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

University of Detroit Mercy's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is designed for master's-prepared nurses aiming for the highest level of clinical practice. The 36-credit curriculum integrates nursing, biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences, using informatics to support collaborative strategies. Courses cover advanced theory, evidence-based practice, leadership, health policy, epidemiology, business management, and ethics, with a mentored DNP project from idea to implementation. Clinical partnerships, including Trinity Oakland, enhance practicum experiences. The program blends asynchronous and synchronous learning for flexibility and offers full- and part-time options. Grounded in Mercy and Jesuit traditions, it emphasizes compassionate, holistic care. Admission requires a 3.2 GPA and three recommendations; no entrance exam is specified.

• 36 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• 3.2 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Capstone required
• Online with asynchronous and synchronous delivery
• Personal mentoring for doctoral project
• Clinical partnership with Trinity Oakland
• Final DNP project developed gradually

Detroit Mercy's hybrid Post-BSN to DNP with an MSN exit in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver primary care across the lifespan. The 71-credit curriculum stresses health promotion, disease prevention, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a special focus on medically underserved communities. Students complete 750 MSN clinical hours plus additional DNP practicum hours, building expertise in leadership and evidence-based practice. Graduates are eligible for ANCC or AANPCB certification and can pursue roles in community health centers, private practices, or hospitals. Full- and part-time pathways start each fall; a 3.0 GPA and three recommendations are required. No entrance exam is mentioned. With 38% projected job growth and an average Michigan salary of $106,588, this degree offers impactful primary care careers.

• 71 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Full-time and part-time options
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required
• Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB

The online post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice at University of Detroit Mercy, with a Nurse Practitioner concentration, elevates clinical expertise for certified APRNs. This 36-credit curriculum deepens knowledge in nursing science, biopsychosocial theory, informatics, and leadership, preparing nurse practitioners to optimize health outcomes. The flexible format combines asynchronous and synchronous learning, ideal for working professionals. Personal mentoring guides the final DNP project, and students choose practicum experiences from partnerships like Trinity Oakland. Graduates pursue leadership, policy, and clinical roles, with nurse practitioners earning a median salary of $129,480. Admission requires a master's degree and 3.2 GPA; no entrance exam is listed. The program offers multiple concentration options and competitive tuition.

• 5 concentration options
• 36 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• 3.2 GPA minimum
• $129,480 median earnings
• Median annual wage for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners was $129,480 in 2023
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Capstone required
• Online with asynchronous and synchronous delivery

University of Detroit Mercy's Post-BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) program is delivered 100% online via Blackboard. The 66-credit curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, assessment, and pharmacology, followed by CNS specialty courses and clinical hours. As a generalist AG-CNS, you'll be eligible for national certification through ANCC or AACN. Clinical experiences span acute, primary, long-term, and underserved settings, with a dedicated coordinator assisting placement. Study full- or part-time, with financial aid available. A 3.0 GPA and three recommendations are required; no entrance exam is mentioned. Graduates can prescribe, bill, and provide expert care across settings, with pathways to a PhD or further specialization.

• 66 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Financial aid available
• Eligible for national AG-CNS certification
• Courses delivered online via Blackboard
• Clinical coordinator assists with placements
• Full-time work often not feasible during clinical semesters
• Clinical sites: acute, primary, long-term care
• Annual ACEMAPP registration required

Wayne State University's DNP with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care specialty prepares RNs for advanced practice with children and adolescents. The curriculum covers health promotion, disease prevention, developmental screening, and management of common to complex conditions in primary care, specialty clinics, and community settings. Students learn family-centered care within urban and global health contexts. Graduates are eligible for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) exam. One year of pediatric RN experience is required before clinicals, and both full-time and part-time options are available. The program does not specify an entrance exam requirement. Career paths include primary care PNP, specialty clinics, and community health centers, with strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and clinical leadership.

• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall/winter/summer
• Work experience required
• Prepares for Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
• Curriculum covers health promotion, prevention, treatment
• Clinical settings include primary care and specialty clinics
• Focus on family-centered care
• Urban and global health focus
• Eligible for PNCB certification exam
• Requires one year pediatric RN experience

Wayne State University's DNP in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (PNP-AC) focuses on delivering advanced care to acutely and critically ill children and adolescents. Coursework integrates foundational pediatrics with specialized training in disease prevention, health promotion, and clinical management across intensive care units, emergency departments, and hospitals. The program emphasizes family-centered care within urban and global contexts, addressing complex chronic and life-threatening conditions. Graduates qualify for PNCB certification and can pursue roles as acute care pediatric nurse practitioners. The program requires one year of pediatric RN experience before clinicals and offers full- and part-time plans. Entrance exam requirements are not stated. This degree equips nurses to meet the needs of vulnerable pediatric populations in diverse healthcare environments.

• Full-time and part-time options
• Work experience required
• Prepares for PNCB certification
• Care for critically ill children
• Requires one year pediatric RN experience
• Family-centered care approach
• Urban and global health focus

Wayne State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares nurses for the highest level of clinical practice. With seven clinical specialties—from acute care to psychiatric mental health—students can customize their education. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical decision-making, evidence-based practice, health policy, and health equity, with a focus on urban and underserved communities. Classes are offered on campus and synchronously online for flexibility while maintaining real-time interaction. Students receive expert faculty mentorship and a personalized plan of study. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams in their specialty. Career paths include APRN, clinical director, chief nursing officer, or nursing faculty. Financial aid is available. No entrance exam is mentioned in the program requirements.

• 7 concentration options
• Starts fall
• Synchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Customized plan of study
• Prepares for national certification exams
• Focus on urban and underserved communities

Wayne State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialty prepares RNs for advanced primary care roles across the lifespan. The blend of DNP core coursework and clinical training includes advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and management of acute and chronic conditions. Students complete a final evidence-based project and gain expertise in health equity, data-driven care, and policy advocacy. Clinical placements are arranged by the school, with mentorship from expert faculty. Graduates are eligible for ANCC or AANP certification and can work in community health, private practice, specialty clinics, and underserved areas. Full-time students can finish in three years; a part-time option exists. The program does not detail entrance exam requirements. Financial aid includes the Graduate Professional Scholarship and ANEW Grant.

• Complete in as little as three years
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prepares for ANCC or AANP
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Clinical placements arranged by school
• Expert faculty mentorship
• High certification pass rate

Wayne State's DNP in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care prepares students to become primary care NPs for adults and older adults. Coursework emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and longitudinal care, with clinical placements in community clinics and nurse-managed centers. Students learn to manage chronic conditions, promote health equity, and coordinate care. The program offers full- and part-time plans spanning three to five years and starts in the fall. Graduates can sit for ANCC or AACN certification and pursue roles as primary care NPs, community health leaders, or educators. This Detroit-based program focuses on relationship-centered, evidence-based practice to meet the growing demand for primary care. Admission details do not specify a required entrance exam.

• Complete in typically spans 3 to 5 years
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prepares for ANCC or AACN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Clinical placements in diverse settings
• Full-time completion in 3 years
• Part-time completion in 4 years

• 3-Year program
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Personalized clinical placements arranged
• Prepares for ANCC or AACN certification
• Lead interprofessional quality improvement
• Careers: AGACNP, clinical educator, hospitalist

• Complete in as little as three years
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prepares for ANCC or AANP
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Clinical placements arranged by WSU
• Mentorship from expert faculty
• Health equity and policy focus
• Primary care across lifespan
• Evidence-based project required

• 7 concentration options
• Full-time and part-time options
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Capstone required
• Three entry paths for BSN or MSN graduates
• Requires current Michigan RN license
• Personal goal statement and interview required

• 3-Year program
• Complete in as little as three years
• Full-time and part-time options
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Capstone required
• Prepares for ANCC or AANP
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available

Madonna University's online DNP program is tailored for nurses with an MSN who seek executive-level clinical leadership. The 33-credit curriculum emphasizes health policy analysis, financial management, and interprofessional collaboration, culminating in a theory-driven Scholarly Project with real healthcare partners. Fully online, the program offers both full- and part-time tracks, completing in as few as two years (seven semesters). Admission requires an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, two recommendation letters, and an interview; no entrance exam is required. The CCNE-accredited DNP prepares graduates for roles as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, midwives, consultants, or healthcare administrators, with faculty mentorship throughout.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 2-Year program
• Complete in two years (seven semesters)
• 33 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Capstone required
• 100% online learning
• Admission interview required

Madonna University's hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner DNP is designed for BSN-prepared nurses aiming for the highest level of clinical practice. This 74-credit program integrates online coursework with on-campus intensives, providing 600 clinical hours in diverse outpatient settings across the lifespan. The curriculum focuses on family-centered health promotion, evidence-based care, and healthcare leadership, with a course-based DNP project. Both full- and part-time pacing accommodate working nurses. Graduates are eligible for national certification via ANCC or AANP and can pursue careers in primary care, private practice, education, or administration. No entrance exam is required for admission, and the program includes an MSN exit option.

• 74 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 600 clinical hours
• Prepares for Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam
• Prepares for ANCC/AANP certification
• BSN to DNP with MSN exit

Madonna University offers a fully online, post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice for registered nurses seeking leadership roles in healthcare systems. The 33-credit curriculum covers economic and financial management, health policy, advanced research methods, and interprofessional development, culminating in a scholarly project addressing real clinical challenges. Students can complete the CCNE-accredited program in two years (seven semesters) with flexible full- or part-time enrollment. Admission requires an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and two letters of recommendation, with no entrance exam necessary. Graduates emerge prepared for positions as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, consultants, or healthcare executives, supported by dedicated faculty mentoring throughout the program.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 2-Year program
• Complete in can be completed in two years (seven semesters)
• 33 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Capstone required
• 100% online program
• Post-MSN DNP degree

Madonna University's BSN-to-DNP with MSN exit option offers a hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner pathway for BSN nurses. The 74-credit program blends online learning with on-campus intensives, featuring 600 supervised clinical hours in primary care settings. The curriculum emphasizes lifespan health promotion, evidence-based practice, and systems leadership, and includes a course-based DNP project starting during MSN coursework. Students can choose full- or part-time study while progressing toward FNP certification eligibility through ANCC or AANP. Graduates are equipped for roles in private practice, healthcare administration, education, or community clinics. The program does not require an entrance exam, and the hybrid structure allows working nurses to gain hands-on experience while completing their doctorate.

• 74 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 600 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Prepares for Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam
• Hybrid, online and on-campus delivery
• Prepare for FNP certification (ANCC/AANP)
• Post-BSN to DNP with MSN exit
• Course-based DNP project
• Hands-on skill development