Advance to Nurse Practitioner with Both MSN and DNP Degrees
The University of Michigan-Flint’s innovative online BSN to DNP with MSN program empowers you to elevate your nursing career and provide quality patient care as a competent nurse practitioner.
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You can start the program as a registered nurse with or without a BSN degree. Once you have completed the Master of Science in Nursing portion of the program, you can become a licensed and board-certified nurse practitioner and clinically practice while completing the DNP with as little as 15 additional credits.
The UM-Flint School of Nursing offers a unique learning experience and pathway for BSN-prepared nurses who desire to become nurse practitioners. With one application, students can apply to the BSN to DNP with MSN program and be eligible for both MSN and DNP degrees. The program allows a student to obtain an MSN degree as a nurse practitioner in one of five specialty concentrations, sit for the corresponding board certification exam, and practice as a nurse practitioner. The student can then continue toward completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
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New for Fall 2025: Become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at UM-Flint!
Advance your career with UM-Flint’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program! Designed for experienced nurses, this flexible, online program combines expert-led coursework with hands-on clinical training. Prepare for the NNP Certification Exam and make a greater impact in neonatal care.
Why Choose UM-Flint’s Online BSN-DNP with MSN Program?
High Nurse Practitioner Certification Pass Rate
With the aim to cultivate effective nurse leaders, UM-Flint’s BSN-DNP with MSN online program provides excellent preparation for the Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Exam. Through our robust curriculum, you are well equipped with the knowledge and clinical experiences to become a Certified Nurse Practitioner.
Flexible Program Format: Online, Part-time/Full-time
Designed for busy working nurses, UM-Flint’s BSN to DNP with MSN program is offered in a convenient online format with minimal campus visits. Campus visits coincide with health residencies, simulation activities, and hooding and graduation ceremonies.
You may also pursue your degree on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on your availability and schedule. Reflecting our commitment to student success, UM-Flint’s Nursing faculty make themselves available to students outside the normal course schedule with flexible office hours and online availability.
Hands-on Clinical Experiences
The BSN to DNP with MSN program integrates in-depth online courses with valuable hands-on learning, allowing you to become part of the real-world healthcare team. You complete clinical practicums under the close supervision of experienced professionals and have the opportunity to develop meaningful mentorships with faculty and instructors who inspire as well as impart knowledge.
Research Opportunities & University of Michigan Resources
Our Nursing faculty members are actively involved in a wide range of relevant research projects with DNP students. You have the opportunity to pursue specific research interests while helping improve healthcare services to patients from diverse communities, cultures, and backgrounds.
As part of the world-renowned University of Michigan community, you also have access to research resources on the UM-Dearborn and UM-Ann Arbor campuses.
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
The BSN to DNP pathway enables you to personalize your studies according to your educational background. This program pathway offers a robust practice-focused curriculum that can effectively improve students’ skills needed for nursing leadership roles.
The online BSN to DNP with MSN pathway is for registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing who aspire to progress into a leadership role within clinical practice. In addition to the full-time program format, the BSN to DNP with MSN track offers a part-time option ideal for working BSN RNs and new BSN graduates.
Concentration Options
The online BSN to DNP program offers four individual concentrations to help you achieve your specific career goals. Depending on your selected concentration, you are required to complete certain clinical hours.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners treat acute and chronic illness and guide transition back to the community and primary care providers. Graduates are qualified to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination. The curriculum for the AGACNP concentration consists of 55 credits of core courses for the MSN or 73 credits of core courses for the MSN and DNP.
Admissions Requirements Specific to the AGACNP Concentration
At least 1 year of full-time experience as a registered nurse with preferred experience in intensive care units such as Medical, Surgical, Neuro, Trauma, Burn, and Cardiac ICU. It is preferred that the applicant have working knowledge of invasive hemodynamic monitors (e.g., pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial), mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor titration. Consideration may be given to applicants who do not fully meet the above intensive care skills in such units as Perioperative Unit/Pre-op/PACU, Step-down, Emergency departments, and other specialty units such as Cath lab on an individual basis based on experience and an interview with the Lead Faculty of the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Program.
- A letter to verify ICU skills/experience from the Candidate’s Nurse Manager will be requested prior to the beginning of the acute care track.
- Current certification as an Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider prior to the start of the acute care track.
- Current certification as a Basic Life Support Provider. An unencumbered RN License to practice.
- All students will be required to come to campus each semester (three total) for on ground learning and skills activities during the acute care program in NUR 861, 863, and 865. Time on campus can vary between 1-2 consecutive days.
- If the student is not a Michigan resident, the student will be required to have a Michigan Nursing license and will attend clinicals in Michigan the first and third semester, the second may be in the state of residency if the state and facility allow the student to attend out of state universities and there is an existing contract with the University of Michigan, Flint.
The curriculum for the AGPCNP concentration consists of 52 credits of core courses for the MSN or 70 credits of core courses for the MSN and DNP.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is a provider of primary health care services to adolescents, middle age, and older adults, emphasizing disease prevention, health promotion, and the management of patients with acute and chronic multi-system health problems. Graduates are qualified to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioners act as the primary health care professionals to individuals, families, and groups. FNPs provide management of acute and chronic disease and emphasize health promotion and disease prevention across their patient’s lifespan. Graduates are qualified to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program is designed to prepare experienced registered nurses for advanced practice roles specializing in caring for neonates and their families. As a graduate, you will be well-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 for the NNP concentration consists of specialized coursework that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Clinical experiences will allow you to gain hands-on expertise across diverse settings, including high-risk obstetrics, labor and delivery, neonatal counseling, NICU, PCTU, PICU, and multidisciplinary follow-up clinics, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful educational journey.
This program offers a flexible online learning modality for didactic content and supports part-time and full-time tracks. Students are required to attend on-campus days for hands-on learning and skills activities and complete in-person clinical requirements. Our experienced and credentialed faculty members provide rich clinical and research expertise, enhancing your learning experience.
Admissions Requirements Specific to the NNP Concentration
- At least two years of recent full-time experience as a registered nurse in a Level III or IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- You must submit a verification letter identifying that your practice experience meets or exceeds this minimum requirement. The letter may be written by a nurse manager, supervisor, neonatal nurse practitioner, or neonatologist.
- An unencumbered RN License to practice.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner provides mental health services across a patient’s lifespan. These practitioners have the credentials to practice in a collaborative relationship with other mental health team members and treat mental health disorders. Graduates are qualified to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination.
The curriculum for the PMHNP concentration consists of 54 credits of core courses for the MSN or 72 credits of core courses for the MSN and DNP.
Review the online BSN to DNP with MSN curriculum.
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
Advancing from BSN to DNP can help you increase your nursing knowledge and leadership skills. It empowers you to pursue many additional career opportunities and improve your salary potential. DNP-prepared nurse practitioners can earn anywhere from $95,000 to $157,000 a year, depending on their specialty and geographical location. Doctor of Nursing Practitioners’ salary prospect is 50% higher than BSN-prepared registered nurses.
DNP graduates are well prepared to work and lead in a variety of roles such as:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in a specialized area
- Nurse administrator
- Clinical researcher
- Nurse educator
Affordability & Financial Aid
The Online BSN to DNP with MSN program offers affordable tuition rates for you to earn a respected University of Michigan degree. Financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans, are also available.
Are you interested in pursuing a Nursing faculty position? Through our Nurse Faculty Loan Program, you can get your school paid for while gaining the skills and expertise required of faculty in the field of Nursing.
Effective July 1, 2024, the University of Michigan-Flint will implement new enrollment criteria for programs leading to professional licensure and certifications. Only applicants who are located in a state where the program’s educational requirements are known to be satisfied will be eligible for initial enrollment.
Refer to School of Nursing Statement 2024 for more information.
Admission Requirements
The number of individuals admitted into the BSN to DNP with MSN program is limited. You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission:
- Must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution with an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
- Must have a current unencumbered RN license in the United States
- At least one year of RN experience is preferred.
State Authorization for Online Students
In recent years, the federal government has emphasized the need for universities and colleges to comply with the distance education laws of each state. If you are an out-of-state student intending to enroll in an online program, please visit the State Authorization page to verify the status of UM-Flint with your state.
How to Apply to the Online DNP with MSN program
To be considered for admission to UM-Flint’s online RN or BSN to DNP with MSN program submit an application below. Other materials can be emailed to FlintGradOffice@umich.edu or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs.
BSN to DNP with MSN Applicants
- Application for BSN to DNP with MSN (Supporting materials may be emailed to FlintGradOffice@umich.edu.)
- Click the “Sign-Up” link at the bottom if you have never started an application with the University. If you have previously applied to the university, you can sign in.
- Click the “Start New” button.
- Under Level of Study, select “Graduate.”
- Under Program of Study, select “Nursing (DNP with MSN option) – RN and/or Bachelor’s prepared.
- $55 non-refundable application fee (receive a waiver for the application fee by attending one of our webinars)
- A completed supplemental application located within your Applicant Portal
- Copy of current RN license (submit either a license verification printout or a photocopy of your license)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please read our full transcript policy for more information.
- UM-Flint transcripts will be obtained automatically. Recently graduated UM-Flint BSN students do not need to submit transcripts from other institutions unless they have taken additional classes after graduation.
- For any degree completed at a non-US institution, transcripts must be submitted for an internal credential review. Read the following NEW International Transcript Evaluation for instructions on how to submit your transcripts for review.
- 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 any combination of the following sources:
- Faculty from a recent nursing program
- A supervisor in an employment setting
- An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Physician’s Assistant, MD or DO.
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Professional Goal Statement should be a one-two page typewritten document in APA format, double-spaced.
Please include:- Your reasons for pursuing a DNP, your professional plans and career goals, and why you want to attend UM-Flint
- Your past nursing experiences and how they will prepare you for an advanced nursing degree
- Past achievements in nursing, including any professional organization memberships or positions, awards, scholarships, nominations, certifications, committee/project work, or other accomplishments such as scholarly publications.
- Any special circumstances applicable to your application
- Describe your research interests
- Students from abroad must submit additional documentation.
- A phone or in-person interview may be required.
International Students
This program is an online program with mandatory on-campus meetings. Admitted students will not be able to obtain a student (F-1) visa to pursue this degree. Other nonimmigrant visa holders currently in the United States please contact the Center for Global Engagement at globalflint@umich.edu.
Enrollment Deposit & Application Fee
Our program requires a $55 application fee. You can receive a waiver for this fee by attending one of our webinars. Once selected for admission to the BSN to DNP with MSN program, you will be required to pay a $100 enrollment deposit (non-refundable) to reserve your seat. The deadline to pay the deposit will be indicated in your letter of admission. The amount of the deposit is credited towards your first semester’s tuition.
Upon request, the enrollment deposit can be waived for students that recently graduated from any UM-Flint BSN program.
Campus Orientation
If admitted to the program, you must attend an orientation on-campus before your program begins.
- Winter 2026: November 7, 2025. Required in-person event
- Fall 2026: May 15, 2026. Required in-person event
Application Deadlines
All completed applications are reviewed after the appropriate application deadline. Admission decision letters are sent out via email within approximately two weeks of the deadline. To be considered for admission, submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs by 5 p.m. on the day of the application deadline:
- Fall (early deadline) – February 1
- Fall (final deadline) – April 1 Required in person orientation May 15, 2026
- Winter* – August 15 Required in person orientation November 7, 2025
*The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration does not admit for winter.
Academic Advising
Do you want to talk to a knowledgeable academic advisor about the Online BSN to DNP with MSN program? At UM-Flint, we are proud to have many dedicated advisors who can guide your unique educational journey. Book an appointment today.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career—Earn a DNP Degree!
Apply to the University of Michigan-Flint School of Nursing’s Online BSN to DNP with MSN program to take your nursing expertise to the next level!
Do you have more questions about the program? Submit a request for information form to learn more!
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