Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Graduate Academic Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Graduate Academic Catalog THIS CATALOG IS ARCHIVED. BE SURE YOU ARE ACCESSING THE MOST ACCURATE CATALOG FOR YOU.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)


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The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares registered nurses to practice after certification and licensure as a family nurse practitioner (FNP).

Program Requirements

The DNP program at Saginaw Valley State University consists of a minimum of 79 credits for BSN to DNP applicants and 39 credits for MSN to DNP applicants. DNP students may also complete a certificate program in Nursing Education by completing the three required nursing education courses (NURS 652  , NURS 654  , & NURS 656  ). Both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP students complete a minimum of 360 practicum hours while completing the capstone courses and the DNP Immersion course. MSN to DNP students may require additional practicum hours after MSN transcript analysis so that the minimum total of 1,000 practicum hours are completed upon completion of the DNP program. The time limit for completing the degree is seven years from the beginning of the first course in which credit was earned toward the DNP at SVSU.

Other specific requirements students must meet to complete the DNP program include:

  • To register for the DNP Capstone courses (NURS 836  , NURS 839  , NURS 842  ), the FNP practicum course (NURS 865  ), and the DNP Immersion (NURS 870  ), a student must provide: a) a copy of their current Michigan license, b) a health form reflecting a recent health examination, c) evidence of professional liability insurance , and d) a criminal background check with finger printing.


Academic Regulations

  • In required DNP courses, students must earn a grade of “B” or better to remain in good standing.
  • If a grade of “I” is earned, course requirements must be satisfied prior to enrolling in additional required courses.
  • A required course can be repeated only once. Failure of a repeated course or a second required course results in dismissal from the program.
  • Candidacy status will be achieved with the appointment of the capstone advisors and completion of the formative candidacy evaluation process as outlined in the DNP Student Handbook.
     

Admission Requirements for BSN to DNP Applicants*,**:

  • Completed application for graduate admission to the DNP
  • Graduated from an accredited BSN program with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale 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 (3) letters of recommendation from previous faculty member, supervisor, and professional colleague. One must be from a doctorally prepared academician.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within 6 years with approved scores.
  • College chemistry with grade of C or higher, 3 credit course, general, organic or biochemistry.
  • College statistics course with grade of B or higher equivalent to approved SVSU courses.
  • Essay: goal statement with literature support. See criteria on application form.
  • Interview for successfully screened applicants. May be conducted by video-call.

Admission Requirements for MSN to DNP Applicants*,**

  • Graduate from an accredited MSN program.
  • Current FNP certification, continued eligibility for continuing certification, and current license in Michigan.
  • Detailed curriculum vitae or resume with current job title and description.
  • Two (2) to three (3) letters of recommendation from previous faculty member, employer, and 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 3.3 on 4.0 scale with all official transcripts.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within 6 years with approved scores or waiver.
  • College chemistry with grade of C or higher, 3 credit course, general, organic or biochemistry.
  • Masters level statistics/research course with grade of B or higher equivalent to approved SVSU courses within last 7 years or demonstration of proficiency.
  • Essay: goal statement with literature support. See criteria on application form.
  • Interview for successfully screened applicants. May be conducted by video-call. 

International Student Admission Requirement - Additional Requirements Include:*,**

  • Completed international application for graduate admission.
  • An academic report is required by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (http://cgfns.org)
  • Official TOEFL results with a score of 92 (Internet based) or an IELTS score of 7.0.
  • Evidence of financial support.

* Additional admission criteria may be required based on record review.

** Upon admission, a physical examination and evidence of current immunizations are required. A criminal background check with finger printing is also required. If special accommodations are needed for learning, they must be identified and discussed with the program coordinator prior to the submission of the application. 

 

BSN to DNP Program Curriculum


 All students in the BSN to DNP program complete the following Core Courses, the Capstone Courses, and the immersion sequence (79 credits required which includes a total of 1,140 practicum hours).

Capstone and Immersion (12 cr including 360 practicum hours)


MSN to DNP Program Curriculum


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