The University of Michigan-Flint School of Nursing offers unique learning experiences and pathways for RNs and BSN-prepared nurses who desire to become a nurse practitioners. With one application, students can apply to the BSN to DNP with MSN program and be eligible for both MSN and DNP degrees. The program allows a student to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree as a nurse practitioner in one of four specialty concentrations, to sit for the corresponding board certification exam, and to practice as a nurse practitioner while continuing to complete the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. After conferment of the MSN, a student can complete the DNP degree in as little as one year, while excelling as a DNP-prepared scholar in practice.
The DNP program prepares nurse practitioners as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who are practice experts in the care of individuals and families as well as leaders, policy makers and scholars who strive to improve patient quality of care and system outcomes. Students have the opportunity to select a specialty in outpatient (family or gerontology), acute, or psychiatric mental health care. The School of Nursing will make an effort to offer all four concentration areas each year. However, the Graduate Nursing program reserves the right to delay the offering of specialty clinical courses until minimum enrollment levels are met.
The University of Michigan-Flint Doctor of Nursing Practice program is CCNE-accredited, and was developed using multiple industry and certification criteria. The program is taught in a distance-learning (online) format with campus visits approximately once per semester.
The program is also offered as a Nursing Practice/Business Administration (Dual DNP/MBA) dual degree program.
Licensed nurse practitioners seeking to certify as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner can apply to the Post-Graduate certificate program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission:
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A current unencumbered RN license in the United States.
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A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university with an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (3.5 for graduate work).
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At least one year of RN experience is preferred, depending on concentration.
There are additional admission requirements for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration. Please visit the Office of Graduate Programs at www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms for additional information.
RN-licensed nurses with an associate degree in nursing or other nursing diploma, with or without a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, and with a minimum GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 post-secondary credits (or the most recent 60 college-level credits if the ADN degree does not meet the 60-credit minimum), also may be considered for admission. These students must complete 20-23 credits in specific courses, all but English at UM-Flint, and all with minimum grades of B (3.0).
Application for Admission
Please visit the Office of Graduate Programs at www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms for application deadlines. Students may be admitted to the Fall, Winter or Spring semester.
International students must submit additional documentation, and an interview with a faculty member either by phone or in person to delineate clear clinical interests that are compatible with the mentoring capacity of the School of Nursing faculty.
Applicants from states other than Michigan are responsible for checking with the State Board of Nursing in the state they wish to become licensed, to ensure that the program meets any individual state licensing requirements as a nurse practitioner.
Before applying, out-of-state students, or those who may relocate during the program, should contact the School of Nursing to confirm that the University of Michigan-Flint is authorized to offer distance education in the student’s state of residence. The School of Nursing, in conjunction with the Office of Online & Digital Education, will determine the university’s status in that state. Applicants from states other than Michigan are responsible for checking with the State Board of Nursing in the state they wish to become licensed, to ensure that the program meets any individual state licensing requirements as a nurse practitioner.
Transfer of Credit
Up to twelve (12) credits of graduate coursework completed at an accredited institution may be accepted for transfer or waiver into the DNP program. A maximum of nine (9) credits can be counted toward the MSN degree.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
All requirements must be completed within seven calendar years of initial enrollment in the program.
Academic Rules and Regulations
See the School of Nursing (SON) and Graduate Study sections of this Catalog for academic rules and regulations pertaining to graduate programs offered by the School.
