DNP Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (DNP-APRN)

Admits in fall and spring

The DNP Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) program prepares advanced practice nurses to improve healthcare within diverse patient populations and systems across the globe. Curriculum is based on the DNP Essentials (AACN, 2006) and includes coursework to elevate APRNs to a new stage of leadership, advocacy, and clinical scholarship within their chosen specialty.

BS-DNP — Choose this pathway if you have a BS in nursing and want to earn both the master's and the doctor of nursing practice degrees in a continuous program.

DNP (post-master’s) — If you already have an MS in nursing with a certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), or Nurse Practitioner (NP), this is the pathway for you.

Graduates of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) track in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (this includes all Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, and CNS specialties) are eligible to apply for national certification by examination. APRN certification is required for licensure in each state, including Colorado, and both national certification and state licensure is required for practice. You can learn more about the requirements for APRN licensure by visiting the Colorado Board of Nursing APRN application forms page https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/APNApplications. There are certification options for other Doctor of Nursing Practice Program tracks; however, certification is not required for practice.

DPN-APRN Curriculum Plan