Grand Valley State University, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program has been ranked as one of the best in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report. The nursing program is being recognized in the 2022 Best Graduate Schools rankings by the U.S. News. These rankings include evaluations of programs and academic fields using many different types of statistics and data sources, as well as surveys from students. 

Many faculty members in the program engage in efforts to improve learning opportunities and experiences for nursing students, which often include combining clinical scholarship and sharing their passion for nursing in their teaching. The Kirkhof College of Nursing’s innovation in nursing scholarship and academics is evident in the growing simulation programming within the undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university. Students are given high level learning opportunities whether they are caring for a well pediatric patient or practicing how to deliver serious news to families, friends, patients, etc. The simulation center and faculty involved work to adapt scenarios to provide more meaningful learning and assessment opportunities during every different situation they may be encountering.  

Christina Quick, assistant professor of the Kirkhof College of Nursing said, “Not only do I get to share my passion for the profession, but I learn so much every year from my students. Personally, my favorite thing about teaching in the DNP program is that many, if not all of our students, have very specific areas of interest within their specialty. As faculty, it is a joy to be a part of the journey to developing interest into passion, and mold inquiry into expertise.  Seeing our graduates succeed and emerge as leaders on local, state, and national levels, is the greatest thing.”

The DNP program that is offered through the Kirkhof College of Nursing is designed for graduates and nurses that are looking for a terminal degree in different nursing fields, this is the only program of this type that is currently offered in West Michigan. Their curriculum is delivered within a hybrid format, while focusing on transforming American healthcare through collaboration, healthcare policy advocacy, patient centered care, quality/safety initiatives and use of informatics. 

“There are so many things to say about this wonderful program and why someone should consider KCON to pursue their DNP. As a smaller program, the intimate guidance and mentorship students receive is invaluable. Students have opportunities to work with faculty mentors in their scholarships, and in their areas of interest and leave here knowing that they made a difference. Our program benefits from many incredible faculty experts, including Drs Conrad and Moran who co-authored (with Dr. Burson) the ‘The Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project’ textbook that is utilized in many other DNP programs. Our nurse practitioner led Family Health Center provides unique clinical opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students,” said Quick.