Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master of Science in Nursing Certificate

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

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is prepared at the graduate level to diagnose, prescribe, and treat conditions across the lifespan. This concentration prepares the graduate to test for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Please review the Graduate Catalog MSN information available, as well as the sample course curriculum for

• Fall full-time semester start.
• Fall part-time semester start.
• Spring full-time semester start.
• Spring part-time semester start.

When you are ready to apply, refer to the Application Process hyperlink on this web page for additional information. Cohorts begin each fall and spring. Applicants who apply to WKU's MSN FNP program should live and complete their clinical hours in KY or TN.

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is prepared at the graduate level to diagnose, prescribe, and treat psychiatric illnesses and mental health conditions across the lifespan. This concentration prepares the graduate to test for certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan).

Please review the Graduate Catalog MSN information available, as well as the sample  course curriculum for

• Summer semester start.
• Spring semester start.

When you are ready to apply, refer to the Application Process hyperlink on this web page for additional information. Cohorts begin each spring and summer. Applicants who apply to WKU's MSN PMHNP program should live and complete their clinical hours in KY or TN.

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is prepared at the post-graduate level to diagnose, prescribe, and treat conditions across the lifespan. This certificate prepares the completer to test for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Please review the Graduate Catalog Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate information available, as well as the sample  course curriculum for

• Fall or Spring semester start.

When you are ready to apply, refer to the Application Process hyperlink on this web page for additional information. Cohorts begin each fall and spring. Applicants who apply to WKU's MSN FNP program should live and complete their clinical hours in KY or TN. 

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is prepared at the post-graduate level to diagnose, prescribe, and treat psychiatric illnesses and mental health conditions across the lifespan. This certificate prepares the completer to test for certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan).

Please review the Graduate Catalog Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate information available, as well as the sample  course curriculum for 

• Summer semester start.

When you are ready to apply, refer to the Application Process hyperlink on this web page for additional information. Cohorts begin each summer. Applicants who apply to WKU's MSN PMHNP program should live and complete their clinical hours in KY or TN.

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 access the Graduate Applications section on the right side of the page.
• Select Domestic and International Applicants to begin your WKU Graduate Admission 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 Pre- Application Questions web page, use the drop down list to select the appropriate term/semester you want to begin your course work. Ensure all other information on this web page is provided. Note: You may only take classes beginning the semester you indicate on your application. We highly recommend NURS 521 (Graduate Stats) in the Summer. Thus, new, applicants are highly encouraged to select summer instead of fall for their semester start.
• Follow the application checklist prompts through each section. You will need to complete all 10.
• On the Planned Course of Study web page, select the relevant Category of Study ("Certificate" or "Masters"), Planned Course of Study, and MSN applicants will need to select a Concentration. Please note, if you select the incorrect item and submit your application, a new application will have to be completed.
• If you have any questions or issues during the online application process, please contact the Graduate School at 270-745-2446.

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

Acceptance of graduate transfer courses by the Graduate School does not mean that the courses fulfill course requirement in MSN courses. Review the WKU Graduate Catalog for transfer policies.

For more information on tuition costs at WKU, please visit this website; in addition to tuition, there are clinical course fees that will be billed to your University Account each semester you are enrolled in a clinical course. Also,please visit this website for more information about the cost of either certificate program, average time to complete & other important information.