Kansas Doctorate DNP Nursing Degrees

As a nurse, you know how important it is to stay on top of the latest research and best practices in the field to improve patient outcomes. While continuing education is important, you may also be considering going back to school to earn a graduate degree in nursing. There are a few different options for … Continue reading “Kansas Doctorate DNP Nursing Degrees”

As a nurse, you know how important it is to stay on top of the latest research and best practices in the field to improve patient outcomes. While continuing education is important, you may also be considering going back to school to earn a graduate degree in nursing. There are a few different options for nursing education at the doctorate level.

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Most nurses who choose to earn their doctorate go with a doctorate of nursing practice, or DNP. A DNP degree is different from a Ph.D. in nursing. While both degrees are valuable and can lend themselves to lucrative careers in medicine, a DNP is practice-focused, while a Ph.D. in nursing is research-focused. Nurses who want to continue providing direct patient care typically prefer to get a DNP degree.

While going back to school as a nurse presents some challenges, many schools that offer advanced nursing degrees accommodate a nurse’s busy schedule. Some schools offer options to complete all coursework online, while others offer a hybrid option that combines online work with traditional classroom instruction. No matter what your preference, you’ll be able to find a graduate school to fit your lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at three of the most popular DNP programs in Kansas.


1. University of Kansas, Kansas City

At the University of Kansas, the DNP program provides a flexible way for busy nurses to further their education. Collaboration is heavily emphasized in the program, creating graduates who know how to work with others to improve patient outcomes. The program works to teach nurses how to utilize the latest research in nursing to inform their patient care decisions, and to teach other nurses to do the same. The University of Kansas also heavily emphasizes using nursing ethics to make decisions that are in the best interests of patients. This program is available both to students who only have their BSN and to students who have already completed their MSN.

  • Campus: Kansas City, Kansas
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $421 per credit hour. The total number of credits required will depend on the student’s previous experience and education.
  • Minimum time commitment: Three years
  • Online availability: Yes
  • Degree requirements: Applicants must have a BSN or MSN with a GPA of at least 3.25, show potential for leadership in the nursing profession, have an RN license, and successful completion of a high-level statistics course.
  • Programs: Students may choose from several specialties, including clinical research management, nursing informatics, organizational leadership, public health nursing, nurse anesthesia, psychiatric/ mental health nursing, nurse midwifery, family nursing, or adult/ gerontology nursing.

School Site: University of Kansas Medical Center – Doctor of Nursing Practice


2. Washburn University

Washburn University’s DNP program is a great fit for RNs who are ready to take their education to the next level. The program offers several options for advancing your career, including adding an MBA to your curriculum. This DNP program works well for nurses who aren’t sure where they’d like to go in their careers long-term, as it can prepare you for several options, from continuing to provide direct patient care to becoming a policymaker or leader within your organization. Some of the most popular careers among graduates of Washburn University’s DNP program include expert APRN, clinical program director, healthcare executive, and nurse educator. All students who graduate from the program are ready to take on leadership roles and responsibilities at a high level within their organizations. This program is available both to students who only have their BSN and to students who have already completed their MSN.

  • Campus: Topeka, Kansas
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $657 per credit hour. The total number of credits required will depend on the student’s previous experience and education.
  • Minimum time commitment: Three years
  • Online availability: Some. While coursework is available online, students are required to visit the campus for sessions three times each year.
  • Degree requirements: Applicants must have a BSN or MSN and an RN license.
  • Programs: Students who are starting Washburn University’s DNP program with their BSN can choose from family nursing, adult/ gerontology nursing, or psychiatric/ mental health nursing as specialties. Students who are starting the DNP program with their MSN can choose to enroll in the APRN-NP program. All students have the option of earning an MBA alongside their DNP.

School Site: Washburn University – Doctor of Nursing Practice


3. Wichita State University

Wichita State University’s DNP program is the perfect solution for busy nurses who need a flexible option to further their education. The program is completely online, with no visits required to campus. WSU’s DNP program is affordable and made to accommodate long hours and family responsibilities that stop many nurses from getting their doctorate degrees. WSU offers several areas of specialization. All specialty areas have a focus on leadership, and graduates of WSU’s DNP program emerge ready to take on leadership responsibilities in healthcare systems. This program is available both to students who only have their BSN and to students who have already completed their MSN.

  • Campus: Wichita, Kansas
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $472 per credit hour. The total number of credits required will depend on the student’s previous experience and education.
  • Minimum time commitment: Two years
  • Online availability: Yes
  • Degree requirements: Applicants must have a BSN or MSN degree with a GPA of at least 3.25 (some leeway may be given on an individual basis), an RN license, and successful completion of a high-level statistics course in the past six years/
  • Programs: Students may specialize in adult gerontology acute care, adult gerontology clinical nursing, family nursing, or psychiatric/ mental health nursing.

School Site: Wichita State University – Doctor of Nursing Practice for Nurse Practitioner