Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Our Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ranked #33 in The U.S. News and World Report 2023 Rankings of Top Nursing Programs.

The College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a clinical practice-oriented leadership curriculum that focuses on evidence-based practice for the improvement of clinical care delivery, program evaluation, patient and population outcomes, and health system leadership/management.

All classes have an online component; some classes require a one- to two-day intensive session on campus. There are no more than three intensives on campus per academic year.

The DNP Pathways:

  • The BS to DNP Program provides individuals with a Bachelor's in Nursing with a single path to a DNP degree.
  • Students may also advance a current Master’s degree through the Post-Graduate DNP pathway.
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.