Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice

To be considered for admission to the DNP Post-Master's Specialization, an applicant must have:

• A minimum of a master’s degree and hold at least one degree in nursing at or above the bachelor’s level from a nationally accredited school.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and have successfully completed an undergraduate (or higher level) statistics course.
• An unencumbered RN license in the United States or the country in which the student practices and verification of RN licensure.
  
• NKU application for graduate admission, found at http://apply.nku.edu.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae: educational background, employment history, volunteer/community serivce activities, awards and accomplishments.
  
• All official transcripts  
• TOEFL scores as needed per international student admissions requirements.
• Submission of a 500-word scholarly writing sample, authored solely by the prospective student, meeting the criteria on the DNP Program Writing Sample Rubric
  
• Post-Masters DNP applicants must have experience in a professional nursing role including volunteer/community service activities.

Complete the NKU application for Graduate admission and submit all supporting documentation prior to the application deadline. The completed application file will contain the following documents. No application will be considered until all documents have been received.

1. Complete the NKU application for graduate admission, found at http://apply.nku.edu.
2. A copy of your current, unencumbered Registered Nursing (RN) License in the state(s) you are licensed and practice.
   
3. Resume or Curriculum Vitae: educational background, employment history, volunteer/community service activities, awards and accomplishments.
4. All official transcripts
5. TOEFL scores as needed per international student admissions requirements.
6. Writing sample: a 500-word scholarly writing sample, authored solely by the prospective student, meeting the criteria on the rubric for evaluation.  
   

Submit the above documentation to the NKU Office of Graduate Education at graduate@nku.edu or mail to:

NKU Office of Graduate Education
302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY  41099

• Integrate scientific knowledge from nursing and other disciplines in order to develop and evaluate new health care delivery approaches.
• Provide leadership by working with transdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes within healthcare organizations, educational institutions and agencies that translates to the local, national and international levels.
• Use analytic methods to critically appraise existing literature and other evidence to determine, implement and disseminate the best evidence for Practice.
• Apply information systems/technology resources to implement QI initiatives and support practice and administrative decision-making.
• Advocate for practicing, educating and providing leadership for the provision of just and equitable healthcare within diverse communities to promote health for all.
• Employ consultative and leadership skills with transdisciplinary teams to create change in health care and complex healthcare delivery systems.
• Synthesize concepts related to clinical prevention and population health in developing, implementing, and evaluating interventions to address gaps in care of individuals, aggregates or populations.
• Demonstrate advanced levels of conceptual and analytical skills, systems thinking, educational principles and accountability to improve patient outcomes.

The DNP Project Team is comprised of the DNP student, practice mentor, and a graduate faculty member who serves as chair. More information on the DNP Project Process is available in the Graduate Catalog.