Guide to DNP Programs in Detroit, MI: Tracks, Tuition, Clinicals & How to Choose

University of Detroit Mercy's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) delivers a comprehensive online program tailored for advanced practice nurses pursuing leadership excellence. Spanning 36 credits, the curriculum emphasizes transformative healthcare strategies, focusing on technological innovation, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based practice implementation. Designed for certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), the program provides flexible part-time and full-time study options. Students benefit from professional mentorship, a required portfolio submission, and potential career opportunities with competitive annual compensation. Graduates emerge as sophisticated healthcare leaders prepared to drive systemic improvements and patient-centered care.

• Fully online program
• 36-credit post-master's curriculum
• Part-time or full-time study options
• Clinical project mentorship provided
• Competitive graduate tuition rates
• Designed for certified APRNs
• Mercy and Jesuit tradition-based
• Minimum 3.2 graduate GPA required
• National board certification preferred
• Professional portfolio required

University of Detroit Mercy's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) hybrid program provides a robust doctoral pathway for aspiring primary care professionals. Encompassing 71 total credits and 750 clinical hours, the curriculum prepares nurses to serve diverse patient populations with a specific emphasis on medically underserved communities. Students develop advanced clinical skills through flexible full-time and part-time enrollment, with an attractive MSN exit option. The program addresses cultural sensitivity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and emerging healthcare challenges. With a projected 38% employment growth and potential median annual earnings of $125,900, graduates are positioned for significant professional advancement.

• Hybrid Post-BSN to DNP program
• 71 total credit hours
• 750 clinical practice hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 38% job growth projection
• Medically underserved focus
• MSN exit option available
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Two certification exam options

University of Detroit Mercy's DNP in Nurse Anesthesia represents an advanced online program targeting specialized nursing professionals. This 36-credit curriculum empowers practitioners to translate complex research into innovative clinical interventions. Students develop sophisticated expertise in healthcare informatics, decision-making technologies, and collaborative strategies. The program integrates Mercy and Jesuit traditions while offering comprehensive practicum opportunities and personal doctoral project mentoring. Designed for ambitious advanced practice nurses, the curriculum prepares graduates for high-demand specialized roles with potential significant career earnings and leadership opportunities in anesthesia healthcare delivery.

• 36-credit online DNP program
• Nurse Anesthesia concentration available
• 3.2 GPA graduate degree requirement
• National Board Certification preferred
• Clinical practicum opportunities
• Mercy and Jesuit traditions integrated
• Personal doctoral project mentoring
• Competitive graduate tuition
• Part-time and full-time study
• Advanced practice nursing focus

University of Detroit Mercy's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) provides a sophisticated pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking comprehensive professional development. The 36-credit curriculum builds upon existing master's level education, emphasizing healthcare technology integration, policy development, and evidence-based practice translation. Students receive personalized mentoring and flexible practicum experiences, enabling them to develop nuanced clinical leadership skills. The program supports both part-time and full-time study, accommodating working professionals while preparing them for advanced nursing specialties and potential leadership roles across diverse healthcare environments.

• Online program with flexible delivery
• 36-credit comprehensive curriculum
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Competitive graduate tuition
• Personal doctoral project mentoring
• Mercy and Jesuit tradition focused
• Multiple clinical specialty options
• Part-time and full-time study
• Requires 3.2 GPA minimum
• National board certification preferred

University of Detroit Mercy's Post BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) program offers a flexible online educational pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. Providing comprehensive options ranging from 42 to 66 credits, the curriculum supports both MSN and DNP trajectories with post-graduate certificate opportunities. Students can complete the program part-time, maintaining professional commitments while developing specialized gerontological nursing expertise. The program emphasizes diverse clinical placements, national certification preparation, and advanced practice skill development across various healthcare settings, ensuring graduates are well-positioned for specialized nursing roles.

• Online flexible degree options
• 42-66 total program credits
• APRN practice preparation
• Multiple certification pathways
• Clinical placements across settings
• Part-time study available
• Maintains B average requirement
• 7-year maximum completion time
• Advanced practice specialization

University of Detroit Mercy's hybrid Post-BSN to DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focus delivers a comprehensive advanced nursing education. Requiring 71 credits and 750 clinical hours, the program prepares nurses to provide primary healthcare across patient lifespans. The curriculum emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and interdisciplinary collaboration with a distinctive focus on serving medically underserved populations. Students develop cultural competence and advanced clinical skills through flexible full-time and part-time options. Designed for RNs with a minimum 3.0 GPA, the program facilitates professional growth, enabling graduates to become culturally sensitive, highly skilled advanced practice healthcare providers.

• Hybrid program format
• 71 credits for DNP
• 750 clinical hours for MSN
• Focus on underserved communities
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• RN license required
• Health promotion focus
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Cultural sensitivity training

Wayne State University's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care DNP program provides comprehensive training for advanced practice nurses specializing in child and adolescent health. Designed for nurses with one year of pediatric RN experience, this program emphasizes preventive care, developmental screening, and complex health management. Students develop advanced clinical skills through family-centered approaches, preparing for certification exams and professional roles in primary care clinics, specialty settings, and community environments. The curriculum integrates urban and global health perspectives, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to deliver holistic pediatric healthcare.

• DNP with Pediatric Primary Care focus
• Comprehensive child health preparation
• PNCB certification eligible
• One year pediatric RN experience required
• Full-time and part-time pathways
• Urban and global health perspectives
• Family-centered care approach

Wayne State University's DNP in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care prepares specialized nurses for managing critically ill children in high-intensity healthcare environments. This rigorous program demands one year of pediatric RN experience and focuses on developing advanced clinical skills for emergency departments and hospital settings. Students gain expertise in complex pediatric health conditions, combining foundational knowledge with sophisticated clinical training. The curriculum emphasizes family-centered care, enabling graduates to excel in acute care scenarios and become certified pediatric acute care practitioners through comprehensive professional preparation.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Pediatric Acute Care Specialty
• One year RN pediatric experience required
• Certification exam eligibility
• Advanced clinical care training
• Family-centered care focus
• Urban and global health perspectives

Wayne State University's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program transforms advanced practice nurses into innovative healthcare leaders. Emphasizing urban healthcare challenges, the curriculum develops strategic leadership capabilities through evidence-based practice and clinical innovation. Students explore multiple nursing specialties while gaining advanced research skills and professional development opportunities. The CCNE-accredited program prepares nurses to drive systemic improvements, addressing complex healthcare needs with sophisticated analytical and leadership competencies across diverse community settings.

• Hybrid program format
• Urban healthcare focus
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Multiple clinical specialties
• Advanced nursing leadership training
• CCNE accredited program
• Advanced practice nursing preparation

Wayne State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner specialty offers comprehensive primary care training across all life stages. This program cultivates advanced clinical expertise through hands-on experiences in diverse healthcare environments. Students develop sophisticated diagnostic reasoning, health promotion strategies, and patient management skills. The curriculum prepares graduates for national certification exams, positioning them as dynamic healthcare professionals capable of delivering high-quality, accessible first-contact care with deep community impact and advanced clinical competence.

• Primary care focus across lifespan
• Advanced clinical assessment skills
• Clinical practicum in diverse settings
• Nationally recognized certification eligibility
• Full-time and part-time pathways available

Wayne State University's Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Primary Care DNP program develops advanced practice nurses for comprehensive patient care. Focused on health promotion and management of acute and chronic conditions, the curriculum prepares students to work with adults and adolescents. Through advanced assessment techniques and theoretical nursing foundations, students gain diagnostic reasoning skills. The CCNE-accredited program offers flexible full-time and part-time options, enabling graduates to obtain professional certification and pursue leadership roles in primary care healthcare delivery.

• DNP with AGNP-PC specialty
• Primary care clinical focus
• Advanced nursing practice preparation
• Comprehensive patient care training
• National certification eligibility
• Multiple clinical practicum settings
• Full-time and part-time options
• CCNE accredited program

Wayne State University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program specializes in preparing advanced practice nurses for complex adult healthcare. Designed for professionals seeking to provide sophisticated care for physically ill patients, the curriculum emphasizes diagnostic reasoning and comprehensive physiological and psychosocial patient management. Students benefit from individualized clinical practicums, developing expertise that qualifies them for national certification exams. The program offers flexible full and part-time pathways, integrating theory-based practice and comprehensive healthcare preparation.

• DNP Advanced Practice Specialty
• Care for Physically Ill Adults
• Individualized Clinical Practicums
• National Certification Eligible
• Full and Part-Time Options
• Theory-Based Practice Training
• Comprehensive Healthcare Preparation

Wayne State University's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers advanced primary care training across the entire lifespan. The program combines innovative practicum experiences with comprehensive clinical skill development in diverse healthcare settings. Students learn sophisticated diagnostic reasoning and health management strategies, preparing to provide first-contact care from newborns to older adults. CCNE-accredited and offering flexible learning options, the program positions graduates for national certification and impactful healthcare roles.

• Primary care across lifespan
• Advanced clinical practicum
• National certification eligible
• Hybrid program format
• Full and part-time options
• Multiple clinical settings
• CCNE accredited program

Wayne State University's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner offers a transformative pathway for advanced nurses. The program equips healthcare professionals with specialized skills to manage complex health challenges in acute care settings for adult and geriatric populations. Requiring a 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure, the curriculum integrates clinical research, evidence-based practice, and leadership development. With flexible learning options and comprehensive training, graduates are prepared to drive healthcare innovation and improve patient outcomes.

• 73-78 total program credits
• Multiple curricular paths
• Full-time and part-time options
• Seven-year completion limit
• Hybrid program format
• Specialized clinical concentrations
• Advanced leadership focus
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Professional policy development
• Clinical research integration

Wayne State University's Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Primary Care DNP program prepares nurses for advanced practice in comprehensive primary care. Focusing on adult and adolescent clients, the curriculum emphasizes first-contact care, health promotion, and management of acute and chronic conditions. Students develop advanced clinical judgment through diverse practicum experiences, including autonomous primary care centers. The program offers full and part-time options, integrating theoretical foundations with practical application. Graduates are eligible for ANCC or AANP certification exams, positioning them for advanced practice nursing roles.

• DNP program with AGNP-PC specialty.
• Focus on adult and adolescent care.
• Comprehensive primary care training.
• Advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning.
• Gerontological nursing integrated.
• Clinical practicum in diverse settings.
• Eligible for ANCC or AANP exams.
• Full-time and part-time options.
• Emphasis on health promotion.
• Management of acute and chronic problems.

Wayne State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced primary care training across all life stages. The program develops clinical judgment for health promotion and comprehensive condition management. Students gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings, preparing for FNP certification exams. The curriculum blends advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and care strategies, emphasizing accessible and accountable healthcare. Graduates are equipped with skills to provide coordinated care, with eligibility for ANCC or AANP certification exams.

• Focus on primary care across lifespan.
• Prepares for FNP certification exams.
• Hands-on clinical practicum in diverse settings.
• Advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning.
• Comprehensive care strategies taught.
• Eligible for ANCC or AANP exams.
• Curriculum includes health promotion.
• Management of acute and chronic conditions.
• Clinical judgment development emphasized.
• Accessible and accountable care focus.

Madonna University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for MSN-prepared nurses, completed in two years with 33 credits. This CCNE-accredited program focuses on leadership, policy, and research to drive healthcare innovation, requiring a 3.0 GPA, RN license, and recommendations. No entrance exam is mentioned, so it may not be required. The program is 100% online, military-friendly, and includes a scholarly project for career advancement.

• 100% Online Program
• Two-Year Completion
• 33 Semester Credit Hours
• MSN Degree Required
• Post-Master's Professional Degree
• Leadership-Focused Curriculum
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Minimum 3.0 Graduate GPA
• Scholarly Project Component
• Career Advancement Focused

Madonna University's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 74-credit post-BSN pathway that prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles. It includes 600 clinical hours and flexible scheduling, emphasizing patient-centered care across diverse populations. No entrance exam is specified, but admission likely requires standard prerequisites. The program is military-friendly and combines online and on-campus learning for leadership development.

• 74-credit post-BSN to DNP
• Hybrid learning format
• 600 clinical practice hours
• Full and part-time options
• Family Nurse Practitioner certification
• Advanced practice preparation
• Diverse patient population exposure

Madonna University's hybrid BSN to DNP program with a concentration in Adult Gerontology Acute Care trains nurses for acute care settings in adult and geriatric populations. This 74-credit program offers 600 clinical hours, full-time or part-time options, and prepares for ANCC/AANP certification. No entrance exam is indicated, focusing on evidence-based practice and family-centered care. It is military-friendly and designed for advanced practice nursing roles.

• 74-credit post-BSN to DNP
• Hybrid online/on-campus format
• 600 clinical practice hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• ANCC/AANP certification preparation
• Advanced practice nurse focus
• Family-centered healthcare approach