UMKC’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is the highest level of nursing practice. This DNP program prepares nurses to improve overall healthcare by anticipating, adapting, and evolving to the dynamic challenges in present and future healthcare environments. The DNP degree assists the students to become an active partner in improving healthcare outcomes, while participating in complex, dynamic, and demanding healthcare fields. Skills in teamwork, collaboration, clinical innovation and evaluation, complemented by advanced nursing skills is essential preparation for nurses to become leaders in an ever changing healthcare climate.
Nurses prepared at the doctoral level can expect to receive a blend of clinical, organizational, economic, interprofessional and leadership training. Students are taught to use advanced theory to impact daily practice. The practice-based doctorate gives graduates the tools necessary to translate evidence-based research into practice. Graduates are expected to function clinically at the highest level by evaluating outcomes based scientific research evidence, modify care to improve patient outcomes, and advance the delivery of healthcare.
Not sure if a DNP is right for you? UMKC has innovative, visionary faculty and well-established history in nursing education. UMKC developed the first DNP program in the region, graduating the first DNP class in 2008. Not sure which emphasis suits your needs? Let UMKC help. The dedicated faculty at SoNHS can help you align your passion with one of our clinical tracks.
UMKC’s accredited doctorate program offers several diverse emphasis tracks on campus and online. Our online programs consistently rank among the best in the country, and is in the top 10 of the “most affordable” online graduate nursing programs per a recent recognition from U.S. News and World Report.
There are a variety of specialty tracks for BSN and MSN prepared nurses to advance their education with the DNP: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner ( AGNP), Family Nurse Practitioner ( FNP), Primary and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner ( AC/PNP), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner ( WHNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner ( PMHNP), or the ( MSN-DNP) or (BSN-DNP).
*NEW and Updated Plan of Study available soon, accepting applications in 2027. Wishing to apply sooner? Consider our MSN, then MSN-DNP option, linking them back to the MSN specialty area. Contact us at nurses@umkc.edu for more information.
The core curriculum provides a solid foundation in the basic sciences, the use of evidence-based practice guidelines and theory as a basis for nursing practice.
The post-bachelor's DNP curriculum is designed for registered nurses who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a generalist (non-APRN) or nursing education focus. The available specialty tracks are as follows:
We also offer a specialty track to become a CRNA that is only offered as a BSN-DNP track:
Post-BSN to DNP Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) Specialty Track
The Post-Master’s DNP curriculum is designed for nurses who have already earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree or Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. UMKC SoNHS offers three entry pathways in the Post-Master’s DNP program. Visit our MSN-DNP page for resources and a sample plan of study.
Post-MSN, APRN to DNP
Intended for master’s prepared nurses certified in Advanced Practice (APRN) roles seeking to complete the DNP degree, including certified Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives.
Post-MSN, Non-APRN to DNP*
For those with a nursing master’s degree in one of the following areas: Nursing Leadership (Administration), Nursing Informatics, or Nursing Clinical Research Management. National certification in the area is preferred but not required.
*Individualized plans of study are developed for students depending upon prior coursework. Applicants will need to provide course syllabi for evaluation of potential transfer credits from previous programs.
Post-MSN to Advanced Practice DNP (returning for a New or Second NP role and DNP)*
Appropriate for master’s prepared nurses returning for coursework to obtain a new or second NP role along with the DNP, via adding a certificate.
*Individualized plans of study are developed for students depending upon prior coursework. Applicants will need to provide course syllabi for evaluation of potential transfer credits from previous programs. Typically this route is completed by earning a certificate and then completing the MSN-DNP program in succession, sometimes with overlap.
*APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2025 SEMESTERS ARE CLOSED. APPLICATIONS FOR ALL 2026 SEMESTERS WILL OPEN ON AUGUST 7TH.
Please refer to CRNA for program specific admission requirements
Visit the Graduate Admissions page to view required application materials and step-by-step application instructions.
On campus residencies are required during the online programs during clinical courses ONLY. These dates are scheduled in advance and communicated on the schedule for the semester. Faculty will provide more information prior to each scheduled on-campus residency.
**For the MSN-DNP Completion program without the addition of an NP/Specialty Role: there will not be any on-campus residencies of this kind.
The MSN-DNP program offers 2 Institutes: the first is an optional two day institute upon entry into the program, in January or May. Institute attendance is highly recommended and offered in a variety of ways to accommodate the student: on campus or online, synchronous or asynchronous. The content allows the student to develop the tools for success, peer support, role acquisition, and the DNP project topic.
The second Institute occurs upon entering the last full year of the program, in May, with attendance required for two days on campus.
We designed the graduate programs to give professionals flexibility. Our courses are conducted online, some may require virtual class/chat times. Those that do have class/chat times are scheduled on Thursdays or Fridays and are communicated well in advance.
Students use the Web-based software, Canvas, for their online courses. Courses are conducted in synchronous and asynchronous modes depending on the professor and class. You can log on to find homework, class assignments, a class list, a syllabus and more at any time. The program allows students to engage in interactive learning with faculty and other students in an online platform.
| Corrina Beck Senior Student Services Coordinator (A-K) 816-235-5788 beckc@umkc.edu |
Georgia Campbell Senior Student Services Coordinator (L-Z) 816-235-1740 gcampbell@umkc.edu |
Dr. Cheri Barber |