DNP Students Taking Oath
NOVEMBER 8 – 14, 2026

Celebrating Coug Nurse Practitioners

NP Week logo text, featuring a stethoscope shaped like a heart.

During National Nurse Practitioner Week (#NPWeek), Washington State University College of Nursing celebrates the nurse practitioners, educators, students, and alumni who serve our communities. Explore their stories, meet our Doctor of Nursing Practice faculty, and see how Coug Nurses prepare for advanced practice.

Supporting the Next Generation

Group of people, including a person in a cougar mascot costume, posing in front of red, silver, and white balloons with a "Go Cougs" banner.
WSU College of Nursing Nurse Practitioner faculty surrounding the Butch cougar mascot at the WSU Vancouver campus white coat celebration.

Leading the DNP program

Ryan Hunt

Ryan Hunt, FNP, and clinical assistant professor, brings experience in clinical practice and nursing education to his role as DNP Program Director. As his first semester in the role continues, he shares what he is learning, his priorities, and his perspective on preparing future nurse practitioners.

Scholarship support strengthens clinical learning

LeeAnna Smith, BSN 2019, PMHNP student, receiving her white coat at the spring DNP White coat ceremony, Friday, March 6, 2026. Photo: Bob Hubner.
LeeAnna Smith, BSN 2019, PMHNP student, receiving her white coat at the spring DNP White coat ceremony, Friday, March 6, 2026. Photo: Bob Hubner.

See how the Trude Smith Tribal Clinic Rotation Scholarship supports WSU nursing students as they deepen their understanding of culturally responsive, relationship-centered care in Tribal communities.

Group of DNP nursing students and faculty celebrating during the White Coat Ceremony at Washington State University.
Group of DNP nursing students celebrating during the White Coat Ceremony at Washington State University.

Family Connections. Individual Journeys.

For Audra Podruzny, nursing connects generations. Her story traces a path through WSU nursing education that began with her mother.


Sisters, Students, and Mothers on the DNP Path

Sisters Kylie Flemens and Kyra Nichols are pursuing their DNP degrees together while balancing nursing, school, and raising families.

The Human Side of Care

Courtney Polimeni wins 1st place award for Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest
Courtney Polimeni wins 1st place award for Hope Babette Tang Humanism in Healthcare Essay Contest

Courtney Polimeni’s award-winning essay, “The Window,” reflects on a patient encounter and the importance of human connection in nursing.


The Path to Practice

Barbara Bennett-Wolcott, DNP, APRN, CNM (WSU Faculty Mentor), Anastasia Tunstall-Fernandez, APRN, FNP-C, DNP Student, Karin Pearson, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, Facility Mentor at the WIN 2025 poster session.
Barbara Bennett-Wolcott, DNP, APRN, CNM (WSU Faculty Mentor), Anastasia Tunstall-Fernandez, APRN, FNP-C, DNP Student, Karin Pearson, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, Facility Mentor at the WIN 2025 poster session.

From receiving a white coat to completing a doctoral project, DNP students build the knowledge and experience they will bring to patient care.

91% WSU DNP Certification Pass Rate WSU CON Curriculum and Evaluation Department
82% National DNP Certification Pass Rate
169 Students Enrolled (2025-2026) WSU CON Curriculum and Evaluation Department

Meet Our DNP Faculty

Take your next step

Explore WSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program and learn how graduate nursing education can support your goals.