University of Michigan School of Nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

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Admissions Requirements

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program applicants must have:
  • Master Science (MS) in a Nursing focus, Master Science in Nursing (MSN) or Master Nursing (MN) from a CCNE or NLN accredited nursing program.  Applicants pending completion of an accredited Master’s program prior to the term of application may still apply.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a CCNE or NLN accredited nursing program.
  • Minimum 'B' average grade point average (GPA) in both graduate and undergraduate programs; equivalent to a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Proof of current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure or proof of pending licensure. Licensure must be in the state where the residency and scholarly project will be completed.
  • Current national certification in an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role if applicable or eligibility to sit for certification. Certification requirements must be met while enrolled in DNP program if not achieved prior to admission.
  • Satisfactorily completed a baccalaureate level statistics course at a four-year institution within the last 5 years.  Satisfactory completion of a master’s level statistics within the last 5 years may be considered if a baccalaureate level course was taken more than 5 years ago.
Clinical practice as a professional nurse is preferred but not required.
 

Application Details

Deadline to Apply

 

Selected Term on Application

When To Apply
Application Opens
Application Closes

Winter 2012 (term starting in January 2012)

Program plan options available to Winter applicants:

  1. 1.5 year plan; full-time status (9 or more credits per term; University standard)
  2. 2.5 or 3 year plan; part-time status (less than 9 credits per term)
September 16November 15

Fall 2012 (term starting in September 2012)

Program plan options available to Fall applicants:

  1. 1.5 year plan; full-time status (9 or more credits per term; University standard)
  2. 2.5 or 3 year plan; part-time status (less than 9 credits per term)
September 16
1st round application deadline:
March 1*
 
2nd round application deadline:
June 1

Applicants that have applied for the Winter 2012 term will be notified if selected for an admission interview by November 20, 2011 and will be notified of an admission decision by December 10, 2011.

* International applications may only apply for the Fall 2012 term and must submit the completed application and all required materials no later than February 1, 2012.

Application

Prior to applying you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access the application. Email sn-dnpadmissions@umich.edu to request a PIN. Include in the title of the message "DNP PIN Request".
 
The application for the DNP program is online: DNP application.
 
In addition to submitting a completed DNP application you will need to send directly to the University of Michigan School of Nursing the following supporting materials (additional details and the mailing address to send materials are provided in the application):
  • Official post-secondary transcripts
    • Official transcripts from the institution where you received your BSN and where you received or will receive your MSN must be sent to the School of Nursing in a sealed envelope with the application fee (review the complete instructions on the application).
    • International applicants who attended an institution where the primary language of instruction was not English must submit a World Education Service (WES) evaluation with the official transcript from the school.
    • If you took supplemental courses at an institution from which you did not receive your BSN or MSN, send an unofficial transcript to the School of Nursing via fax or regular mail.
  • Application fee - A $65 ($75 for international applicants) application fee is required for your application to be processed.  The application fee should be received no later than the application deadline date of the term in which you are seeking admission. The application fee and transcripts should be mailed directly to the School of Nursing in the same envelope (please refer to the DNP application for additional information).

Application Required Supporting Material

Personal/Academic/Professional Statement
Within the DNP application, you will upload a Microsoft Word document, not to exceed 1500 words, in which you will provide a comprehensive answer to the following question:

What are your professional and educational goals as an applicant to the University of Michigan DNP program?  How do you feel your goals align with the essentials of the DNP, as proposed by AACN?  (Please see: AACN - DNP). 
 
Guidelines for the Personal/Academic/Professional Statement:
  • The statement should not be a reiteration of your education and work history.
  • The statement should not focus on why you became a nurse and/or your undergraduate coursework/clinicals (unless there is a significant connection to why you are now seeking an advanced practice degree).
  • The statement should help delineate your rationale for pursuing the DNP program.
  • The personal statement is most effective when you have researched the various DNP program and can elaborate on how the DNP best fits your professional and educational goals.
Recommendations
Three recommendations from individuals who have at least a master's degree and can comment on your academic ability and leadership potential. Within the application you will enter the contact information (including email) for your three selected recommenders, once you have submitted your application your three listed recommenders will receive via email the required recommendation form along with instructions of how to complete the form and submit to the School of Nursing.
  • At least one letter should be from a faculty member in the applicant's Masters degree program (if degree program was completed within the last 5 years).
  • Please request that narrative comments be included on the recommendation form.
  • Send recommendations directly to the School of Nursing via fax, email, or standard mail.
Scholarly Paper
Please upload in the DNP application system one solely authored scholarly paper (examples: master’s thesis, poster presentation abstract, authored journal article, process improvement plan that you have implemented in your place of employment). If you do not have a solely authored scholarly paper you will need to provide a comprehensive answer to the following question, not to exceed 1500 words:
 
There are many pressing issues facing health care today, which one is most important to you and why?  What suggestions do you have to address the problem you have identified?
 
Resume/C.V.
Upload your current resume or C.V. as a Microsoft Word document within the DNP application.

International Applicant Additional Requirements

English Proficiency Requirement
International students must submit official English proficiency exam scores to the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School (school code: 1839) from the TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB no later than the December 1 deadline to be considered for admission. For details, see the Entrance Exams webpage.
 
Nursing License
International students must provide CGFNS documentation for nursing degrees earned outside of the US and evidence of eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). Please note: NCLEX must be completed successfully before advancing into any clinical course.
 
Reminder: International applications received after February 1 will not be considered for admission until the next fall term.

Application Fee

  • $65 for U.S. applicants
  • $75 for international applicants
The application fee is required for submission of the completed application.

Admission Interview

Applicants that have applied for the Winter 2012 term will be notified if selected for an admission interview by November 20th. Notification of final admissions decision for the Winter 2012 term will be made by December 10th.
 
Fall 2012 1st round applicants (March 1) will be notified if selected for an admission interview by March 30th.  Notification of final admissions decisions for the Fall 2012 term will be made by May 1st.
 
Fall 2012 2nd round applicants (June 1) will be notified if selected for an admission interview by June 22nd.  Notification of final admissions decisions for the Fall 2012 term will be made by July 27th.