When it began in 2001, the University of Kentucky College of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program was the first of its kind in the United States. Under the guidance of Dr. Carolyn Williams, third dean of the College, the program was implemented by co-directors Dr. Julie Sebastian and Dr. Marcia Stanhope. The tradition of excellence continues to this day - the program is ranked in the top 5 percent of DNP programs nationwide.
Dr. Williams has had a profound impact on nursing education and community health through the development of the UK DNP program. The deans and academic leadership that succeeded her carried the vision forward. Graduates of the program are experts in designing, implementing, managing and evaluating health care delivery systems and are prepared to lead at the highest clinical and executive ranks.
There are two entry points to the DNP Program. We offer a Post-Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) entry option for those with an awarded master’s degree in nursing who are already prepared in the role of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). A Post-Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) entry option is offered as well, which builds on the BSN degree and prepares individuals for the advanced practice role. Both options culminate with the DNP degree.
The program is known for:
- DNP faculty known nationally and internationally for work in their specialties
- Close work with clinical mentors
- Classes that mix online work with on-campus work
Historically the DNP program Student Learning outcomes/objectives were created based on the old nursing accreditation essentials/standards and the new/revised DNP program SLO’s/objectives similarly are based on the new 2021 essentials/standards.
The DNP program includes several Advanced Practice Nursing (APRN) specialty tracks to include (Adult Gero Acute Care NP, Family NP, Pediatrics Primary NP, Pediatrics Acute NP, Psychiatric/Mental Health NP, and Leadership). Each specialty track has various options for how students enter the program; students can be admitted in the BSN to DNP option (which include core and specialty courses), or the MSN to DNP option (which includes core and specialty courses). In addition to the specialties mentioned the MSN to DNP option also offers a Clinical Leadership and Non Specialty tracks which are not available in the BSN to DNP option.
In relation to required courses for the all specialty tracks in the DNP program, two new core courses will be added and two existing courses will be removed in addition to revising some existing core courses and course credit hours. One new specialty course will be added, but this course will only be added to one of the DNP tracks (Psychiatric/Mental Health). Multiple minor specialty course changes were made in the DNP program also, which will be addressed through course changes.
The course and curriculum changes are modified without any increase in overall maximum required credit hours for the DNP degree. There are no changes to admission or progression requirements for the DNP program as part of this proposal. No additional faculty resources are required to deliver the revised courses.
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