A recent faculty advisor or a nursing faculty (doctorally prepared)
- A current supervisor
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
* In instances where exemplary practice has been established and/or the applicant has successfully completed post-graduate work, a provisional admission may be considered for applicants with a GPA below 3.0. This will be evaluated case-by-case based on the number of qualified applicants for each admission cycle. Students admitted provisionally must complete the first (9) hours of DNP course requirements with a grade of B or better in each course to remain in the program.
Exemplary practice is defined as a comprehensive understanding of the role of nursing, the application of that role with patients/families/communities/interdisciplinary team and the application of new knowledge and evidence to continuously drive practice forward which will be evaluated by application material and interview results. (American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2019)