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Advanced Practice Nursing Doctoral Degree

Excel in advanced nursing practice, leadership, and education. Elevate your career by earning your Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

Transform Your Nursing Career

Pitt State's DNP program offers the highest level of preparation for nursing practice, providing a terminal degree in nursing with an optional emphasis in Nursing Education.

This immersive program allows for specialization in advanced practice roles, making it the ideal choice for healthcare professionals aspiring to leadership roles both at the bedside and in the boardroom.

DNP Pathways

Our Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers flexibility with two distinct pathways, accommodating both aspiring nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN to DNP) and experienced Master of Science in Nursing professionals (MSN to DNP), ensuring a tailored and comprehensive approach to advanced nursing education.

Application Process

The application period for the program is from August 1st to October 10th, with the program scheduled to commence in the Summer Session.

Apply for admission to Pittsburg State University's Graduate School, selecting "Doctor of Nursing Practice" as your status.

Complete your Application Packet for BSN to DNP or MSN to DNP.

Doctorate nursing student at Pitt State
Comprehensive Preparation

Graduates emerge with a terminal degree in advanced nursing practice, equipped to function as expert clinicians, nurse leaders, or clinical faculty.

College student earns doctorate in nursing
Diverse Careers

Our alumni qualify for various advanced nursing roles, including Assistant Professor, Director of Medical Services, Director of Nursing, Hospitalist, and more. 

Advanced nursing major students at Pitt State
Lucrative Salaries

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners in these roles exceeds $100,000.

Become a Nurse Practitioner

Ashley is ready to play a more significant role in patient care. As a nurse practitioner, she will diagnose issues and prescribe medications to enhance patients' well-being.

Advanced Practice Nursing Careers

In addition to technical skills, the Doctoral Nursing program trains students to succeed as leaders. Graduates are prepared to hold positions like:

  • Clinical Research Coordinator: Facilitates and manages cutting-edge healthcare research initiatives, ensuring seamless collaboration between interdisciplinary teams and adherence to ethical standards.

  • Chief Nursing Officer: Orchestrates transformative leadership strategies to optimize patient care, nursing operations, and overall healthcare outcomes within a healthcare organization.

  • Health Policy Analyst: Evaluates, formulates, and advocates for evidence-based health policies, contributing to systemic improvements in healthcare delivery and patient well-being.

  • Advanced Practice Nurse Educator: Inspires and educates the next generation of nursing professionals, integrating advanced clinical knowledge and teaching methodologies in academic settings.

  • Telehealth Program Director: Spearheads the development and implementation of innovative telehealth programs, expanding access to quality healthcare services through virtual platforms.

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist in Acute Care: Exhibits clinical expertise to enhance patient outcomes in specialized areas, collaborating with healthcare teams to implement advanced nursing interventions and protocols.

  • Director of Medical Services: Spearheading strategic planning and execution of comprehensive medical programs to optimize patient care and outcomes.

  • Director of Nursing: Orchestrating and overseeing nursing operations with a focus on quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.

  • Hospitalist: Leading interdisciplinary healthcare teams to provide specialized, patient-centered care in a hospital setting.

Emphases available

Prepare for leadership roles in nursing education and make a meaningful impact on the future of nursing. Develop skills in curriculum design, assessment, and evaluation.

Additional information
for the School of Nursing

Catalog – see program guides