Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P)

D.N.P. Overview

Grand Valley State University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) is offered through the university’s Kirkhof College of Nursing and is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice. It is the only program of its type in West Michigan.

About the D.N.P. Degree

The D.N.P. program creates opportunities for advancement in nursing including clinical and health systems leadership, changing health care delivery, improving patient outcomes, and clinical teaching in higher education. The program will help the Kirkhof College of Nursing remain a leader in nursing education in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

• Progressive curriculum. The D.N.P. curriculum is consistent with the national agenda to transform American health care through interprofessional collaboration, health care policy advocacy, patient-centered care, quality/safety initiatives, and use of informatics. The program offers several emphasis areas including: Advanced Nursing Practice (Child/Adolescent or Adult/Older Adult) and Nursing Administration and Health Care Systems.
• Flexible. Available to full or part-time students. Many classes are offered in a variety of delivery formats to accommodate working professionals.
• Versatile. Prepares nurses for advanced practice nursing roles including clinical practice and nursing administration.
• Practical. Graduates will have an exceptional blend of clinical, organizational, economic, and leadership skills and be prepared to contribute to health care reform.
• Convenient. Courses are offered primarily at the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences in downtown Grand Rapids.

The D.N.P. degree requires approximately 90 credits hours and 1,000 clinical hours for students with a B.S.N. For students enrolling with an M.S.N., the program requires approximately 40 credits and 400 clinical hours.

Related Programs

Admissions

D.N.P. program requirements are available from the Kirkhof College of Nursing at (616) 331-3558. The application for admission is available online. The $30 application fee is waived for alumni of Grand Valley.

Cost

Grand Valley offers an excellent education at a reasonable cost and offers a number of ways to finance your graduate degree.