while enhancing the student's ability to think critically, reason logically, and communicate effectively:

• The doctoral curriculum builds on the baccalaureate curriculum by incorporating education courses in evidenced based practice, advanced clinical, organizational, economic, and leadership skills to design and implement programs of care delivery. Translation of research into practice will significantly impact health care outcomes and have the potential to transform health care delivery.
• The fourth component, systematic process, is the utilization of an organized method to evaluate the needs of diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. The process involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation on a continual basis. Elements such as communication, problem solving, planning, inquiry, and appraisal are used to develop and evaluate the interventions developed.
• The doctoral graduate leads and collaborates change for improved healthcare systems and designs systems for improved population health based on research translation. At all levels relevant research literature is utilized in the application of the nursing process
• The fifth component is sustainability. Defined as the development of one's self and one's craft that yields an ability to thrive, and remain productive long-term.
• The doctoral graduate appreciates the benefits of learning and continual professional growth while recognizing its importance in functioning as an expert clinician, leader and scholar, positively effecting health outcomes in a transforming healthcare system.

Faculty and Students can access the Kentucky State University Student Handbook at the following site: https://www.kysu.edu/student-engagement-and-campus-life/student-handbook.php

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (BSN-DNP) PROGRAM

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Kentucky State University in the School of Nursing is 72 credit hours (9 semesters). The BSN-DNP online program places emphasis in the care of the adult gerontology population. Courses are completed online and clinical/residency hours are to be completed in the student's region with an approved preceptor/mentor. Course contents based on the DNP Essentials. The DNP curriculum is a program designed to prepare the RN with the BSN degree to function in the role of an advanced practice nurse caring for patient ages 13 and beyond (Adult-Gerontology) with a variety of primary care settings. To satisfy the requirements for graduation, the student must complete 72 semester credit hours of coursework and 1080 hours of time in the clinical setting with qualified preceptors. The student must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above. The DNP curriculum is congruent with established standards for clinical doctorate programs, it includes appropriate advanced nursing practice competencies, role specific professional standards and guidelines, and certification requirements. In addition, it has clearly articulated student learning outcomes and program outcomes consistent with contemporary practice.

The advanced practice nursing curriculum emphasizes competence, accountability, and legal, ethical standards in the practice of the profession, and evidence-based practice. The curriculum includes cultural, ethnic, and socially diverse concepts and also includes knowledge from regional, national or global perspectives. Graduates of the DNP program will be able to demonstrate the following competencies, which are aligned with the NONPF, ACEN, and AACN Standards for Clinical Doctorate, including: