Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

If you want to be a FNP, please contact Eve Main (eve.main@wku.edu) prior to submitting an online Graduate School application.

This concentration prepares the graduate to test for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan).

Please review the Graduate Catalog DNP information, as well as the sample course curriculum for Part-time or Full-time enrollment. Both weekday and weekend hybrid courses are offered; the weekend courses will be taught in 4 seminars per semester. The 76 credit hour DNP FNP program is taught by experienced and credentialed faculty.

Please review the Graduate Catalog DNP information, as well as the sample course curriculum for Part-time or Full-time enrollment. Both weekday and weekend hybrid courses are offered; the weekend courses will be taught in 4 seminars per semester. The 63 credit hour DNP Nurse Executive program is taught by experienced and credentialed faculty.

The Post-MSN DNP curricula builds on traditional master's programs by providing educations in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership. The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs.

Please review the Graduate Catalog DNP information, as well as the sample course curriculum for Part-time or Full-time enrollment. The hybrid weekend courses will be taught in 4 seminars per semester with online enchancement. The 36 credit hour DNP Nurse Executive program is taught by experienced and credentialed faculty.

Review the Graduate School Admission Requirements and submit an online application to the WKU Graduate School by following the directions below. 

• On the Apply Now to WKU website, locate the Graduate Applications on the right side of the web.
• Select Doctoral Degree Applicantsto begin your WKU Graduate Application within TopNet.
• On the WKU Admissions Application web page, follow the prompts as requested (logging in with your WKUID and PIN or creating an application account).
• On the Select an Application Type web page, use the drop down list to select Graduate-Doctorial DNP.
• On the Apply for Admissions web page, use the drop down list to select the appropriate Summer you want to begin your course work.  Ensure all other information requested on this web page is provided.
• Follow the application checklist prompts through each section.  You will need to complete all 10.
• On the Planned Course of Study web page, select "Nursing Practice (0011) (C)" from the Planned Course of Study drop down list. Additionally, select the relevant Concentration, as listed below. [Please note, if you select the incorrect item and submit your application, a new application will have to be completed.]
  • BSN to DNP (Nurse Executive)
  • BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Pract)
  • MSN to DNP
• On the Additional Study Course Infoweb page, again, select the relevant Planned Course of Study from the drop down list ("MSN to DNP" or "BSN to DNP").

Once you have received notification of the Graduate School receiving your application, all application materials, as noted in the Graduate Catalog and transcripts, must be submitted directly to the Graduate School. The required reference form can be found here. The post-baccalaureate practice hours form can be found here. Please note: WKU graduates do not need to request transcripts be sent to the WKU Graduate School.