GRAYSON, Ky. — Kentucky Christian University is expanding its graduate nursing offerings with the launch of a new Doctor of Nursing Practice program through KCU Ascend, the university’s online platform for mission-driven education.
The new DNP program is designed to prepare advanced nursing professionals for leadership in clinical practice, health care systems, nursing education, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. Built with working nurses in mind, the program combines the academic strength of KCU’s Yancey School of Nursing with the flexibility and accessibility of KCU Ascend.
“The Doctor of Nursing Practice program represents an important step forward for the Yancey School of Nursing and for Kentucky Christian University,” said Dr. Carol Brickey, Dean of the Yancey School of Nursing. “This program is designed to equip nurses with the advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice expertise needed to improve patient outcomes and lead meaningful change in health care.”
The DNP is a practice-focused doctoral degree that prepares nurses to apply research, strengthen systems of care, and address complex challenges in today’s health care environment. Students in the program will engage in advanced coursework focused on clinical leadership, evidence-based practice, health care policy, quality improvement, and organizational change.
Through KCU Ascend, students will be able to pursue the DNP in an online format designed for adult learners who are balancing professional, personal, and academic responsibilities. The platform reflects KCU’s commitment to making Christ-centered graduate education accessible to students who are called to lead and serve without stepping away from their current roles.
“Nurses are often at the center of both patient care and health care transformation,” Brickey said. “Our goal is to prepare DNP graduates who are not only clinically excellent, but also grounded in servant leadership, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to caring for the whole person.”
The new program builds on KCU’s long tradition of preparing compassionate, skilled nurses through the Yancey School of Nursing. As the demand for highly prepared nursing leaders continues to grow, the DNP offers a pathway for nurses who are ready to expand their influence, advance the profession, and serve at the highest level of practice.
The launch also reflects the broader purpose of KCU Ascend: to provide flexible, mission-driven online programs that help students rise into the next level of their calling. For nurses pursuing doctoral preparation, the DNP offers both professional advancement and a deeper opportunity to lead with faith, excellence, and purpose.
Applications for the new Doctor of Nursing Practice program through KCU Ascend are now open. The enrollment deadline is July 1, 2026.
For more information about the program, visit kcu.edu/doctorate-of-nursing-practice-dnp/. To apply now, visit kcu.edu and click Apply.
About Kentucky Christian University
Kentucky Christian University is a private, Christ-centered university located in Grayson, Kentucky. For more than a century, KCU has prepared students for faithful service and professional leadership through academic excellence, biblical integration, and a commitment to developing servant-leaders for the Church and the world.
