Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Online

BSN to DNP Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP Program, applicants must submit the following documented evidence:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree in nursing granted by an institutionally accredited college or university.
• Current and unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in at least one legal jurisdiction in the United States and its territories.
• Submission of current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to highlight current clinical, educational, or administrative practice related to nursing that can serve to facilitate the successful completion of an advanced nursing degree.
• A preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Submit a letter of intent for graduate school admission.

Application Process and Deadlines

To be considered for admission into the BSN-to-DNP Program, applicants must submit the following to the University’s Office of Admissions:

1. A completed Application for Admission form.
2. Official transcripts verifying completion of a baccalaureate or higher-level degree in Nursing from an institutionally accredited college or university, and satisfactory completion of all prerequisite coursework with a grade of a “C” or higher (“C-“will not be accepted).
3. Official final transcripts from all colleges attended.

Application Deadline

Please be advised that applications are due no later than July 31st (early submissions are encouraged) through the NursingCAS website.

Admissions Contact Information

Questions related to the Midwestern University Admissions portal:

Midwestern University Office of Admissions 
Phone: 888-247-9277 or 623-572-3200
Email: admissaz@midwestern.edu

General questions can be directed to:

Program Director, Dr. Logue
Email: mlogue@midwestern.edu

Application Status & Updates

Please note: The receipt of the application materials and the file status can be tracked on the University's website. Upon receipt of the application, the Office of Admissions will send instructions for accessing account information. Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions, at the above address, of any changes in mailing address and/or e-mail address.

All requests for withdrawal of an application must be submitted in writing via e-mail, fax, or letter to the Office of Admissions.

Selection Process

The BSN-to-DNP program at Midwestern University uses a rolling admissions process. Completed applications are reviewed, and decisions to admit candidates are made regularly during the admission cycle until the class is filled. The admissions committee reviews all completed applications to the DNP program and formulates and submits a recommendation to the Dean for final approval. The Dean, via the Office of Admissions, notifies applicants in writing of admission decisions. Applicants are required to submit their applications by July 31st. Applicants are notified of their selection status no later than two weeks after completing their file.

Reapplication Process

After receiving either a denial or an end-of-cycle letter, prospective students may reapply for the following year's admissions cycle. Before reapplying, however, applicants are encouraged to seek input on strengthening their application from a counselor in the Office of Admissions after the admissions cycle is officially over. To initiate the reapplication process, prospective students must complete and submit new applications and proceed through the standard application procedures.

Transfer Policy

The BSN-to-DNP program may elect to accept transfer students. Transfer students must apply to the program. Any requests for consideration of transfer credit must be provided in writing by the student before the interview or by July 31st. The request must include supporting documentation, including official transcripts, course syllabi, or course descriptions. 

Qualified students may transfer up to 9 semester credit hours (didactic only) of doctoral-level credits for the DNP, with individualized course evaluations by faculty that ensure alignment with program quality and accreditation standards. All transfer requests are reviewed prior to matriculation to provide clear, upfront decisions and a seamless start to your program. Transfer credit decisions are based on equivalency of course content, academic quality, and alignment with program outcomes and accreditation standards. 

All transfer credit requests are subject to approval by the Admissions Committee, which determines the number and type of graduate credits accepted, including both semester and quarter credit equivalencies. 

Note: Clinical specialty and practicum courses are non-transferable due to variability in clinical hours, supervision, and regulatory requirements.

• Programs may impose stricter limits based on specialty, certification, or regulatory requirements.
• The course must be completed at an accredited institution and as part of an accredited program.
  • Minimum grade of B or higher
  • Completed within the past 5 years

Time Limitations on Applicability

• Accepted transfer credits apply only to the program of admission.
• Credits cannot be re-applied to future programs without reevaluation.

BSN-to-DNP Program Goal

The goal of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing-to-Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-to-DNP) program is to prepare competent, ethical, and collaborative nurses for doctoral-level nursing practice and leadership. The program develops competencies in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, patient safety, population health, systems leadership, and interprofessional collaboration. Through practice immersion experiences and a DNP project, students learn to translate evidence into practice, address complex healthcare challenges, and lead sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery. Graduates will be prepared to advance nursing practice and improve outcomes for diverse individuals, families, communities, and populations.

BSN-to-DNP Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing-to-Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-to-DNP) curriculum prepares nurses to apply evidence, lead healthcare improvements, and address complex practice and systems challenges. The curriculum integrates graduate nursing foundations with doctoral-level study, practice immersion, and a DNP project.

Key areas of study include:

• Evidence-based practice and translation of evidence into practice
• Research appraisal and biostatistics
• Population health, health promotion, and health equity
• Quality improvement and patient safety
• Healthcare systems leadership and organizational change
• Health policy and ethics
• Healthcare economics and finance
• Informatics and data-informed decision-making
• Interprofessional communication and collaboration
• Evaluation of practice and healthcare outcomes
• Project planning, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination

Students learn to evaluate evidence, identify opportunities for improvement, design and implement practice changes, and assess their impact. Through practice immersion and a DNP project, students develop the leadership and scholarship skills needed to improve care quality, strengthen healthcare systems, and advance outcomes for diverse individuals, communities, and populations.

Experiential Learning

Practice immersion and applied learning experiences are central to the BSN-to-DNP program.

Students complete mentored practice experiences that connect classroom learning with nursing practice, organizational leadership, and healthcare improvement while building competence in:

• Translating evidence into practice
• Quality improvement and patient safety
• Systems leadership and organizational change
• Population health and health equity
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Using data to evaluate practice and healthcare outcomes

Students also complete a DNP project focused on improving practice, healthcare delivery, or patient and population outcomes. Through project planning, evidence appraisal, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination, students develop the skills to lead sustainable, evidence-based improvements in care.

Together, these experiences prepare nurses to apply doctoral-level leadership and scholarship to advance nursing practice, strengthen healthcare systems, and improve outcomes for individuals, communities, and populations.

Tuition & Fees Information

The BSN to DNP program is anticipated to begin Fall 2027 and its tuition and fees will be available in Spring 2027.   

For detailed information about the total cost of attendance for all Midwestern University programs, visit the Cost of Attendance section on the Student Financial Services website. The total cost of attendance figures includes tuition/fees, estimates for books, supplies, and living expenses, etc.

Tuition rates are subject to change each academic year for all enrolled students. Visit the Tuition & Fees page for important information regarding tuition.

Visit the Leave of Absence, Withdrawal Notification, and Refund Policy page for the policy and procedure for leave of absence, withdrawal and refund.

For the Student Financial Services contact information, visit the Financial Aid page.

DNP Career Opportunities

BSN-to-DNP graduates may pursue nursing leadership, quality improvement, patient safety, population health, and practice improvement roles in settings such as:

• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Community health centers and public health organizations
• Ambulatory and outpatient care organizations
• Long-term care and senior care organizations
• Academic institutions and nursing education programs
• Integrated care networks and healthcare quality organizations

Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Midwestern University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.