The Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares nurses at an advanced level of nursing practice and evidence-based science, emphasizing the development of the student's capacity to impact the clinical setting as a leader and educator and to translate clinical research to improve and transform health care, with a focus on urban populations. Advanced practice nurses with practice doctorates address significant practice issues in a scholarly way; adopt broad system perspectives for health promotion and risk reduction; and act as agents of change who transform client/community care, participate in the ongoing evaluation of health care outcomes, and assist in the translation of research that leads to positive nursing practice changes.

Each program prepares its students to take the appropriate clinical specialty/APRN licensing exam for the State of Michigan. Graduates who want to practice in other states should review the Board of Nursing's licensure professional requirements by state.

The DNP program is delivered on campus with an option for synchronous distance learning. Visit the College of Nursing distance learning site for requirements to be a synchronous distance learner.

Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate nursing degree from an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A transcript/credential evaluation is required for all international transcripts. All transcripts must be from an accredited institution.

Step 1: Apply to the Wayne State University College of Nursing via NursingCAS

For applicants who are interested in receiving a graduate degree in nursing from one of the nation's premier public, urban research universities, please apply through the AACN-operated universal application system NursingCAS. Applicants are not required to submit a separate WSU application.

Step 2: Submit supplemental materials in NursingCAS

All candidates must submit the following supplemental material when applying:

• Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions showing completion (or in-progress) of a bachelor of science in nursing with a 3.0 or higher GPA. BSN to DNP students must complete the BSN at the latest by June of the year they are starting fall semester DNP courses. To begin the review process, please request official transcripts through NursingCAS.
  Please note: An official transcript/credential evaluation is required for all international transcripts (including Canada). Review of your application cannot begin without the international transcript evaluation. WSU accepts World Education Services, Education Credential Evaluators and SpanTran: The Evaluation Company.
• Resume or curriculum vitae that includes education, work and/or research experience, publications, certifications, licenses, grants, professional affiliations, awards, honors, presentations, and/or courses taught.
• Two professional letters of recommendation on company letterhead that includes credentials and contact information. An example of a professional letter of recommendation includes prior faculty and/or unit manager. One letter must come from a doctorally prepared individual.
• Current Michigan Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. Out-of-state or international students are welcome to apply but must submit a current RN license with application. After admission, an admitted student must submit Michigan RN licensure within two semesters. All applicants educated outside of the United States must be certified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to obtain Michigan licensure — documentation is required from CGFNS with your application.
• MSN-DNP applicants "APRN Certified" must submit a copy of specialty certification.
• A personal statement of goals for graduate study.
• If proof of English proficiency is required (for most applicants whose BSN was earned outside the United States), one of the following must be submitted with the application:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum total score requirement of 101 (minimum 25 Listening, 25 Reading, 25 Writing and 26 Speaking).
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A minimum overall score greater than 7 (minimum of 8 in Speaking, minimum of 7 in Writing, and greater than 7 in Reading and Listening).
• Application fee is waived for fall 2024 and winter 2025. Wayne State University College of Nursing is proud to offer a free application coupon code for our graduate programs. Email gradnursing@wayne.edu to request your unique coupon code today.

Once all application materials are submitted and reviewed, qualified applicants will be invited to complete an interview. For information on program costs, please refer to the WSU tuition and fees schedule.

Each of the clinical specialties may have additional requirements, including specialty RN work experience prior to the start of the APRN clinical courses.

Step 3: Accept your offer and watch your email

Check your personal email for updates regarding your application. Once admitted, accept your offer of admission and check your Wayne State email regarding information on registration, important meetings and more.