01/25/16 sds
HAYS, Kan. -- Fort Hays State University is accepting applications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program that begins this summer.

The priority application deadline was Feb. 1, but applications will be accepted through March 15. Due to limited space, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

"This is the first doctoral program in the university's history," said Dr. Tim Crowley, dean of the Graduate School. "It represents a significant milestone." The proposal for a DNP program at Fort Hays State was approved on May 20, 2015.

The Department of Nursing will offer two programs. The first is a four-year program that allows students with a bachelor's degree in nursing to earn a DNP. This program uses a hybrid teaching model, allowing students to complete the majority of their coursework from their own homes with limited trips to campus.

The second program lasts two years and allows students with a master's degree in nursing to earn a DNP. This program is aimed at students with an advanced practice degree. Students are required to be on campus for intensive clinical experiences for three days per year. Students in the program can live anywhere in the United States.

"We have been blessed with amazing faculty who work diligently to maintain faculty practice sites," said Dr. Jenny Manry, associate professor of nursing, "This allows us to stay current in evidence-based practice and provide the best patient care."

Manry also noted the overall success of FHSU's nursing program. Most recently, that was demonstrated by an American Academy of Nurse Practitioners report that family nurse practitioners who graduated from FHSU in 2015 received a 100-percent pass rate on the AANP National Certification Exam.