Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Nursing Practice – Post-BSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [DNP]


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

The curriculum includes foundational coursework and clinical experiences culminating 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


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Possess a BSN degree (Applicants holding an RN license with a bachelor’s in another discipline 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).
  • Have a current unrestricted license to practice as a professional registered nurse in the U.S or eligibility to obtain a Michigan license.
  • Have completed an approved basic statistics course that includes descriptive and inferential statistics within the last ten years.
  • Have completed a basic health assessment course.
  • Have completed an undergraduate community health nursing course and clinical (or equivalent) from an accredited university. In addition, RNs with a Bachelor’s in a discipline other than nursing must either complete the Community Health Nursing courses (NURS 450  & NURS 451 ) or complete the Community Health ATI Examination to demonstrate equivalency.
  • A telephone or in-person interview may be a part of the admission process

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

  • Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state in which practice will occur (Applicants who are eligible for a license may apply for conditional admission)
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • A two to three-page (500 words maximum) personal statement describing your goals as a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontological NP.

The personal statement should reflect your understanding of (1) the role of an Adult-Gerontological NP and (2) the DNP prepared Advance Practice Nurse. It should clearly indicate that your goals are a fit for your chosen program. It is most effective when you have researched the program and the scope of practice of your area of interest before writing your personal statement. Review the documents linked above from the AACN, NACNS, and NCBSN to help articulate the fit with your goals. The personal statement is evaluated based on your understanding of the role of the DNP prepared Advance Practice Nurse, fit with our program, and the ability to express yourself clearly and professionally.

Application Process

The university takes an average of 2-3 weeks to make admission decisions. Therefore, the response time from the School of Nursing may be longer depending upon submission date and application deadlines.

School Information


Nursing Michael L. Williams, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, CNEDirector | 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

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

Advisor Information


Lydia McBurrows, Associate Professor, 355 Marshall, 734.487.2343, lmcburro@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 NP program may apply to the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 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


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