MSN/DNP
Proposed Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
The entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Practitioner degree will be transitioning to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in Fall 2009, pending final approval. The new DNP program will be approximately 4 years of part-time study, 80 credits, and taught in a distance-learning (online) format with clinical courses arranged in your local area. Once the DNP program is approved and underway, the MSN program will no longer be offered. Students must have a Bachelor's degree to be eligible for the DNP program. An RN/DNP pathway will be available for licensed RNs with a Bachelor's degree in another area.
The need for this change is based on strong national and state trends in the health care environment that require the revision in the curriculum and change in the type of degree offered. The DNP degree will allow students to focus on in-depth professional and clinical studies to meet the ever-increasing practice challenges of providing the highest quality health care in the 21st century. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), which currently represents more than 580 schools of nursing at public and private institutions nationwide, has endorsed the Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing which will move the level of preparation necessary for advanced nursing practice from a master’s degree to the doctorate level by the year 2015. All programs planning to meet the needs addressed by the profession, as well as to continue to exist and remain competitive in the marketplace, will find it necessary to provide entry-level education at the doctoral level.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The mission of the University of Michigan-Flint's Masters of Science in Nursing program is to prepare advanced practice nurses who will deliver high quality, cost effective primary health care. Our graduates meet the health care needs of society in general and underserved populations specifically, through theory based nursing practice and scholarly endeavors. The graduate program faculty promote the mission and vision of the University of Michigan-Flint and the University of Michigan Department of Nursing by supporting the further development of critical thinking, humanistic and scientific inquiry, and understanding human and cultural diversity. The mission is enhanced by faculty maintaining clinical expertise, academic excellence and a sensitivity to our partners in the diverse communities to which we serve.
The University of Michigan-Flint Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) part time program produces skilled nurse practitioners in Primary Health Care. As Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) the graduates:
Make independent and collaborative health care decisions;
Engage in active practice as expert clinicians who diagnose, interpret lab findings and x-rays, perform physical exams, take medical histories, treat common illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications (depending on state practice laws) and evaluate outcomes;
Demonstrate leadership as consultants, educators, and beginning researchers; and participate in legislative and professional activities to promote professional advancement and health related social policies.
Career opportunities for APNs are continually expanding and include positions in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health care agencies, schools, universities, businesses, nursing homes, wellness centers, employee health programs, physicians office practices, community mental health agencies , public health agencies and private practice.
Three tracks are available in the Master of Science in Nursing program:
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 client's health care problems. Graduates will be qualified to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification examination.
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, as well as the Adult Nurse Practitioner certification examination .
Adult Nurse Practitioner
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.
Adapted from: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Health Professions; Division of Nursing; HRSA; April 2002, submitted by: National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) in partnership with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
For further information contact:
Marge Hathaway, Administrative Specialist
(810) 762-3421 mhath@umflint.edu
Connie Creech, Director of Graduate Programs
(810) 766-6858 ccreech@umflint.edu