Post Master-Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post Master (PM-DNP) program at Wichita State University is a terminal degree in nursing that offers an alternative to PhD research-focused doctoral programs. The DNP is a degree that meets the need of nurses who would like to pursue doctoral study, and focus on clinical practice, leadership, and quality improvement in their profession.

The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) has promoted the DNP degree as the highest level of nursing education in response to the increased complexity of healthcare, the disparity among healthcare disciplines, and the vast amount of knowledge needed for advanced practice nurses.

Key Program Features

  • Students learn patient and practice management. Students receive education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement and healthcare system leadership.
  • Students receive advanced clinical practice content in pathophysiology and pharmacology geared towards practicing APRNs
  • Expert and guided instruction. The DNP program offers online courses and ample interactions with expert faculty.
  • Systematic approach in course completion.
  • Students engage in active clinical practice as an APRN. 
  • Students lead a quality improvement project in their current practice site,  community or side by side with a WSU nurse faculty researcher to assess, evaluate, and improve outcomes.

Program Facts

  • Program entry point is in the Spring
  • Average program length is 2-3 years, with full and part time options
  • Completely online
  • Application deadline is October 15th (Priority Deadline July 15th)
  • Application ratio varies
  • GPA to apply is 3.5
  • Current APRN licensure and national board certification in specialty area are required

Note: All post master DNP applicants continue with the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specialization area completed in their MSN degree.