2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

Entire Catalog Colleges Content & Navigation Course Filters Courses Degree Types Program Acronyms Program Descriptions Program Emphases Program Requirements Program Types Subjects Search Search Help
Search Descriptions

Doctor of Nursing Practice - Program Description

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the Kirkhof College of Nursing section in this catalog.

Associate Dean: Scott. Professors: Bostrom, Coviak, Gendler, Grinstead, Kline, McCurren, Scott; Associate Professors: Bambini, Barry, Beel-Bates, Brintnall, Davis, Droste-Bielak, Jensen, Leder, Martin, Mupepi, Schafer, Schoofs, Van Doren; Assistant Professors: Britton, Leiras-Laubach, Mlynarczyk, Reick, Ryan, Schumacher, Vander Werf, Washburn; Affiliate Faculty: Baar, Bollman, Brown Bayus, Butcher, Carlson, Cooper, Cunningham, Damstra, Hooper, Jarchow, Leigh, Mielke, Sanchez, Shaw, Stockdale;Visiting Assistant Professor: Weisbeck.

Web Site: www.gvsu.edu/kcon

The Kirkhof College of Nursing offers a program of graduate study leading to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree. The D.N.P program prepares nurse leaders who will contribute to the nursing profession and improve the health of society with an emphasis on either advanced clinical or administrative practice. The changing demands of this nation's complex health care environment require the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure high quality patient outcomes.

Graduates will be prepared to:

1. Provide advanced and complex care within an area of specialization in nursing that is scientifically and evidence-based; incorporating the science of nursing and other disciplines to optimize the functioning of individuals, their families, and communities.
2. Use organizational and systems leadership, information technology, interprofessional collaboration, and policy advocacy to improve and transform health care.
3. Contribute to the practice of nursing through clinical expertise, clinical scholarship for evidence-based practice, and active leadership in local, regional, and national professional groups.

Admission Process and Procedures

The D.N.P. program is designed for both post-baccalaureate in nursing (BSN) and post-master's degree in nursing (MSN) entry. If a post-BSN applicant, the BSN program must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing (NLN). If an MSN applicant, BSN and MSN programs must have been accredited by CCNE or NLN. Official transcripts must verify completion of BSN and/or MSN program(s) in nursing.

The admission process for the D.N.P. program is highly competitive. Applicants will be required to:

1. Complete the GVSU graduate application available at www.gvsu.edu/admissions/graduate-application-24.htm
2. Select one of two program emphases: advanced practice (child/adolescent or adult/older adult); or nursing administration and health care systems.
3. Submit transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework.
4. Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate coursework for a BSN to D.N.P. applicant.
5. Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all graduate coursework for a MSN to D.N.P. applicant.
6. Submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores. In general, scores on the GRE for successful applicants are 500 for both verbal and quantitative scales, and 4.0 for analytical writing. Students who completed the GRE prior to the analytical writing assessment and whose scholarly writing assessment samples are deemed inadequate will be required to retake the GRE.
7. Participate in a scholarly writing exercise.
8. Prepare a written goal statement describing professional and educational goals.
9. Submit a current curriculum vitae/resume.
10. Participate in an interview process as requested.
11. International student applicants must meet TOEFL requirements for GVSU.

Full admission is contingent on successful completion of the following:

1. Current licensure to practice nursing in Michigan.
2. A required criminal background check and drug screen.
3. Health record documentation and immunization requirements.

An admission cohort will begin the D.N.P. curriculum each fall semester. For consideration for admission, the application and supplemental materials must be received by February 1 of the calendar year in which the student desires entry.