University of Michigan-Flint

Admissions tro the DNP Program:

The University of Michigan-Flint Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program produces skilled nurse practitioners in PrimTary Health Care. The program consists of three concentrations:

1) Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)

The adult nurse practitioner is a provider of direct health care services. Within this role, the ANP synthesizes theoretical, scientific, and contemporary clinical knowledge for the assessment and management of both health and illness states. The population in adult primary care practice includes adolescents and young, middle, and older adults. The particular expertise of the adult primary care nurse practitioner emphasizes disease prevention, health promotion, and the management of patients with acute and chronic multi-system health problems. Delivering patient care with respect to cultural and spiritual beliefs and making health care resources available to patients from diverse cultures is an important role component. Most adult nurse practitioners practice in primary care settings, which include general and specialty practices. The ANP provides consultation, collaboration, continuing education, certification, and evaluation. Upon entry into practice, the adult nurse practitioner demonstrates competence in the categories of health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and diagnostics. Graduates will sit for the Adult Nurse Practitioner certification examination.

2) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Family nurse practitioners are primary health care providers. As advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), they provide nursing and medical services to individuals, families, and groups, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention across the life span. The FNP synthesizes theoretical, scientific and contemporary clinical knowledge in the management of acute and chronic diseases and the treatment of minor injuries.

Services include, but are not limited to, history and physical examinations, the ordering of appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests, the prescription of pharmacologic agents and treatments, and nonpharmacologic therapies. Teaching and counseling individuals, families, and groups are major parts of a nurse practitioner’s activities. Family nurse practitioners work autonomously, as well as in collaboration with a variety of individuals, to diagnose and manage clients’ health care problems. Graduates will be qualified to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification examination.

3) Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The adult psychiatric mental health practitioner’s role is unique and on the cutting edge of mental health care. In Michigan, changes in the Michigan Mental Health Code have paved the way for new opportunities for adult psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. The code specifically defines new responsibilities for advanced practice nurses employed in community mental health service programs. Adult psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners synthesize theoretical, scientific, and contemporary clinical knowledge and are capable of medical, pharmacological, and psychotherapeutic intervention in acute, crisis, and chronic persistent situations, as well as being skilled in disease prevention and health maintenance planning. Credentialed to practice independently, they value and seek ongoing consultative relationships with the psychiatrist and other mental health team members. Full utilization of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners has the potential of extending mental health services in a cost-effective manner. Graduates will be qualified to sit for the Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification examination.

The DNP is offered based upon the following tracks:

• RN to DNP (ADN nurses with a Bachelor's Degree in a non-nursing field)
• BSN to DNP (Registered Nurses with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing)
• MS or MSN-NP to DNP (Registered Nurses with a conferred MS or MSN-Nurse Practitioner Degree, Nurse Midwives, CRNA, or CNS)

For additional information on the Doctor of Nursing Practice, please visit the catalog.

For application information please visit the Office of Graduate Programs.