12 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Michigan – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Are you a BSN in Michigan with a deep commitment to evidence-based practice and critical thinking? When you enroll in BSN to DNP programs in Michigan, the education you'll receive will help you apply these guiding tenets to a whole new range of practice settings and healthcare scenarios. As a graduate of one of the BSN to DNP programs in Michigan, you’ll be qualified for employment as a clinical specialist, upper-echelon nurse manager, or nursing instructor, and you can count on earning an average salary of $121,920 a year. Begin exploring the possibilities by reading this list of the 12 best BSN to DNP programs in Michigan for 2025.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN TO DNP PROGRAMS IN MICHIGAN (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 12 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Michigan (Online & Campus).)1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, and Nurse-Midwifery / Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
Whether you choose adult-gerontology care, family health, nurse midwifery, or the dual DNP track of nurse-midwifery/family health, you’ll leave the school with the highest level of clinical skills within your area of practice. Each BSN to DNP track comes with 3-year and 4-year plans, except for the dual track, which is offered only as a 4-year plan.
University of Michigan’s BSN to DNP program, regardless of the specialization, requires completing around 72 credits. However, if you choose the dual specialization, then your credit requirements will go up to 100 credits. You’ll complete the coursework through a combination of online and on-campus classes.
Some of the common core courses include topics such as advanced physiology & pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, and healthcare quality & safety improvement.
Admission Requirements: To apply to this BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan, regardless of the specialization, you must have a BSN and a valid RN license in MI. Further, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. To qualify, your GPA must not be lower than 3.0.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Michigan BSN-to-DNP Students
• University of Michigan nursing school’s DNP program ranks among the best in the country as per the U.S. News & World Report.• As one of the largest public universities in the nation, the University of Michigan can provide BSN to DNP students with a plethora of research opportunities and resources.
• With proximity to renowned health systems and close partnerships with several clinical partners throughout the country, the University of Michigan maintains an extensive network of clinical affiliates. Therefore, as a BSN to DNP student, you’ll enjoy meaningful learning opportunities in some of the diverse clinical environments.
2. Wayne State University - Detroit
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, and Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Regardless of the BSN to DNP track you choose, the curriculum mainly comprises core graduate courses, APRN courses, and specialization-specific courses. The number of credits required for graduation is around 78. Also, included in your training are 1000 hours of clinical training.
The core classes which are common to all the BSN to DNP tracks cover topics such as evidence-based nursing practice, health & health disparities, nursing informatics, health policy leadership & ethics, and health economics. After completing the core courses, you’ll transition to the specialization-specific courses and DNP project.
Upon completion of this BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan, you’ll be prepared to take the certification exam within your chosen population focus.
Admission Requirements: Because Wayne State University DNP tracks are counted among the best BSN-to-DNP programs in Michigan, the admission process is highly competitive, and it is preferred for you to highlight every aspect of your application. To apply, you must have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be valid and unencumbered. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your resume, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a copy of your RN license.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Wayne State University BSN-to-DNP Students
• The U.S. News & World Report recognizes Wayne State’s DNP program as among the best in the nation.• Wayne State University’s BSN-to-DNP program offers rigorous clinical training at a variety of clinical sites across Detroit, emphasizing urban health. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a seamless transition to the advanced practice nursing workplace.
• Wayne State nursing school offers a number of financial resources to make your BSN to DNP education affordable. If eligible, you’ll be able to apply for scholarships, nursing faculty loan program, and grants.
3. University of Michigan- Flint - Flint
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
UM-Flint’s online BSN to DNP program offers specialization options, including, adult gerontology care, family health, and psychiatric mental health, so you can choose your preferred area of interest. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll be able to complete the program, part-time or full-time, based on your convenience.
This BSN to DNP program comprises a total of 70 to 73 credits in core MSN, APRN, and DNP courses. The MSN core courses that build a base for the NP-specialized knowledge, teach you concepts in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, biostatistics, epidemiology, advanced health assessment, and healthcare informatics. On the other hand, the DNP courses teach you topics such as health policy & economics, transcultural care, advanced practice quality & safety, and organizational & administrative.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for this BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan, you must have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, UM-Flint requires that you have a current and unencumbered RN license. Further, you are required to submit official transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal goal statement.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Michigan- Flint BSN-to-DNP Students
• UM-Flint’s BSN to DNP program boasts an excellent pass rate on the NP certification exams.• UM-Flint’s faculty actively engage in innovative research. As a BSN to DNP student, you’ll be able to explore research opportunities and resources of all three university campuses, including UM-Flint, UM-Dearborn, and UM-Ann Arbor.
• UM-Flint not only offers affordable tuition costs but also provides many financial aid opportunities to make your BSN to DNP education rather affordable. You should be able to apply for grants, scholarships, and loans, based on your eligibility criteria.
4. Oakland University - Rochester
Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia
This BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan comprises 87 credits, including at least 2000 hours of clinical training. The curriculum includes courses in advanced pharmacology, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, and organizational & systems leadership. You also learn about health systems policy and regulations. Further, through courses in anesthesia, you’ll learn about anesthesia practice, advanced concepts in perioperative cardiac care, and regional anesthesia & pain management. In addition to didactic courses, the program also requires completion of clinical training, covering at least 600 cases in all specialties.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for Oakland University’s DNP, your BSN must be from an accredited university and your GPA must be at least 3.0. Further, your RN license must be active and current in Michigan. To apply, you must be currently working in an ICU and have at least one year of ICU experience at the time of application. To fulfill the application requirements, you must be prepared to submit two letters of recommendation, your transcripts, a resume, and a personal goal statement.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Oakland University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Oakland University’s BSN to DNP program reports a very low attrition rate, indicating that the majority of the students are satisfied with the education they receive. Aside from this, the program reports an excellent pass rate on the CRNA certification exam. What's more, 100% of program graduates get employed within six months of graduation.• Oakland University’s DNP education has received acclaim and ranks among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Oakland University’s DNP in Nursing Anesthesia is among the first in the nation to offer training through the distance format.
• Oakland University emphasizes rigorous clinical training through advanced simulation practice, followed by clinical rotations at any one of its many clinical affiliates.
5. Grand Valley State University - Grand Rapids
Specialties Offered: Child/Adolescent Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Dual Child/Adolescent Primary Care/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Child/Adolescent Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult/Older Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Here, you can choose from multiple BSN to DNP tracks, including Child/Adolescent Acute Care, Family Health, Psychiatric Mental Health, Child/Adolescent Primary Care, and Adult/Older Adult Primary Care. Also, should you be interested in both, primary and acute care, there is a Dual Child/Adolescent Primary Care/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP track that you may want to opt for.
Regardless of the BSN to DNP track you choose, on a full-time basis, you should be able to graduate within three years. However, if you opt for part-time study, then the duration of the program will depend on your pace of study. Graduation requires you to complete around 74 to 86 credits, with the exact number of credits based on the DNP track you choose. For each BSN to DNP track, in addition to track-specific courses, you will also take courses in healthcare policy & advocacy, leadership in advanced practice nursing, population health & epidemiology, and evidence-based practice.
Admission Requirements: GVSU’s admission requirements include an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, this BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan requires you to have an active RN license in the state. To apply, you must keep ready your transcripts, a resume, a personal essay, and the prescribed number of references.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Grand Valley State University BSN-to-DNP Students
• GVSU nursing school’s partnerships with more than 1700 healthcare organizations can open doors to meaningful clinical experiences where you’ll hone skills under the supervision of an expert mentor. Besides, the school’s placement coordinator helps you in finding a suitable clinical placement that matches your professional goals.• GVSU’s state-of-art simulation center provides ample learning experiences in a real-like hospital environment. Also, because the on-campus sessions are held at the DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, you should be able to enjoy close interactions with students from other health professions.
• As a GVSU BSN to DNP student, you may access financial resources, including scholarships, graduate assistantships, and financial aid opportunities.
6. Saginaw Valley State University - University Center
Specialties Offered: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Offered with the FNP specialization, this BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan is mainly online, requiring only a few in-person sessions. SVSU’s BSN to DNP-FNP program awards you an MSN along with a doctoral degree. The curriculum comprises a total of 79 credits, including 70 credits of core and nine credits for the DNP project.
The DNP-FNP coursework is comprehensive, covering topics, including, nursing theory, healthcare policy & funding, nursing leadership, nursing informatics, epidemiology & population health, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Additionally, you’ll also take classes in professional role development for NPs, healthcare finance, analytic methods of quality improvement, nursing leadership, and family healthcare management. Towards the end of the program, you’ll complete a DNP project where you’ll apply your newly acquired DNP-FNP knowledge to practice.
Admission Requirements: To fulfill the admission requirements for SVSU’s BSN to DNP program, you must have a BSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.3. Also, your RN license must be valid in Michigan. Further, the school requires you to submit your resume, three letters of recommendation, a personal goal statement, and all your transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Saginaw Valley State University BSN-to-DNP Students
• SVSU’s BSN to DNP program allows you to take the FNP certification at the end of three years, after which you can either continue with the program to complete the doctoral coursework or take a break and come back at a later date to finish the remaining DNP requirements. Well, this flexibility can be great for students who are eager to kickstart their advanced practice nursing careers ASAP.• SVSU’s BSN to DNP program is offered 100% online, requiring on-campus visits for only one or two Saturdays in each of the fall and winter semesters. If you are a full-time working nurse, then this convenience can be the icing on the cake.
• At SVSU nursing school, you’ll be paying one of the lowest tuition rates in MI. Further, you may apply for financial assistance from the several options on offer, including loans, scholarships, tuition reimbursement plans, traineeship, and other financial aid opportunities.
7. Michigan State University - East Lansing
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Anesthesiology, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Regardless of the BSN to DNP track you choose, to graduate, you’ll take three years of full-time study. The BSN to DNP curriculum is made up of around 70 credits in core and NP-specific courses. Some of the courses you take include clinical epidemiology for healthcare practice, healthcare informatics, health policy & advocacy and patient safety, quality improvement & quality management. Also, you’ll learn about advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, and wellness promotion for diverse populations.
Admission Requirements: To gain admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be valid and unencumbered in the state of practice. To complete the admission requirements, you must submit your resume, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and your official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Michigan State University BSN-to-DNP Students
• MSU is counted among the top research universities in the world. Therefore, here as a BSN to DNP student, you can participate in a variety of research projects and gain valuable insights.• MSU has been offering online education for more than 20 years. Therefore, you can expect the online BSN to DNP education to be rather refined, offering an effective learning experience.
• MSU nursing school is ranked among the top in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• With several external partners, MSU offers a plethora of learning opportunities wherein BSN to DNP students can hone their clinical skills.
8. Northern Michigan University - Marquette
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
The online BSN to DNP-FNP coursework comprises 78 credits and 1000 hours of clinical practice. The clinical experiences that form an integral part of your training can be conveniently completed within your home community. This BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan starts with 41 credits of core courses after which you’ll complete 9 credits in the advanced practice core and 28 credits in the family NP specialty.
The core courses make you proficient in organizational & systems leadership, healthcare quality improvement & safety, health policy & advocacy, and statistics. Further, you’ll learn about research utilization, epidemiology, interprofessional leadership, and healthcare informatics. The advanced practice core courses teach you advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology. The FNP-related courses make you adept at the primary care management of patients suffering from chronic and acute health conditions.
Admission Requirements: Admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan is highly competitive, so you should highlight all aspects of your application. To qualify for admission, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be unencumbered and active in the U.S. To apply, you must submit your official transcripts, a current resume, and three letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Northern Michigan University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Northern Michigan University’s BSN-to-DNP program boasts of an excellent placement rate having almost all graduates find suitable jobs within six months of graduation.• Northern Michigan University’s BSN-to-DNP offers a low residency model, where you’ll enjoy the flexibility of taking most of the courses from the comfort of your home and only visiting the campus a few times for intensives.
• Northern Michigan University nursing school offers several learning opportunities outside the classroom. So, well, you could be engaging in professional networking by joining the student association, or attending a conference abroad, or perhaps taking a study trip abroad.
9. Madonna University - Livonia
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Dual Adult Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner
No matter the BSN-to-DNP specialization option you choose, to graduate, you must complete 70 to 74 credits. All the BSN-to-DNP tracks come with part-time and full-time enrollment options. Also, the coursework is delivered through a hybrid format, combining online and on-campus classes.
All the BSN to DNP tracks comprises core courses and specialization-specific courses. The core courses teach you topics such as advanced human pathophysiology, pharmacology, health promotion, advanced health assessment, health policy analysis & advocacy, organizational & systems leadership, healthcare economics & finance, and advanced nursing research.
Admission Requirements: Similar to other BSN-to-DNP programs in Michigan, to qualify for admission, you must foremost have an accredited BSN. Further, Madonna University requires your GPA to be at least 3.0. and your RN license to be active and unencumbered. Further, you fulfill the admission requirements by submitting your transcripts, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Madonna University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Madonna University nursing school’s faculty is highly accomplished and have years of practice experience. Also, they are highly supportive and committed to helping you reach your academic and career goals.• Madonna University nursing school has for more than 50 years produced competent and compassionate nurses. Its BSN to DNP program is built on this robust foundation of five decades of nursing education.
• Madonna University offers one of the most affordable BSN-to-DNP programs in Michigan. In fact, the school’s tuition rates are one of the lowest in the nation.
• Madonna University nursing school offers several financial aid resources that further reduce your tuition costs. Here, you can apply for scholarships, financial aid opportunities, grants, or loans.
10. Andrews University - Berrien Springs
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
This BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan, offered with an FNP focus, seamlessly takes your BSN to the doctoral level. The 65 credits for BSN-to-DNP-FNP coursework can be completed with four years of full-time study.
The program mainly comprises core graduate courses and FNP-specific courses. While the core courses lay a solid foundation in topics such as healthcare policy & advocacy, nursing leadership, population health, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical reasoning, the FNP-specific courses, make you adept in the healthcare management of individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan.
Admission Requirements: Andrews University’s BSN to DNP program is designed for BSN graduates who have a minimum GPA of 3.25. Further, your RN license must be valid and current in your state of practice. Also, you must be prepared to submit three recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and all your transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Andrews University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Andrews University offers one of the most affordable BSN-to-DNP programs in Michigan. Further, with funding options galore, you may be able to receive financial assistance to offset tuition costs.• Andrews University nursing school has impacted healthcare for more than 50 years. In these several years of producing holistic caregivers, the school has constantly evolved its nursing curriculum to stay abreast of changing trends in the field of nursing. The BSN to DNP program expands on this rich experience of excellent nursing education.
• Andrews University has been recognized as one of the culturally most diverse learning environments in the nation, as per the U.S. News & World Report. As a BSN to DNP student, this diversity not only enhances cultural competence and critical thinking but also enriches your overall learning experience.
11. University of Detroit Mercy - Detroit
Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS), Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, and Nurse Anesthesia
The BSN to DNP program comes with five concentration options, including clinical nurse leader, family health, adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist, nursing & healthcare leadership, and nursing anesthesia. To graduate, depending on the DNP concentration you choose, you’ll require completing 63 to 87 credits.
Some of the common core courses that you take include information management, population health, leadership & quality improvement, evidence-based practice, ethical issues in advanced nursing practice, business management to ensure healthcare quality, and analytical methods for evidence-based practice.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, your RN license must be active and unencumbered in your state of practice. Further, to fulfill the application requirements, you are required to submit your transcripts, a resume, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Detroit Mercy BSN-to-DNP Students
• University of Detroit’s BSN to DNP program not only boasts of a 100% pass rate on the national certification but also takes pride in 100% of graduates getting placed soon after graduation.• University of Detroit nursing school reports an excellent retention rate, indicating that a majority of the BSN to DNP students are satisfied with the education they receive.
• University of Detroit BSN to DNP program’s faculty are highly accomplished and at the same time known to be supportive and friendly. With the individualized attention you receive, it will certainly be easier for you to reach your academic and professional goals.
• University of Detroit’s BSN-to-DNP program is also one of the most affordable BSN-to-DNP programs in Michigan.
12. Eastern Michigan University - Ypsilanti
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
This BSN-to-DNP program in Michigan regardless of the concentration requires the completion of 84 credits in advanced practice clinical courses, concentration-specific courses, and DNP courses. The advanced practice clinical courses strengthen your core, covering topics such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, nursing theory, health promotion & disease prevention, and research for evidence-based nursing. Further, the doctoral courses educate you on various relevant subjects, such as nursing education, quality & safety, nursing leadership, health policy & advocacy, healthcare delivery, and healthcare informatics.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission, your BSN degree must be from an accredited college. Also, your RN license must be active and unencumbered in MI. Further, you must have completed a basic course in statistics and health assessment. Besides, you must be prepared to submit your resume, transcripts, and personal statement.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Eastern Michigan University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Eastern Michigan University nursing school offers several financial resources to make your BSN to DNP education affordable. You may apply for scholarships, financial aid, or nurse faculty loan program.• Eastern Michigan University’s faculty comprises experts who partner with you in helping you reach your professional goals.
• Eastern Michigan University’s BSN-to-DNP program is offered in a hybrid format. So, you conveniently complete some of the didactic courses from the comfort of your home, while only attending two to three in-person classes each semester.
• Eastern Michigan University’s BSN-to-DNP program confers an MSN along the way to the doctorate. After you complete the MSN coursework, you’ll be eligible to take the national certification exam within your advanced practice nursing role. Thereafter, you can explore employment options in your field of practice, while continuing with the program to complete the DNP courses.
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