Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree Admission Requirements

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The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree has been designed for both the post-baccalaureate registered nurse and for the post-masters registered nurse. The admission requirements vary slightly between the two entry points.

Admission Requirements for BSN to DNP Applicants

• Completed application for graduate admission to the DNP Degree program
• Graduated from an accredited BSN program with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all nursing and prerequisite coursework with all official transcripts.
• Employed as a RN with current license in Michigan by start of the program.
• Detailed curriculum vitae or resume with current job title and description, employment history, education, scholarship, service and professional involvement.
• Three graduate recommendation forms from previous faculty member, supervisor, and/or professional colleague. One must be from a doctorally-prepared academician.
• College statistics course with grade of C or higher equivalent to approved SVSU courses.
• DNP Essay Goal Statement with literature support - 1000 to 1250 words in length following APA format including four scholarly references from the literature.
  • Provide your reason(s) for pursuing a DNP practice degree.
  • Identify your professional career plans and goals.
  • Include potential interest areas for the doctoral project.
• Discussion with Graduate Coordinator.

Admission Requirements for MSN to DNP Applicants

• Graduate from an accredited MSN program.
• Detailed curriculum vitae or resume with current job title and description.
• Two (2) graduate recommendation forms from previous faculty member, employer, and/or professional colleague. One must be from a doctorally prepared academician and one from clinical practice.
• Grade point average (GPA) in graduate course work: minimum required is 3.0 on 4.0 scale with all official transcripts.
• Essay Goal Statement with literature support - 1000 to 1250 words in length following APA format including four scholarly references from the literature.
  • Provide your reason(s) for pursuing a DNP practice degree.
  • Identify your professional career plans and goals.
  • Include potential interest areas for the doctoral project.
  • Explain your understanding of the DNP degree and the purpose of a practice doctorate degree.
• Discussion with Graduate Coordinator.