Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Nursing Practice – Post-MSN [DNP]


The Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a two-year post-MSN program. At the start of the program, applicants must hold a Master of Science in Nursing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), or Nurse Midwife (CNM) from an accredited School of Nursing. Applicants must also be nationally certified or eligible in their specialty area and have current specialty licensure in the state in which practice will occur.

The curriculum includes advanced coursework and practicum experiences that culminate in the DNP Capstone project (dissertation equivalent). The program is offered in a super-hybrid format where classes will be available both online and in seats and through alternative designs (such as one-week immersion or extended weekend programming). Students can expect to be on campus 2-4 times each semester for course, program, and capstone work. The program typically requires 2 classes per semester year round.

Applicants who fall in-between post-BSN and post-MSN requirements will require a “Gap Analysis” to be conducted by the Associate Director of Graduate Programs prior to enrollment. The minimum number of credits required to complete this program is 41 credit hours.

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.

  • Earned a Master of Science in Nursing in an advanced nursing practice specialty from a nationally accredited CCNE or NLNAC program OR a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, in a health-related profession, Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). (Applicants who are eligible for their MSN prior to the start of the program may apply for conditional admission).
  • Current National Certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). (Applicants who are eligible for National Certification may apply for conditional admission).
  • A current unrestricted license to practice as an advanced practice nurse in the state in which practice will occur (Applicants who are eligible for Advanced Practice Licensure may apply for conditional admission).
  • A current unrestricted license to practice as a professional registered nurse in the U.S. or eligibility to obtain a Michigan license. (Applicants who are eligible for licensure may apply for conditional admission).
  • 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).
  • International students must meet minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School (International Admissions)
  • Have successfully completed an approved basic statistics course that includes descriptive and inferential statistics within the last 10 years.
  • 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.

  • Current National Certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).
  • Current license as an advanced practice nurse in the state in which practice will occur.
  • Current license as a registered nurse in the state in which practice will occur.
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • A two to three-page (500 words maximum) personal statement that describes your goals as a Doctor of Nursing Practice prepared Advance Practice Nurse and how participation in the DNP program will enhance these goals.

Use one or more of the DNP Essentials to help articulate your goals (DNP Essentials). Identify and briefly discuss a practice-based problem that interests you. This topic might serve as a topic for your final, DNP scholarly project. The personal statement is evaluated based on your understanding of the role of the DNP prepared Advance Practice Nurse, your fit with our program, and the ability to express yourself clearly and professionally.

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).

School Information


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

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

Sherry M. Bumpus, Ph.D,, FNP-BC, Director of Nursing Operations | 311 Marshall, 734.487.2310, sherry.bumpus@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: 41 hours


Students admitted without National Certifications or Advance Practice Licensure will be required to supply evidence of sitting for their certification exam by the end of Term 9 (or part-time equivalent).

Students may also claim up to 500 practicum hours from their MSN program toward the 1000 practicum hours necessary to be awarded a DNP.