Process and Deadlines

The following materials are required for application to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. Prospective students can apply to the DNP program using the KU Medical Center Online Application.

The application deadline is Jan. 1, 2025, for Summer 2025. 

Apply Online

• $75 nonrefundable application fee.
• Official transcript(s) of all college-level coursework. Transcripts should be sent directly to the University of Kansas School of Nursing.
• Written statement of career goals and practice interests.
• Three references from advanced practice nurses, nursing faculty or physicians who are able to attest to the applicant's potential ability for advanced practice and engagement in scholarly activity and leadership roles.
• An application vitae, as outlined in the Application Vitae for DNP Applicants.
• Evidence of current registered nurse licensure in at least one state of the United States. Upon admission, students will need to meet additional licensure and participation requirements. Please see the section regarding enrollment in nursing courses for more information.
• An informational on-campus or telephone interview with a School of Nursing representative. To schedule an appointment, call (913) 588-1619.

Admission decisions are finalized approximately eight weeks after the application deadline. All applicants are then notified of their admission status with mailed letters from the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.

Enrollment Deposit: To verify admission acceptance and secure enrollment, admitted graduate students must submit a $400 (non-refundable) enrollment deposit. This deposit is applied to the first semester's tuition and is not an additional fee.

NRSG 935 Professionalism and Scholarship Workshop: New DNP students are required to attend this two-credit hour course, which serves as an introduction to the KU DNP program and to doctoral study. The course meets on the KU Medical Center campus in Kansas City, June 2 - June 6, 2025.

Background Check Requirement

For KU programs to maintain accreditation status, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires that all persons, employees, volunteers and students involved in patient care activities to have background checks. This status is very important to health care organizations to demonstrate to patients and professionals that they meet the highest of standards for patient care.

This background check will be done at the applicant's expense after provisional acceptance has been granted. The information from this report is held in confidence by the school. Read more information regarding background checks for students.