Unlock a Better Nursing Future

Choosing the BSN to DNP path that elevates your nursing career

• By Kate Gollahon
• December 16, 2024
• Education

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) is streamlining the path to doctoral-level, specialized education for nurses. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree have the opportunity to quickly advance their careers and specialize in specific advanced practice roles.

Why Pursue a DNP Degree?

In our constantly changing health care environment, DNP-prepared advanced practice registered nurses can use the outstanding training offered within our BSN to DNP programs to become equipped for either the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role or the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) role.

Whatever setting you envision as the most fulfilling APRN career for you, our BSN to DNP program prepares you to take on the future with an innovative mindset and the highest quality of care. 

DNP Paths

The TTUHSC BSN to DNP program offers two paths to prepare you for a fulfilling health care environment where you achieve your career goals. Obtaining this professional doctorate prepares nurses for the highest level of practice. Our graduates have the scientific knowledge and practice expertise to improve outcomes and build access to care across settings from rural health clinics to major urban health systems.

• The BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program at TTUHSC offers distance learning, clinical opportunities, and over 1,000 clinical hours. The family nurse practitioner track trains nurses who provide comprehensive primary care while treating patients of all ages, ideal for those passionate about primary care, building long-term patient relationships and providing professional service to a variety of patient settings.
• The BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is a distance learning program with over 1000 clinical hours of direct care practice in a DNP project. It is a nursing journey suited for those drawn to mental health advocacy, and who envision a future as a psychiatric mental health care provider in their community as well as in acute care and telehealth settings. This program will provide you with evidence-based tools to diagnose and manage patients with common to complex mental health conditions throughout their lifespan.

The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program is to provide a rigorous education to prepare expert clinicians and scholars who will improve health care for West Texas, the state and the nation.

Scholarship Opportunities

At TTUHSC, the School of Nursing prioritizes our students. We strive to allow you the financial means necessary to achieve your futures. Scholarship funds come from many generous donors, creating available funding for nursing students who are enrolled or newly admitted to the school. 

To find out more about the selection process, timelines and specific scholarships offered, you can explore our scholarships page.

Application deadlines are as follows:

DNP Family Nurse Practitioner and DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Deadline:

• 2025 Summer: January 15th

Due to changing regulations, the TTUHSC School of Nursing Graduate Programs cannot guarantee at the time of submission of an application that we can accept students from a particular state. At this time, we are unable to accept students living in the following states: Arizona, California, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington.

Start your journey by applying today. No matter which track you choose, our program offers BSN-prepared nurses a direct path to advanced practice, leadership and influence in nursing. This degree is a powerful investment in a future where you can drive change, provide expert care and shape the future of health.