DNP & Masters of Public Health Dual Degree (DNP/MPH)

There are four pathways to the Doctorate of Nursing Practice that specializes in public health. The pathways are differentiated by the applicant’s professional preparation.

1. For applicants who hold a master’s degree in public health nursing or community health nursing, admission to either the DNP-Public Health Nursing program or the DNP/MPH dual degree program is appropriate. Participants in the dual degree program acquire greater depth of knowledge in public health science than those in the DNP-PHN, as reflected in comparison of the two curricula.
2. For applicants who are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in a clinical nursing specialty (other than Public/Community Health Nursing), the DNP/MPH dual degree is the appropriate program. Additional course work and/or clinical practicum hours in advanced public health nursing may be required for those without graduate nursing education in PHN.
3. For applicants with a BS in nursing and a master of public health (MPH), the DNP-Public Health Nursing program offers doctoral preparation in public health nursing. Additional clinical practicum hours beyond those described in the DNP-PHN curriculum may be required.
4. For applicants whose highest degree in nursing is a BS, and who do not have an MPH, the DNP/MPH dual degree is the appropriate program. Additional clinical practicum hours beyond those described in the dual degree curriculum may be required.

As a part of the DNP Project series of courses, all DNP-PHN and DNP/MPH students are encouraged to complete practicum credit hours in public/community health settings. Practicum experiences for out-of-state students must be negotiated among course instructors, students, and their program advisors to best fit the learning needs and professional goals of the student. For Colorado students, the majority of current practice sites are in local and state, community-based agencies, including public health departments. Many of the sites serve the most vulnerable populations in Colorado.

Practicum Note: Students must complete 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practicum hours to graduate with a DNP degree. Individual assessment of post-baccalaureate clinical hours will determine whether additional clinical practicum hours are required.​​​​​