MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NURSING • NURSING.MSU.EDU
GRADUATE CLINICAL PROGRAMS
12
IOM RECOMMENDATION 5
Double the number of nurses
with a doctorate by 2020.
Creating Lasting Outcome Change
is Focus of Doctoral Study
Interconnecting DNP and PhD through
Shared Experience
The hybrid format of the DNP accommodates
distance learners with a two or three year
program option. On-campus intensives begin
each semester’s work which is completed online
and in precepted community experiences.
In these practica students learn new roles
with a focus on improving their knowledge of
high quality, important leadership and policy
activities that impact nursing in the community
and nationally. The program of study includes
additional preparation in leadership, data
analysis, population health, translation of
research, and the skills to make lasting outcome
changes within the healthcare system.
Recognizing the different but
interconnected roles of DNPs and nursing
PhDs, the curriculum provides for regular
interaction between students in the two
programs. Three doctoral level courses are
required for both programs and provide for
shared experience of the content.
The purpose of the DNP Synthesis Project
is to identify a clinical or organization issue
to implement in the clinical setting. Through
examination of theoretical underpinnings and
related literature, students design, implement,
and evaluate an evidence-based practice
project with the support of a committee of
internal faculty and external content experts.
The project proposal, defense, and final public
presentation occur on campus.
DNP students meet with PhD students in
a number of ways. They learn about each
other’s synthesis and research projects, share
library sessions that demonstrate common
needs for information, attend sessions with
visiting faculty, and participate in the student
Doctoral Nursing Association. In this way,
students in both programs get a better sense
of each other’s role, how they are different
but complementary, and how they will work
together in their professional roles to positively
impact health outcomes.
Four Key Messages:
1. Nurses should practice to the full extent
of their education and training.
2. Nurses should achieve higher levels of
education and training through an improved
education system that promotes seamless
academic progression.
3. Nurses should be full partners, with physicians
and other health professions, in redesigning
healthcare in the United States.
4. Effective workforce planning and policy
making require better data collection and
an improved information infrastructure.
The Institute of Medicine, The Future of Nursing:
Leading Change, Advancing Health, 2010
PREVENTING, DIAGNOSING, AND
MANAGING CHRONIC DISEASE
Better management of chronic diseases
such as diabetes, asthma, and heart
disease will become critical as the U.S.
population ages. Currently, 75 cents of
every healthcare dollar is spent on chronic
diseases that are largely preventable.
APRNs have an excellent track record in
preventing, diagnosing, and managing
the care of patients with multiple chronic
diseases. Allowing APRNs to practice to
the full extent of their required education
and competencies will reduce healthcare
costs for all parties.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance, 2010