“The curriculum and practical experiences of the Health Systems Leadership track are preparing me to move into a senior leadership role,” said Julie Bulson, Kirkhof College of Nursing doctoral student. “I look forward to contributing to the transformation of healthcare in new ways.”

Grand Valley State University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offered through the Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON) is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and is the only program of its kind in West Michigan.

“The faculty teaching in KCON’s DNP program are not only passionate about teaching; they bring real world leadership experience and practical knowledge to the classroom. Working alongside experienced nurses to better understand healthcare environments and how our profession can positively affect the future of healthcare is exactly what I was looking for in a doctoral program,” said Bulson. 

KCON’s DNP 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. KCON offers two DNP emphasis areas: Health Systems Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice (Child/Adolescent or Adult/Older Adult Nurse Practitioner)

“The Health Systems Leadership track is designed for students who aspire to be in high-level executive leadership or influential clinical leadership roles.  Students gain the essential knowledge, skills and expertise to lead system redesign, influence policy and drive evidence-based innovations,” shared Jean Barry, KCON associate professor and Health Systems Leadership track coordinator. 

Available to full or part-time students, KCON’s doctoral classes are offered primarily at GVSU’s Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences in downtown Grand Rapids and are delivered in a variety of formats to accommodate working professionals.

Bulson completed the Bachelor of Nursing and the Master of Public Administration programs at GVSU previously. She plans to graduate from Doctor of Nursing Practice program in December 2016 and considers a chief nursing officer role her ultimate goal.  

For more information on KCON's DNP programs, visit https://www.gvsu.edu/kcon/doctor-of-nursing-practice-287.htm.