Graduate Program
APPLICATION FOR DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)
Postmasters Entry
Action on Admission: The Admissions Committee will select the best qualified applicants for
the DNP program based on a composite assessment of:
Academic performance on all coursework taken, with particular emphasis on the sciences
(because of their relationship to assessing analytical problem-solving abilities), relevance
to selected DNP focus, patterns of course withdrawals and course repeats, and the nature
of course selections.
Applicant-supplied information and statements on the application forms and essay.
Responses from References.
If necessary, a personal interview with representatives of the Admission Committee.
Writing and verbal communication skills.
Completeness of application forms.
Admissions will be granted to the most highly qualified applicants. The next most highly
qualified applicants will have their names placed on a waiting list. Some students may not be
admitted. They will be referred to appropriate advising offices for assistance.
Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Are you licensed as a registered nurse? Yes___ No ___If yes, what state? __________________
(A copy of your valid State of Kansas nursing license is required prior to admission)
REQUESTED FOCUS (SPECIALIZATION)
I have an NP or CNS national certification in the follow specialization:
Acute Care NP_____ Family NP_____ Psychiatric/Mental Health NP______ Adult CNS_____
Other Specialty (please specify) ___________________
In addition, please upload the following to the CollegeNet application with the WSU Graduate
School:
Current Resume for Curriculum Vitae
Personal Goals Essay A maximum of 1000 words (double space; 12 font; Times New
Roman; 1 inch margin) in the form of a typed essay which addresses your:
o Reasons for pursuing the DNP including your professional goals and how the
program will enhance your future roles/activities as an advanced practice nurse,
o Focused area of interest in pursuing DNP (e.g., practice area of interest in which
you may be interested in developing the final project), and
o Most difficult issues that you anticipate while in the DNP program and your plans
to handle them.
o Your essay will be evaluated on content and writing abilities. If admitted, this
essay will also be used to help tailor the learning experience toward the
individual’s area of interest.
CERTIFICATION/EXPERIENCE
For Post-masters entry to Individual/Family Focus
Current national certification in specialization and relevant experience as an advanced
practice nurse not listed above. Attach your documentation including copies of current
certification and APRN designation with a listing of relevant experience including dates and
the supervisor’s name and contact information. Applicants not meeting this criterion may be
considered on an individual basis.
Following receipt of application materials, an interview may be required. Selected applicants will be notified of the
date, time, and location for the interview. Interviews are evaluated and provide information to the Admission
Committee. Accepted students must meet the admission criteria for the DNP program (GPAs, prerequisites), and be
admitted to Wichita State University Graduate School.
Mission and Vision Statement
The School of Nursing mission is to improve the health of the community (public good) by inspiring change in
health care (cultural/economic driver) through innovation and excellence in nursing education, scholarship, practice,
and service (essential educational driver).
Vision: INSPIRE INNOVATE EXCEL