University of Kansas

Nursing Programs Offered

DNP Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Nurse Anesthetist - Master's degree
Nursing Science - Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Nursing Science - Master's degree
RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs

RN to BSN Program Details

The RN-to-BSN degree completion program at the University of Kansas School of Nursing provides registered nurses a way to complete their bachelor's degrees as quickly as possible. The program can be completed in as little as one calendar year of full-time study (provided an RN begins the nursing coursework in June) or up to five years of part-time study.

With an online RN-to-BSN program, registered nurses can earn their degrees through the KU Medical Center's Virtual Classroom. An Internet Web site on the KU Medical Center network, the Virtual Classroom houses courses for the Schools of Allied Health, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy as well as for Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. The Virtual Classroom does not require you to have a physical presence in a traditional classroom.

The BSN is made up of 124-credit hours, 62 of which are prerequisite liberal arts and sciences courses. These may be taken at any accredited four-year or community college. The remaining 62 credits required for the BSN make up the nursing major. Credit for the nursing major courses are earned through a combination of portfolio examination, challenge exams and nursing course work.

RN to MSN Program Details

Through the KU School of Nursing's RN-to-MS program, registered nurses earn both a bachelor of science in nursing degree and a master of science in nursing degree. This program integrates requirements from the RN-to-BSN program and the master's program. Students take coursework at the graduate level that would normally be required at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

RNs may complete both the BSN and MS within three years of full-time study, depending on the major selected in the master's degree portion of the program. Some majors may require longer periods of study. Part-time study options are available. Students may take up to six years to complete the MS.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

The doctor of nursing practice at the KU School of Nursing prepares advanced practice nurses at the highest level of nursing practice. The DNP offers sophisticated, cutting-edge experiences that help nurses actively engage in a complex, dynamic, and demanding health care field. Skills in collaboration, innovation and evaluation, complemented by advanced practice nursing skills will prepare nurses to shape the future of health care. Such advanced practice nurses will be prepared to provide patient-centered care that is evidence-based, contribute to the development of evidence-based practice, and pursue leadership roles in a variety of health care and educational settings.

DNP Program Objectives:

-Integrate science-based theories with clinical expertise and organizational management to provide leadership in health care systems and in development of health care policy.
-Apply research utilization skills in various health care delivery systems.
-Synthesize, interpret, and apply knowledge from nursing practice, research, and theory to promote and sustain evidence-based advanced nursing practice.
-Demonstrate professional values in advanced practice nursing roles.
-Communicate and collaborate with colleagues in nursing and other disciplines to meet the health needs of client systems in varied health care delivery systems.
-Use information and technology in the development and implementation of programs to evaluate outcomes of care, care systems, and quality improvement.