Program 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. The DNP curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format with a focus on 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. We have a dedicated full-time placement coordinator who manages all of your clinical placements, and immersion experiences take place throughout the programs. We offer two emphasis areas:

• Advanced Nursing Practice (Child/Adolescent Primary Nurse Practitioner or Adult/Older Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
• Health Systems Leadership (BSN to DNP, Post-MSN to DNP)
   

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How is our program unique?

How is advancing your education at Grand Valley’s Kirkhof College of Nursing unique?

• Our hybrid graduate programs blend the convenience of online coursework with rich learning experiences on campus two to five times per semester.
• We have a dedicated full-time placement coordinator who manages all of your clinical placements.
• Our students progress alongside supportive cohorts of peers, faculty and staff.
• The majority of our DNP prepared faculty practice in addition to teaching.
• Our faculty bring significant experience and expertise to the learning environment.
• We offer a statewide presence and dedicated health campus.
   

What is the return on investment for a graduate degree from Grand Valley’s Kirkhof College of Nursing?

• Grand Valley is highly respected by employers across the region.
• Our pass rates consistently outperform the national average.
• We prepare graduates for the competitive job market through professional portfolio development.
• Our graduates demonstrate leadership proficiencies that are in high demand.
• Grand Valley provides individualized support, deep resources, and state-of-the-art facilities of for every student.
• Our curricula evolve as nursing practice advances.

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Let’s talk about your journey today!
 

Linda Buck, DNP, RN
Senior Academic Advisor
(616) 331-7160
buckli@gvsu.edu 

The Kirkhof College of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate programs prepare registered nurses to take the national certification exam in their area of specialty (clinical nurse leader, primary care adult/gerontology nurse practitioner, primary care pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or nurse executive). Graduates seeking to practice in a state other than Michigan must meet the requirements of that state. For more information regarding state licensure/certification requirements, please visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website at https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm.