FYI: http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/in...t_doctora.html

Saginaw Valley State University on Friday added the first doctoral program to its curriculum.
The Board of Control voted to establish the doctor of nursing practice degree to replace the family nurse practitioner program, which is a master’s degree.

Judith Ruland, College of Health and Human Services dean, said the American Association of Colleges of Nursing called to move nurse practitioner education from a master’s to a doctorate degree. The degree is similar to a medical or physical therapy doctorate, she said, because it prepares students for clinical practice.

SVSU will phase out the master’s program in the next two years before enrolling doctor of nursing practice students.

The university will need to add additional library materials and two faculty members, Ruland said. The search for one faculty member is underway.

“I think we’re in really good shape,” Ruland said. “I think we’re ready to go.”

SVSU’s program focuses on educating students to serve in rural areas. Ruland said the compensation is approximately $75,000 to $100,000 annually.

Students with bachelor’s degrees entering the doctor of nursing practice program will need 79 credits completed over nine semesters, while master’s students need 39 credits to complete the degree.

Whille most doctor of nursing practice degrees are online, SVSU’s program offers a mix of face-to-face and online courses, in accordance with student and employer preference, Ruland said.

Seven schools in Michigan offer doctor of nursing practice degrees, including Grand Valley State University and the University of Michigan-Flint.