Doctor of Nursing Practice
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
If you have a master’s in nursing and are a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), or Nurse Practitioner (NP), this degree is a great option for you. This program prepares you to become a nursing leader, advocate, and scholar in your specialty area. This program teaches you to plan and implement evidence-based care strategies, evaluate complex healthcare questions, and lead interdisciplinary teams.
Overview
Format
Hybrid online
Mostly online with some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
2-3 years
5-8 semesters
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.
#1
Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Colorado*
Career
This program
prepares you for leadership, advanced clinical practice, and healthcare
policy roles. You'll learn about evidence-based practice, quality
improvement, and healthcare systems management.
Example job titles
- Clinical nurse educator
- Clinician-scholar developer
- Evaluator of healthcare programs
- Healthcare entrepreneur
- Executive clinical administrator
What you can do
- Lead healthcare teams to improve the quality of care and patient safety
- Create and use science-based, ethical, and culturally sensitive healthcare strategies
- Act as a healthcare policy advocate
Where you can work
- Hospitals or clinics
- Private practice
- Community health organizations
- Government agencies
What's the difference between a DNP and PhD degree?
The main difference between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is their focus. The DNP program focuses on applying the latest evidence in clinical practice. The PhD program emphasizes scientific research and pairs you with a faculty member who shares your interests. Both degrees offer various career paths in clinical or academic settings and teach strategic leadership skills.
Not sure which is right for you? Contact the assistant dean of the PhD program or the assistant dean of the DNP program to discuss your options.
Admissions
Deadline(s)
| Start term | Application opens | Priority deadlinetooltip | Extended deadlinetooltip |
| Fall 2025 | August 15, 2024 | January 15, 2025 | May 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
Practical training
This program includes 540 hours of clinical experience. We’ll coordinate your placements, if you’re in the Denver Metro, and do our best to place you in a healthcare setting that matches your interests.
In the classroom
You’ll spend 26 credit hours in the classroom. Our faculty will teach you advanced nursing skills through classes such as innovative leadership and research methods.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Costs
| Residency status | Estimated total tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $20,410 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $20,410 |
| Nonresidents | $33,098 |
| 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 hope is that this [DNP] project is creating a well-rounded program so that people aren’t slipping through the cracks. Sometimes our Medicaid or VA patients have long wait times to get help so the hope is that we can provide that extra support while we continue to help them establish care.
- Kelly Devine Arch, DNP, CNM, CLC
CU Nursing Alum
DNP Advanced Practice Registered Nurse program
Become the nurse leader looked to first 
Get your degree from the top nursing college in Colorado. Start your journey to become a CU nurse leader today.
Disclosures
* According to 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
**
Estimated total tuition based on 2024-2025 costs. Tuition estimates do
not include fees and other education-related costs. The in-state tuition
rate is also available to residents of eligible western states that
participate in the Western Graduate Regional Program (WRGP).
- Accreditation information.
- Certification and licensure for online students residing outside of Colorado: Please see the Nursing Certification Disclaimer and review the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements information.
- Gainful employment and program statistics: For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students completing our programs, and other important information, please visit the University of Colorado Denver Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.