BSN to DNP
Kent State's BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program will prepare you to be an advanced practice nurse with the highest level of leadership, technology, and clinical expertise.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the terminal degree for nurses who want to advance their knowledge of nursing practice, gain leadership and technology skills, and become clinical scholars. In this program, students develop leadership skills to affect health outcomes for individuals and populations by translating scientific evidence into clinical interventions, managing healthcare systems, and collaborating with other health care providers.
This program is ideal for registered nurses who want to enter advanced nursing practice. While the master's in nursing is currently an acceptable entryway into advanced practice, a DNP may be a requirement to practice in the future. In addition, the DNP may position you for higher leadership positions where you can affect change in practice.
Why Kent State? We offer you:
- Online core courses, in-person practice role courses*, and practicum experiences at a location near you.
- An experienced faculty advisor who will work with you to develop and conduct a Scholarly Project that will contribute to nursing practice and positively impact patient outcomes.
- Mentorship and guidance from our doctorally prepared faculty, which include nationally certified advanced practice nurses, active researchers, and experienced nurse leaders who understand the challenges of today's healthcare environment.
A structured pathway to the DNP
The first two years of the program are focused on preparing you for an advanced practice role in the concentration you choose. After completing the necessary coursework and practicum hours, you will receive your MSN and will be eligible to sit for certification. During these two years, you may begin your DNP coursework.
After you are certified as an advanced practice nurse, you will complete the remainder of your DNP courses and scholarly project. The timeframe to complete this part of the DNP is 2 years on average but can range from 1.5 to 3 years.
Concentration Options
You may choose to complete your DNP in any of these advanced practice areas:
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist - 100% online
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- 100% online
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner - 100% online
Admissions Criteria
We invite you to apply to the DNP program if you meet the following requirements:
- A BSN degree1 or an MSN degree in advanced practice nursing that is accredited by CCNE or ACEN.
- MSN degree students must submit proof of current, national certification as an APRN within their first semester or prior to beginning their practicum hours, whichever comes first.
- A minimum overall 3.000 GPA on a 4.000 point scale.
- Completion of an undergraduate- or graduate-level statistics course with a minimum C grade.
- Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which the student's practica will be completed.
- GRE scores, no more than five years old (Effective spring 2019, GRE scores will only be required for post-Bachelor of Science in Nursing applicants).
Curriculum
The BSN-to-DNP program is 71-79 total credits, 1,050-1,200 practicum hours, and can be completed in 3.5-5 years.
Below you will find a sample curriculum plan for 4-year students.
Meet the Faculty
Learn more about the Doctor of Nursing Practice faculty members:
Lisa Onesko
DNP, APRN-BC
Program Director & Associate Professor
Kimberly Cleveland
JD, MSN, RN, C-MBC
Lecturer
![Photo of Lynn Gaddis](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/focal_point_preview/public/GaddisLynn.jpg?itok=XzfJEcr6")
Lynn Gaddis
DNP, APRN, CNP-BC
Assistant Professor
Louise H. Knox
DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Assistant Professor
Marilyn S. Nibling
DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, PNP-BC
Assistant Professor
Begin Your Transformation
Discover why Kent State's BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program is right for you. Enrollment advisors can be reached at 330-672-7911.
Partially OnlineA hybrid format with both online & in-person classes.
Request Information
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Kent State University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) concentrations within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and APRN Certificates, along with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-to-DNP) program qualify graduates to sit for national APRN certification and APRN licensure in Ohio. States other than Ohio may have additional requirements to apply for or obtain an APRN license, including but not limited to specific state examinations, letters of recommendation, or proof of completion of an accredited nursing program. The College of Nursing is in the process of collecting information from all states and has not yet made a determination whether graduates from the Kent State University College of Nursing MSN, Certificate, and BSN-to-DNP programs meet the requirements for APRN licensure outside the state of Ohio.