The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree for clinical nursing practice. Nurses that graduate from a DNP program with an executive leadership track have a number of options ranging from clinical leadership to hospital administration. Many opportunities exist for DNP-educated nurses in the state of Kentucky. Many DNP-prepared nurses, such as advanced practice registered nurses, continue with their current employer, but move to a higher-paying position. Others become entrepreneurs and open up their own practice or provide consulting services to other nurses.
Universities nationwide offer DNP programs to students. In the state of Kentucky, most of the post masters DNP program range from 28 to 38 credit hours, depending on the track you select. On the other hand, BSN to DNP students are expected to complete 65 to 95 unit hours in addition to a number of supervised clinical clerkship hours.
The competencies address the following:
- Scientific underpinning for practice.
- Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking.
- Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice.
- Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care.
- Health care policy for advocacy in health care.
- Inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes.
- Clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation's health.
- Advanced nursing practice.
2026 Best DNP Programs in Kentucky
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY - Public 4-Year - uky.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) PNP Track
Concentration: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Kentucky's DNP Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program stands as Kentucky's sole specialized track, offering a comprehensive pathway for advanced pediatric nursing professionals. Designed to address complex pediatric healthcare challenges, this hybrid program integrates cutting-edge research with clinical practice. Students develop expertise in managing critically ill children and unstable chronic conditions across diverse medical settings. The program's unique curriculum emphasizes multidisciplinary training, preparing graduates to become innovative pediatric healthcare leaders. With recognition from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, students gain advanced skills in critical care, research integration, and specialized pediatric interventions.
- Only Acute Care PNP Program in Kentucky
- Doctoral-level pediatric nursing curriculum
- Multidisciplinary healthcare training
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board recognized
- Advanced research integration skills
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
As the pioneering DNP program in the United States, the University of Kentucky's doctoral nursing track represents a transformative educational experience for advanced practice nurses. Established in 2001 and ranked in the top 9% nationally, this hybrid program offers unprecedented flexibility with Post-BSN (3-year) and Post-MSN (2-year) tracks. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes healthcare innovation, complex system design, and executive clinical skills. The program's CCNE full accreditation and nationally recognized faculty ensure graduates are equipped to lead healthcare transformation, implement evidence-based practices, and drive systemic improvements in patient care delivery.
- 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
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult Gerontology, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Kentucky's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides a robust pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice expertise in geriatric and acute care settings. As a groundbreaking program ranked in the top 9% nationally, it offers flexible entry points for BSN and MSN graduates with full-time and part-time study options. The hybrid learning model combines online and on-campus experiences, enabling students to develop comprehensive skills in evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and healthcare leadership. Graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners prepared to address complex healthcare challenges in acute and geriatric environments.
- 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
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Kentucky's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration offers a comprehensive educational journey for nurses aspiring to advanced practice roles. As the first DNP program in the United States, this hybrid track provides flexible pathways for BSN and MSN graduates, completing in two to three years. The curriculum emphasizes person-centered care, population health management, and innovative healthcare strategies. Students benefit from a nationally recognized faculty, developing expertise in comprehensive healthcare delivery, evidence-based practice, and system-level management. The program's CCNE accreditation and top 9% national ranking ensure graduates are well-prepared to lead transformative healthcare initiatives.
- 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
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY - Public 4-Year - wku.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Kentucky University's DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares nurses for advanced clinical leadership through a comprehensive 76-credit hybrid program. Students develop sophisticated healthcare skills focusing on evidence-based practice, emphasizing advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and primary care across patient populations. The curriculum strategically balances theoretical knowledge with practical experience, enabling graduates to pursue national FNP certification. With a minimum 3.25 GPA requirement, the program integrates clinical practicum, healthcare technology, and leadership development to transform nursing practice. Designed for ambitious healthcare professionals, this program equips nurses to drive meaningful patient care innovations and systemic healthcare improvements.
- 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
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Kentucky University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration offers a rigorous 76-credit hybrid program targeting advanced nursing professionals. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive primary care training for diverse patient demographics, integrating evidence-based practice, health policy development, and clinical expertise. Students gain advanced physiological assessment skills and pharmacological knowledge, preparing for national FNP certification. With flexible full and part-time options, the program maintains a minimum 3.25 GPA requirement and includes extensive clinical practicum experiences. Graduates emerge as versatile healthcare leaders equipped to address complex patient care challenges across various clinical settings.
- 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
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Kentucky University's DNP Nurse Executive concentration provides a transformative leadership pathway for advanced practice nurses. Spanning 63 credit hours, this hybrid program targets BSN and MSN graduates seeking strategic healthcare management roles. The curriculum deeply explores organizational behavior, financial management, and innovative healthcare delivery models. Students develop critical leadership competencies through interdisciplinary coursework, emphasizing communication, ethical decision-making, and systemic change strategies. With a competitive 3.25 GPA admission requirement and comprehensive clinical practicum, graduates are prepared to lead complex healthcare organizations and drive meaningful institutional improvements.
- 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
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Kentucky University's flexible online DNP program offers comprehensive advanced nursing education with multiple specialized pathways. Supporting both BSN and MSN transitions, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy, and organizational leadership. Students can choose between Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Executive concentrations, gaining skills to address sophisticated healthcare challenges. The 76-hour program maintains a competitive 3.25 GPA requirement and includes national certification opportunities. With full and part-time options, clinical practicum experiences, and advanced leadership training, graduates are positioned to innovate and improve patient outcomes across diverse healthcare environments.
- 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
Louisville, KY - Private 4-year - bellarmine.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
Bellarmine University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides a comprehensive pathway for healthcare professionals seeking advanced nursing leadership roles. The fully online curriculum spans multiple specialized tracks, offering flexible learning opportunities for working nurses. With credit hours ranging from 35-68, students can choose from Advanced Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership, and Nurse Anesthesia concentrations. The program emphasizes transformative leadership, clinical expertise, and strategic healthcare system management. CCNE-accredited and designed for post-master's and BSN-prepared nurses, the program enables students to enhance patient care quality and develop advanced professional competencies across diverse healthcare environments.
- Fully online program
- Multiple specialized tracks
- 35-68 total credit hours
- Post-master's and BSN options
- CCNE accredited program
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) - Online Learning - Visit Website
Bellarmine University's Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) DNP concentration delivers a targeted online program for nurses seeking clinical leadership advancement. This 35-38 credit hour curriculum focuses on developing sophisticated clinical skills and systemic improvement strategies. Students gain expertise in documentation, practice trend analysis, and population health outcomes. The program accommodates working professionals with flexible learning formats and semester start options. Designed for post-master's and BSN-prepared nurses, the concentration emphasizes advanced practice techniques, enabling graduates to implement meaningful healthcare interventions and drive quality improvement initiatives across complex medical settings.
- 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
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Bellarmine University's Executive Leadership DNP concentration equips nursing professionals with advanced organizational management skills. The fully online 35-38 credit hour program prepares nurses for high-level healthcare leadership roles by integrating clinical knowledge with strategic business competencies. Students develop expertise in financial management, human resources, and innovative healthcare strategies. Tailored for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning pathways and comprehensive preparation for transformative leadership positions. Graduates emerge with sophisticated skills to navigate complex healthcare systems, implement organizational changes, and drive strategic improvements across diverse medical environments.
- 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
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Campus Based - Visit Website
Bellarmine University's Nurse Anesthesia DNP program is an intensive 36-month, full-time curriculum preparing advanced practice nurses for CRNA certification. The comprehensive 101-credit hour program combines rigorous online coursework with extensive clinical experiences in Louisville healthcare facilities. Designed for critical care nurses, the program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and one year of critical care nursing experience. Students receive comprehensive training in anesthesia administration across diverse patient populations, with multiple clinical affiliations and a focused 20-student cohort. No GRE is required, and the COA-accredited program positions graduates for a high-demand, autonomous healthcare profession.
- 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
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY - Public 4-Year - louisville.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Louisville's DNP program offers a transformative educational experience for nurses seeking advanced practice leadership. With flexible BSN and MSN entry pathways, students can choose from seven nursing specialties, completing 75-112 credit hours through online and hybrid formats. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical expertise, and healthcare innovation. Students will engage in a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours and develop a scholarly DNP project that demonstrates advanced practice skills and potential for systemic healthcare improvements.
- 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
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Louisville's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides an intensive pathway for nurses to become advanced clinical leaders. Designed with flexible entry options for BSN and MSN graduates, the program combines rigorous academic training with extensive clinical experiences. Students complete 1,000+ clinical hours through hybrid online/campus formats, focusing on comprehensive patient care, evidence-based practice, and transformative healthcare strategies. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, preparing graduates to address complex healthcare challenges and improve population health outcomes.
- 75-112 credit hours total
- Hybrid online/campus format
- 1000+ clinical hours required
- Multiple entry pathways
- Leadership-focused curriculum
Doctorate - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Louisville's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a comprehensive three-year training experience for advanced nursing professionals. This hybrid program prepares students to address critical mental health challenges through in-depth coursework covering psychopathology, advanced assessment, and psychopharmacology. With 77 total credit hours and extensive clinical practicums, students develop advanced skills in individual and group psychotherapy. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and transformational leadership, positioning graduates to make significant contributions in mental healthcare settings.
- 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
Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Louisville's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program equips nurses with advanced clinical and leadership skills. Offering flexible BSN and MSN entry pathways, students complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours through online and hybrid learning formats. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and healthcare innovation. Graduates are prepared to assume critical roles in clinical practice, healthcare leadership, and policy development, with opportunities to pursue APRN certification and drive systemic healthcare improvements.
- 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
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Louisville's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides a robust educational pathway for advanced practice nurses. Designed for BSN and MSN graduates, the program spans 75-112 credit hours with hybrid online/campus delivery. Students develop advanced clinical skills through 1,000 minimum clinical hours, focusing on evidence-based practice, healthcare quality improvement, and leadership development. The curriculum prepares nurses to translate scholarly research into practice, drive systemic change, and assume leadership roles in complex healthcare environments.
- 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
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Louisville's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration offers a comprehensive program for nurses seeking advanced clinical leadership. With flexible entry options for BSN and MSN graduates, students can complete 75-112 credit hours through online and hybrid learning formats. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and population health improvement. Students engage in 1,000 minimum clinical hours and complete a substantial DNP project, positioning graduates to become innovative healthcare professionals across seven distinct nurse practitioner specialties.
- 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
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY - Public 4-Year - eku.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Organizational Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Eastern Kentucky University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice program specializing in Organizational Leadership offers a strategic pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum spans 32-38 credits with flexible 8-week terms and zero mandatory campus visits. Students explore comprehensive strategies for healthcare system transformation, learning to implement evidence-based improvements and drive organizational change. The program distinguishes itself through individualized mentorship, competitive admission standards, and practical leadership training. Graduates emerge equipped to navigate complex healthcare environments, with a competitive online tuition of $716 per credit hour and complimentary textbooks enhancing the educational value. The program's practice-focused approach ensures nurses develop sophisticated organizational leadership competencies.
- Online DNP with Organizational Leadership
- 32-38 total credit hours
- No campus visits required
- Online tuition $716/credit
- Free textbooks for students
- Individualized mentorship
- Practice-focused curriculum
- Competitive admission
- Career advancement opportunity
Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Choosing to enroll in a DNP program is a life-altering choice and should not be taken lightly. There are many considerations that must be addressed before hand. The state of Kentucky offers students a total of seven DNP programs.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— Tuition for DNP programs in the state Kentucky will vary depending on whether the program is offered by a private or public institution. If attending a private university in the state of Maryland, you can expect to pay between $840 to $1,158 per unit hour. Conversely, most public institutions in the state charge students between $565 and $675 per unit hour. Online credit hours generally cost around $840/credit hour.
- Online Options—
- Western Kentucky University: offers an MSN to DNP pathway that has components online but is offered primarily on-site.
- Northern Kentucky University: offers a fully online post-master's DNP program.
- Frontier Nursing University: offers a post-master's DNP where courses can be completed online
- Eastern Kentucky University: offers a post-MSN DNP which can be completed 100% online.
- Bellarmine University: the post-master's DNP program allows flexibility through hybrid courses, which blend on-campus and online learning. Classes typically meet only 3-4 times a semester, on Saturdays.
- Accreditation— Prior to enrollment in any university program it's important to consider accreditation. DNP programs in the state of Kentucky are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
- Clinical Residencies— Fellowships and residencies help students gain valuable clinical experiences. Your school of choice should be able to tell you what partnerships they have with local health care facilities in which to secure a residency.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Standards for admission to DNP programs in the state of Kentucky will vary from university to university. Prospective nursing students who will be most successful will need to have fulfilled the following prerequisite requirements:
- Be in possession of an unencumbered RN license
- Possess a BSN or MSN degree
- Have maintained a 3.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system in either their undergraduate or graduate degree program (depending on the degree point from which they're entering from)
- Provide academic transcripts
- Write a Statement of Purpose
- Pass a drug and background test
- Provide resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Verification/documentation of clinical hours
- Provide two letters of reference
Certification
In the state of Kentucky, upon successful completion a DNP program, students are able to sit for their state's certification examinations. Once passed, students can move on with the process of becoming certified in the various positions available to DNP graduates including advanced practice nursing specialties like:
- Population and Organizational Systems Leadership
- Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Executive Nurse Leader
Licensing
Licensing requirements in the state of Kentucky for APRNs include:
- Complete an application
- Background checks
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
Kentucky BSN to DNP Program Options
- Bellarmine University: BSN-DNP
- Frontier Nursing University, Hyden: ADN-DNP, BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP, BS-DNP
- Murray State University, Murray: Post-MSN and BSN-DNP
- University of Kentucky, Lexington: Post-MSN and BSN-DNP
- Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green: Post-MSN and BSN-DNP
Related Education Paths
- Kentucky Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Kentucky Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- Kentucky FNP Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Kentucky
- Kentucky Board of Nursing
- Kentucky Association of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse-Midwives
- Kentucky Organization of Nurse Leaders
- Kentucky Association of Nurse Anesthetists
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Kentucky
Bowling Green, KY
Western Kentucky University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- 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
Columbia, KY
Lindsey Wilson College
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online DNP program
- Executive Leadership concentration
- $730 per credit hour
- No GRE requirement
- 2-5 year completion time
- BSN and MSN to DNP tracks
- Clinical practice capstone project
- Asynchronous learning format
Lexington, KY
University of Kentucky
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) PNP Track
Concentration: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Only Acute Care PNP Program in Kentucky
- Doctoral-level pediatric nursing curriculum
- Multidisciplinary healthcare training
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board recognized
- Advanced research integration skills
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult Gerontology, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
Louisville, KY
Bellarmine University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- Multiple specialized tracks
- 35-68 total credit hours
- Post-master's and BSN options
- CCNE accredited program
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) - Online Learning - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- 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
University of Louisville
- Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 75-112 credit hours total
- Hybrid online/campus format
- 1000+ clinical hours required
- Multiple entry pathways
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Doctorate - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
Murray, KY
Murray State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid distance learning format
- 100% first year online
- 36-month program duration
- In-state tuition rates
- Clinical experiences at home sites
- 100% certification exam pass rate
- Advanced practice registered nurse preparation
- Comprehensive patient care training
Richmond, KY
Eastern Kentucky University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Organizational Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- 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
Versailles, KY
Frontier Nursing University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- 18-Month Program Length
- 30 Credit Hours Total
- 500 Clinical Hours Required
- Campus Immersion Experience
- Quality Improvement Project
- Small Student Cohort
- Doctorate Level Clinical Practice
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online coursework
- 30 credit hours
- 18-month completion
- Quality improvement project
- Campus immersion
- Nurse Practitioner concentrations
- Focus on leadership skills
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse-Midwife - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- 18-month Program Length
- 30 Credit Hours
- 500 Clinical Hours
- One Campus Immersion
- Quality Improvement Focus
- Small Student Cohort
- National Certification Required