Fort Hays State University plans to offer its first doctoral degree, beginning in September.

The school said in a news release that it will offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice through its Department of Nursing in the College of Health and Life Sciences. The college dean, Jeff Briggs, said it will be a clinical doctorate rather than a research doctorate.

The program will replace the family nurse practitioner program currently offered as part of the Master of Science in Nursing degree. Recipients will work the same positions family nurse practitioners and physician assistants work.

The Kansas Board of Regents approved the request on Wednesday.