BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
This program is designed for someone who has a bachelor’s in nursing and wants to earn two advanced degrees back-to-back. First, you’ll earn a Master of Science specializing as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Then, you’ll pursue your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree where you’ll train to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
You’ll learn how to provide sexual, reproductive, and gender-affirming care as an independent provider. This specialty does not focus on birth and delivery.
Overview
Format
Hybrid online
Mostly online with some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
4 years
11 semesters
Exam prep
WHNP
When you finish the program, you can sit for the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) exam to become board-certified.
Apply once, earn two degrees
You only apply once to this program. You'll earn a master's degree and a doctoral degree back-to-back without needing to apply to each program separately.
Clinical placements set up for you
If you’re in Denver or Aurora, we arrange clinical placements for you. We work with some of the top clinics and hospitals in the metro area to provide high-quality, hands-on experiences.
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.
Meet specialty co-director Dr. Fisher »
Meet specialty co-director Dr. Johnson »
#1
Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Colorado*
#1
Nursing master’s program in Colorado*
Career
Once you finish the BS to DNP Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program, you can take the board certification exam through the National Certification Corporation. After you pass the test, you're eligible for licensure in all 50 states, including Colorado.
What you can do
- Prescribe medication
- Serve as an independent provider
- Assess, diagnose, and treat health conditions
- Educate patients about health management and disease prevention
Who you can care for
Women and people assigned female at birth ranging in age from teenagers to older adults. If you’re interested in providing a wide range of reproductive, sexual, and primary healthcare services, with limited emphasis on birth, this is the right specialty for you.
Where you can work
- OB/GYN offices
- Health departments
- Nonprofit and infertility clinics
- + more
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 | April 1, 2025 |
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
Practical training
This program includes 1,100+ hours of clinical training. We organize clinical placements for you, ensuring you get the mentorship and skills you need to succeed.
In the classroom
You’ll complete 49 credit hours in the classroom as part of this program. Courses include epidemiology, innovative leadership, and primary care of women.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Costs
| Residency status | Estimated total tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $59,660 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $59,660 |
| Nonresidents | $96,748 |
| 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 |
The gynecologic focus in the curriculum is what really drew me to the program, as well as the great clinical and networking opportunities.
- Melissa Sanchez
CU Nursing Alum
MS Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program
Become the nurse practitioner looked to first 
Get your degree from the top nursing college in Colorado. Start your journey to become a CU nurse today.