Oct 04, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Post-BSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (DNP-GCNS)


The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a four-year post-BSN program. Students in this program are required to complete the coursework for one of two Advance Practice Registered Nursing programs; Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). This program is for the Post-BSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track. Graduates will matriculate as Clinical Nurse Specialist prepared DNPs who will practice in acute care or community settings, working with patients from adolescents through geriatrics.

The curriculum includes foundational coursework and clinical experiences that culminate in the DNP Practicum (dissertation equivalent) Capstone project. Students must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited School of Nursing (or complete Bridge requirements, if the applicant is an RN with a bachelor’s degree in another field) and be eligible for a Michigan Nursing License.

The DNP program is offered in a hybrid format where classes meet both online and in seats. The program typically requires 2 classes per semester year round.

Program Admission


Admission Requirements | To be admitted students must first meet requirements set by the Graduate School, as well as the following DNP-specific criteria.

  1. Possess a B.S.N. degree (Applicants holding an R.N. license with a bachelor’s in another discipline may apply for a conditional admission).
  2. Have at least a cumulative 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) college GPA. (Applicants may seek conditional admission with a GPA of 2.75).
  3. International students must meet minimum requirements for admission into the Graduate School (International Admissions)
  4. Have a current unrestricted license to practice as a professional registered nurse in the U.S. or eligibility to obtain a Michigan license.
  5. Have successfully completed an approved basic statistics course that includes descriptive and inferential statistics within the last 10 years.
  6. Have successfully completed a basic health assessment course.
  7. Successful completion of an undergraduate community health nursing course and clinical (or equivalent), from an accredited university. R.N.s with a Bachelor’s in a discipline other than nursing have to either complete the Community Health Nursing courses (NURS 450  & NURS 451 ) or successfully complete the Community Health ATI Examination to demonstrate equivalency.
  8. A telephone or in-person interview may be a part of the admission process

Additionally, the following documents are required and must be submitted with the application.

  1. Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state in which practice will occur (Applicants who are eligible for a license may apply for a conditional admission)
  2. Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  3. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  4. A two to three-page (< 500 words) personal statement that describes your desire and preparedness for becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice, your future plans, and your professional goals. Essays will be evaluated based on fit with our program, the ability to express yourself, the degree of scholarly content, spelling, grammar, and use of the current American Psychological Association style.

Application Process | Applicants must:

  • Complete an application for admission to the Graduate School. The university takes an average of 2-3 weeks to make admission decisions. The response time from the School of Nursing may be longer depending upon submission date and application deadlines.
  • Submit official transcripts from each educational institution you have attended so your admission application can be processed.
  • Select the program code on your application (DNP-GCNS).

School Information


Nursing, College of Health and Human Services

Michael L. Williams, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, CNE | Director | 309 Marshall | 734.487.2310 | michael.williams@emich.edu

Jennifer Avery, Ph.D., RN | Associate Director of Graduate Studies | 318M Porter | 734.487.7676| javery10@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Angela Lukomski | Associate Professor | 334 Marshall | 734.487.0045 | alukomsk@emich.edu

Jennifer Avery | Assistant Professor | 318M Porter | 734.487.7676 | javery10@emich.edu

Deanna Kowaleski | Admissions & Advising Specialist | 311 Marshall | 734.487.6599 | dkowales@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 84 hours


Students who complete the 43 credit hours and 500 clinical practicum hours in good graduate standing for the CNS program may apply to the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist MSN program at the end of Term 5 (or equivalent part-time) and graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing at the end of Term 6 (or part-time equivalent). Transcripts will reflect the conferral of an MSN degree at this point. Students will continue to complete the remainder of their doctoral work within the DNP program (Terms 7-12) and are required to provide evidence of sitting for their certification exam by the end of Term 9 (or part-time equivalent).

Clinical Courses: 19 hours