Kirkhof College of Nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to the research-focused doctoral programs.  The program offers several emphasis areas, including Advanced Practice Nursing (child/adolescent or adult/older adult); or Nursing Administration and Health Care Systems.

About the DNP Degree:

The DNP 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 DNP curriculum is consistent with the national agenda to transform American health care offering opportunities for interprofessional collaboration and health care policy advocacy.

Flexible:

The program is 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 a wide variety of 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 DNP degree requires approximately 90 credit hours and 1,000 additional clinical hours for students entering with a BSN.   For students enrolling with an MSN, a customized course plan will be created based upon DNP program emphasis and previous graduate course work.

Admission:

  • An admission cohort will begin the DNP curriculum each fall semester. 
  • For consideration for admission, the application and all supplemental materials must be received by February 1 of the calendar year in which the student desires entry. 
  • The application for admission is available online. 
  • The $30 application fee is waived for alumni of Grand Valley.

For more information on our DNP degree program, please contact:


Linda Buck, MSN, RN
Academic Advisor
Kirkhof College of Nursing
301 Michigan Street NE #318
Grand Rapids, MI  49503
Ofc:  616/331-7160
Fax:  616/331-2510
Toll Free:  800/480-0406
E-mail:  buckli@gvsu.edu
 
Linda Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Associate Dean for Graduate Programs
Kirkhof College of Nursing
301 Michigan Street NE, Suite 300
Grand Rapids, MI  49503
Ofc:  616/331-3558
Fax:  616/331-2510
Toll Free:  800/480-0406
E-mail:  scottl@gvsu.edu