A DNP DEGREE GRADUATE IS PREPARED TO IMPROVE HEALTH
AND CARE OUTCOMES THROUGH ORGANIZATIONAL/SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP,
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROCESSES, AND TRANSLATION OF
EVIDENCE INTO PRACTICE, AMONG OTHER WAYS.

For advanced practice program advising, please contact our Graduate Nursing Coordinator: Dr. Cynthia Hupert by email cmhupert@svsu.edu or by phone 989.964.4595.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

A DNP degree is a practice-focused program. It is different from a research-focused doctorate which prepares Nurse Educators and Researchers. For the DNP degree, there is a practice application-oriented final DNP project required rather than a dissertation, measured according to its contribution to improve outcomes. SVSU's DNP program is designed for nurses who work full-time by limiting the number of in-person sessions to one or two Saturday seminars each fall and winter with the remaining coursework being done online. Based on an individual’s progression the program can be completed in as little as three years, or it can be spread out longer if needed.

There are two program tracks which allow a nurse to obtain a Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

A patient getting their blood pressure taken

BSN to DNP Program

This program track is designed for individuals who want to become a Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and continue on to complete their degree with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Students are awarded a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree at the end of three years and have the option to take the FNP certification exam and begin practicing as an FNP. As a FNP this degree will prepare you to practice within the complex health care systems environment.

MSN to DNP Program

This track is available to any RN who has a MSN from an accredited university, regardless of the focus or major and will build on professional experiences which will be integrated into the learning process to practice within a multifaceted health care system environment.