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Are you a registered nurse looking to elevate your career and specialize in acute care? The University of Michigan-Flint’s online BSN to DNP with MSN program offers an innovative pathway to become a competent and highly skilled acute care nurse practitioner. This program is designed to empower nurses like you to provide exceptional patient care in complex healthcare settings.
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This comprehensive online program allows registered nurses, with or without a BSN, to pursue their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree while simultaneously earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). A key feature of this program is the opportunity to specialize as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP). Upon completing the MSN portion, you’ll be eligible to become a licensed and board-certified nurse practitioner, allowing you to practice clinically while finishing your DNP with just 15 additional credits.
The UM-Flint School of Nursing provides a unique and flexible learning experience specifically tailored for BSN-prepared nurses aiming to become nurse practitioners, especially in acute care. With a single application, you can access this BSN to DNP with MSN program and be on track to earn both MSN and DNP degrees. The program allows specialization in five concentrations, including the highly sought-after Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This specialization prepares you to sit for the AGACNP board certification exam and practice as a certified acute care nurse practitioner. Following MSN completion and certification, you can seamlessly continue towards your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, enhancing your leadership and advanced practice skills.
Why Choose UM-Flint for Your Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program?
High Nurse Practitioner Certification Success
UM-Flint’s BSN-DNP with MSN online program is committed to developing effective nurse leaders and provides outstanding preparation for the Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Exam, particularly for acute care specializations. Our rigorous curriculum ensures you gain the essential knowledge and clinical experiences necessary to excel as a Certified Nurse Practitioner in acute care settings.
Flexible Online Format for Working Nurses
Understanding the demands on working nurses, UM-Flint’s BSN to DNP with MSN program is delivered in a convenient online format, minimizing the need for on-campus visits. Required campus visits are strategically scheduled to coincide with health residencies, simulation activities, and important milestones like hooding and graduation ceremonies.
The program’s flexibility extends to your study pace; you can choose to study full-time or part-time, adapting to your personal and professional commitments. Reflecting UM-Flint’s dedication to student success, our distinguished Nursing faculty are accessible to students beyond regular class hours, offering flexible office hours and online support.
Hands-on Clinical Experience in Acute Care Settings
The BSN to DNP with MSN program expertly blends comprehensive online coursework with invaluable hands-on learning experiences, ensuring you become an integral part of the real-world healthcare team. You will undertake clinical practicums under the guidance of experienced professionals, providing opportunities to forge meaningful mentorships with faculty and instructors who are both inspiring and deeply knowledgeable. For those focusing on acute care, these clinical experiences are specifically designed to provide exposure to critical and complex patient scenarios.
Research Opportunities and Access to University of Michigan Resources
Our Nursing faculty are actively engaged in diverse and impactful research projects, often collaborating with DNP students. This provides a unique opportunity for you to pursue your specific research interests while contributing to advancements in healthcare services for patients from diverse communities and backgrounds. As a part of the esteemed University of Michigan system, you also gain access to extensive research resources across the UM-Dearborn and UM-Ann Arbor campuses, enriching your academic and professional growth.
I’ve always wanted to help people. I get to use science to make people’s lives better and it is fulfilling to have the knowledge to be able to provide this for patients. Completing UM-Flint’s DNP program placed me in a clinically competent position to provide quality care for my patients. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with Ascension; I care for a panel of over 1,000 patients in collaboration with MDs and DOs. We provide top-notch preventative and acute care to a rural population.”
Ryan Petty
Doctor of Nursing Practice 2017
Online BSN to DNP with MSN Pathway: Specializing in Acute Care
The BSN to DNP pathway at UM-Flint is designed to be personalized, allowing you to tailor your studies based on your educational background and career aspirations, particularly in acute care nursing. This program pathway offers a robust, practice-focused curriculum specifically designed to enhance the skills necessary for leadership roles in acute and critical care settings.
The online BSN to DNP with MSN pathway is ideally suited for registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing who are motivated to advance into leadership positions within clinical practice, especially in specialized areas like acute care. The program offers both full-time and part-time options, accommodating working BSN RNs and recent BSN graduates.
Concentration Options: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
The online BSN to DNP program at UM-Flint offers several specialized concentrations, allowing you to align your degree with your specific career goals. Among these, the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) concentration is a prominent choice for nurses aiming to specialize in acute and critical care.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Your Path to Specialization
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) concentration is meticulously designed for nurses who want to manage patients with acute and chronic illnesses, particularly in critical and complex care environments. AGACNPs play a vital role in guiding patients through transitions back to their communities and primary care providers after acute episodes. Graduates of this concentration are fully prepared and qualified to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination, validating their expertise in this specialized field.
The AGACNP curriculum at UM-Flint is comprehensive, consisting of 55 credits of core courses for the MSN, or 73 credits of core courses for both the MSN and DNP degrees. This curriculum is specifically structured to provide in-depth knowledge and advanced skills in acute care management.
Admissions Requirements Specific to the AGACNP Concentration:
Admission to the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration has specific requirements to ensure candidates are well-prepared for the rigors of acute care practice:
- Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of recent full-time experience as a registered nurse, with preferred experience in intensive care units (ICUs) such as Medical, Surgical, Neuro, Trauma, Burn, and Cardiac ICUs.
- Technical Skills: Preferred experience includes working knowledge of invasive hemodynamic monitors (pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial lines), mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor titration. Applicants without explicit ICU experience but with relevant skills gained in Perioperative Units/Pre-op/PACU, Step-down units, Emergency Departments, or specialty units like Cath labs may be considered based on individual experience and an interview with the AGACNP Program Lead Faculty.
- Verification Letter: A letter from the applicant’s Nurse Manager verifying ICU skills and experience is required before starting the acute care track.
- Certifications: Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider and Basic Life Support (BLS) certifications are mandatory prior to the start of the acute care track.
- RN License: Applicants must hold a current, unencumbered RN License to practice.
- On-Campus Requirements: All AGACNP students are required to attend on-campus sessions each semester (total of three) for hands-on learning and skills activities during the acute care program in NUR 861, 863, and 865. These campus sessions can range from 1-2 consecutive days per semester.
- Michigan Nursing License & Clinicals: Non-Michigan resident students must obtain a Michigan Nursing license. Clinical placements for the first and third semesters will be in Michigan. The second semester clinical placement may be in the student’s state of residency if permitted by state regulations and the facility, and if an existing contract is in place with the University of Michigan-Flint.
While Adult-Gerontology Acute Care is a focus, UM-Flint also offers other NP specializations:
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
For nurses interested in primary care, the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares providers of primary health care services to adolescents, adults, and older adults. This specialization emphasizes disease prevention, health promotion, and managing patients with acute and chronic multi-system health problems. Graduates are eligible for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) serve as primary health care professionals for individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan. FNPs manage both acute and chronic diseases, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. Graduates are qualified to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program is for experienced registered nurses specializing in the care of neonates and their families. Graduates are prepared for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination and equipped to provide comprehensive healthcare to critically ill neonates and infants in various healthcare settings. The curriculum includes specialized coursework and clinical experiences in high-risk obstetrics, NICUs, and follow-up clinics.
Admissions Requirements Specific to the NNP Concentration
- At least 2 years of recent full-time experience as an RN in a Level III or IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- Verification letter from a nurse manager, supervisor, NNP, or neonatologist confirming experience.
- Unencumbered RN License.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration prepares practitioners to provide mental health services across the lifespan. PMHNPs collaborate with mental health teams to treat mental health disorders. Graduates are eligible for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination.
Review the online BSN to DNP with MSN curriculum for detailed course information.
Online BSN to DNP with MSN Program Curriculum*
| Part-time Curriculum | Accelerated Curriculum |
|---|---|
| Winter start (January) | Winter start (January) |
| Fall start (August) | Fall start (August) |
*Courses listed in white are required of all DNP students
Further Your Nursing Career with a DNP Degree: Advanced Practice in Acute Care
Advancing your education from a BSN to a DNP significantly enhances your nursing knowledge and leadership capabilities, especially within specialized fields like acute care. A DNP degree opens doors to numerous career opportunities and increases your earning potential. DNP-prepared nurse practitioners can earn between $95,000 and $157,000 annually, depending on their specialization and location. The salary prospects for Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates are, on average, 50% higher than those for BSN-prepared registered nurses.
DNP graduates are well-equipped to excel and lead in various roles, including:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in specialized areas such as acute care
- Nurse administrators
- Clinical researchers
- Nurse educators
Affordability & Financial Aid for Your Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Education
The Online BSN to DNP with MSN program at UM-Flint offers competitive tuition rates, making a respected University of Michigan degree accessible. Various financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans, are available to help fund your education.
For those interested in pursuing a Nursing faculty position post-graduation, the Nurse Faculty Loan Program can significantly reduce educational costs while developing the necessary skills and expertise for a faculty role in Nursing.
The Behavioral Health Workforce Education & Training Scholarships offer six scholarships specifically for Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students, providing up to $28,350 in funding, disbursed over three semesters.
The School of Nursing has also been awarded a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Residency program grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, offering a paid one-year residency with full University of Michigan benefits and opportunities to practice in diverse psychiatric settings and gain certifications in additional therapies.
School of Nursing Graduate Student Grants
Important Notice Regarding State Enrollment Criteria:
Effective July 1, 2024, the University of Michigan-Flint has implemented new enrollment criteria for programs leading to professional licensure and certifications. Only applicants residing in states where the program’s educational requirements are confirmed to be met will be eligible for initial enrollment. For detailed information, please refer to the School of Nursing Statement 2024.
Admission Requirements for the Online DNP with MSN Program
Admission to the BSN to DNP with MSN program is competitive. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
- Current and unencumbered RN license in the United States.
- At least one year of RN experience is preferred, particularly for acute care specializations.
State Authorization for Online Students
Prospective online students, especially those residing outside of Michigan, should visit the State Authorization page to verify UM-Flint’s status in their state and ensure compliance with distance education regulations.
How to Apply to the Online DNP with MSN program
To apply to UM-Flint’s online RN or BSN to DNP with MSN program, please submit an application through the link below. Supporting materials can be emailed to [email protected] or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs.
BSN to DNP with MSN Applicants
- Application for BSN to DNP with MSN (Supporting documents can be emailed to [email protected].)
- If you are a new user, click “Sign-Up” at the bottom. Returning users can sign in with existing credentials.
- Click “Start New” button.
- Under “Level of Study,” select “Graduate.”
- Under “Program of Study,” choose “Nursing (DNP with MSN option) – RN and/or Bachelor’s prepared.”
- $55 non-refundable application fee (Fee waiver available by attending our webinars)
- Completed supplemental application within your Applicant Portal
- Copy of current RN license (verification printout or photocopy)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Review our transcript policy for details.
- UM-Flint transcripts will be obtained automatically. Recent UM-Flint BSN graduates do not need to submit other transcripts unless additional coursework has been completed elsewhere post-graduation.
- For degrees from non-US institutions, transcripts must be submitted for internal credential review. See instructions for submission guidelines.
- If English is not your native language and you are not from an exempt country, you must demonstrate English proficiency.
- Three letters of recommendation from:
- Nursing faculty from a recent program
- Employment supervisor
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Physician’s Assistant, MD, or DO.
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Professional Goal Statement: 1-2 page document in APA format, double-spaced, including:
- Reasons for pursuing a DNP, professional plans and career goals, and interest in UM-Flint.
- Past nursing experiences and preparation for advanced nursing studies.
- Achievements in nursing, including memberships, awards, certifications, publications, etc.
- Any special circumstances relevant to your application.
- Research interests.
- International students must submit additional documentation.
- A phone or in-person interview may be required.
International Students
Please note that while this program is online, it includes mandatory on-campus meetings. Therefore, admitted students will not be eligible for a student (F-1) visa. Other nonimmigrant visa holders in the U.S. should contact the Center for Global Engagement at [email protected].
Enrollment Deposit & Application Fee
A $55 application fee is required. Attend a webinar to receive an application fee waiver. Upon admission, a $100 non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to secure your place. The deposit deadline will be in your admission letter. UM-Flint BSN program graduates are exempt from the enrollment deposit.
Campus Orientation
Admitted students must attend a mandatory on-campus or online orientation before the program starts. Orientation dates will be provided in your admission letter.
Application Deadlines
Completed applications are reviewed after each deadline. Admission decisions are typically sent via email within two weeks of the deadline. Submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs by 5 p.m. on the deadline day:
- Fall (early deadline) – February 1
- Fall (final deadline) – April 1 *In-person orientation required May 16, 2025
- Winter – August 15
Academic Advising
Connect with our knowledgeable academic advisors to discuss the Online BSN to DNP with MSN program and your career goals. Book an appointment today.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career—Earn Your DNP Degree and Specialize in Acute Care!
Apply now to the University of Michigan-Flint School of Nursing’s Online BSN to DNP with MSN program and advance your nursing expertise, particularly in acute care nursing!
Have more questions about the program or the acute care specialization? Submit a request for information form to learn more!
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