BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Veteran and Military Health Care
Do you have a bachelor’s in nursing and want to earn two advanced degrees back-to-back? This program is for you. First, you’ll earn an MS in Veteran and Military Health Care. Then, you’ll pursue your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Veteran and Military Health Care Leadership.
This program prepares you to make a difference in the lives of veterans and military members. You’ll learn about topics unique to this population and become a leader for veteran and military member health.
Overview
Format
Hybrid online
Mostly online with some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
4-5 years
12 semesters
Expert faculty dedicated to your success
Many of our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research. Our educators are passionate about helping students advance their knowledge and careers.
Jonas Veteran Scholarship offered
This $6,000 award, made possible by the support of Jonas Philanthropies, is offered to two students each year. Awardees become part of a national cohort of scholars with opportunities to learn and network.
#14
Online nursing master's program in the U.S.*
1st
program of its kind
Career
The BS to DNP Veteran and Military Health Care program prepares you to improve healthcare for veterans and military service members.
Example job titles
- Chief nurse
- Nurse manager
- Community care coordinator
- Director of performance improvement
What you can do
- Work with veterans, military members, and their families
- Serve in management and administrative roles to improve military health systems
- Advocate for changes in military health systems
- Promote equitable and cost-effective healthcare for our veterans
Where you can work
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Community clinics
- Nonprofits and advocacy organizations
- Government agencies
Why get a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree prepares you for leadership, advanced clinical practice, and healthcare policy roles. You'll learn about evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and healthcare systems management. Unlike a PhD in Nursing, which is more research-focused, a DNP is geared towards applying your skills in a clinical setting.
Admissions
Deadline(s)
| Start term | Application opens | Priority deadlinetooltip | Extended deadlinetooltip |
| Fall 2025 | August 15, 2024 | January 15, 2025 | July 1, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | January 15, 2025 | July 1, 2025 | Not applicable |
Get started
1
Check the requirements
Understand the admissions requirements like how many letters of recommendation you need and what courses should be on your transcript.
2
Start your application
Work on your application and submit it through NursingCAS.
Curriculum
Real-world experience
In this program, you’ll move away from direct patient care. You won’t have a clinical placement, so instead you’ll complete an internship along with a doctoral project. You can complete both where you live and work.
Advanced classes
You’ll spend 61 credit hours in online classes learning about topics specific to caring for veterans and military members. Courses include administration leadership, health systems management, and supporting veterans and military families.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Costs
| Residency status | Estimated total tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $47,885 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $47,885 |
| Nonresidents | $77,653 |
| Additional expenses | Time frame | Estimated costs |
| Matriculation fee | One-time | $140 |
| Other fees | By term | Fall $392, Spring $232, Summer $180 |
| Books and supplies | Total for program | $2,000 |
| CU health insurance (may be waived with proof of comparable personal health insurance) | By term | Fall $1,575, Spring $1,575, Summer $1,050 |
It’s a huge benefit to be able to give back to veterans... I appreciate the knowledge I’ve gained through CU Nursing’s [Veteran and Military Health Care] program; and now I can take that knowledge and educate other healthcare professionals and patients.
Tiersa Pialet, MS, DNP
CU Nursing Alum
MS Veteran and Military Health Care and DNP Veteran and Military Health Care Leadership programs
Become the nurse practitioner looked to first 
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