DNP Programs in Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado's PhD in Nursing Education provides a comprehensive pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced academic leadership roles. Designed as a flexible online program, it addresses critical faculty shortages while empowering professionals to transform nursing education through innovative research and teaching strategies. With just 66 credit hours, minimal campus visits, and no GRE requirement, the program enables nurses to complete their doctoral studies in four years. Competitive tuition at $734 per credit hour and a focus on professional development make this an attractive option for aspiring nurse educators.

• Online PhD in Nursing Education
• 66 total credit hours
• 4+ years to complete
• $734 per credit hour
• No GRE required
• Fully online coursework
• 5-day summer orientation
• Master's GPA 3.0+ required
• RN licensure mandatory
• Teaching experience recommended

University of Northern Colorado's post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers advanced practice nurses a flexible online pathway to enhance healthcare leadership capabilities. Completed part-time in just over two years, this 44-credit program emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership. Tailored for practicing MSN/APNs, the curriculum prepares graduates to drive meaningful policy changes and elevate patient care delivery at individual and organizational levels, with a comprehensive approach to advanced nursing practice.

• Online, part-time program
• 44 total credit hours
• 2+ years to complete
• Targets practicing MSN/APNs
• Develops healthcare leadership skills
• Terminal practice-focused nursing degree
• Requires 1,000 clinical hours

The University of Northern Colorado's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program provides a comprehensive five-year pathway for working nurses to become advanced clinical experts. This hybrid program combines online and in-person learning, preparing students to deliver primary care across diverse patient populations. With 84 credit hours and 1,125 clinical hours, graduates develop critical leadership skills and qualify for national certification. The program's competitive tuition and focus on underserved communities position nurses to potentially increase their earning potential and make significant healthcare impacts.

• 5-year part-time doctoral program
• 84 total credit hours
• Hybrid learning format
• 765 clinical practice hours
• No GRE required
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• One year clinical experience
• $734 per credit hour
• Colorado RN license needed
• Minimum 1,125 clinical hours

University of Northern Colorado's DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration transforms experienced BSN nurses into advanced clinical leaders. This five-year, part-time hybrid program emphasizes primary care health promotion, disease management, and serving underserved populations. Students develop critical thinking and policy skills through 84 credit hours and extensive clinical practicum experiences. The program's innovative curriculum combines online learning with weekly on-campus sessions, preparing graduates to drive meaningful healthcare transformations across patient lifespans.

• 5-year part-time doctoral program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,125 clinical practicum hours
• No GRE required
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• One year clinical experience
• 84 total credit hours
• $734 per credit tuition
• Colorado RN license required
• Terminal degree for nurses

Colorado State University Pueblo's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program blends hybrid learning for advanced nursing professionals aiming to innovate healthcare. It uniquely offers a concurrent MSN, enhancing career prospects with a focus on evidence-based healthcare and professional licensure preparation over 11 semesters for BSN-DNP students.

• Hybrid learning delivery method
• 11 semesters BSN-DNP track
• Evidence-based healthcare focus
• Individualized study plan
• Professional licensure preparation

Focusing on Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, CSU Pueblo's DNP program delivers a hybrid format for advanced clinical skills and leadership. It emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice to improve patient-centered care across lifespans, preparing graduates for systemic healthcare challenges.

• Hybrid DNP program format
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
• Evidence-based practice integration
• Leadership development curriculum
• Patient-centered care approach

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP at CSU Pueblo is a hybrid program designed for nurses to specialize in mental health care. With 1,320 practicum hours and an advanced curriculum, it prepares graduates for national certification, addressing complex psychiatric needs in diverse settings.

• Hybrid delivery method
• 1,320 total practicum hours
• Prepares for national certification
• 87 total program credits
• 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
• 4-year comprehensive program
• Advanced evidence-based curriculum
• Comprehensive mental health focus
• Flexible admission pathways

CSU Pueblo's campus-based DNP with an Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration equips nurses for acute care settings. The program includes 1,320 practicum hours, focuses on leadership and scholarly skills, and prepares graduates for national certification with a 3.0 GPA requirement.

• 83 total program credits
• 1,320 total practicum hours
• Requires 3.0 GPA minimum
• Concurrent Master's degree awarded
• Prepares for national certification exam
• Advanced clinical training focus
• Leadership and scholarly skills development
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Campus-based program

Targeting population health, CSU Pueblo's hybrid DNP program trains nurse leaders in strategic interventions. It requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA and active RN licensure, focusing on evidence-based strategies to tackle complex health challenges at the population level.

• Hybrid learning format
• Population Health focus
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Active RN license required
• February 15th application deadline

Regis University's DNP to Ph.D. in Nursing Research and Education program is tailored for DNP holders aiming to excel in nursing education and research. This hybrid program stands out with its 'dissertation by publication' model, encouraging students to publish research during their studies. It emphasizes advanced research methodologies, nursing education, and leadership, preparing graduates for high-level roles in academia and healthcare. The program is AACN-CCNE accredited and integrates Jesuit values, offering a unique blend of quantitative and qualitative research training.

• DNP to Ph.D. pathway
• Dissertation by publication
• Advanced research focus
• Nursing education emphasis
• Loretto Heights School of Nursing
• AACN-CCNE accredited program
• Jesuit values integration
• Quantitative/qualitative research
• Teaching healthcare professionals
• Leadership development

The Post-BSN to DNP program at Regis University, with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner, is designed for nurses seeking advanced clinical and leadership skills. This hybrid program allows students to earn both an MS and DNP in 4-5 years, focusing on family nurse practitioner competencies. It requires 74-79 credit hours and 1000 clinical hours, with competitive tuition rates. Graduates are well-prepared for national certification and to improve patient outcomes in diverse healthcare settings.

• Dual MS and DNP degree
• Family Nurse Practitioner focus
• 74-79 total credit hours
• Hybrid on-campus/online format
• 4-5 year program completion
• Master's: $965/credit hour
• Doctoral: $1,018/credit hour
• 1000 total clinical hours
• High national certification pass rates
• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA

Regis University offers a Post-BSN to DNP program with a unique concentration in Rural and Underserved Communities (FNP), addressing the need for healthcare professionals in these areas. This hybrid program combines an MS and DNP, emphasizing clinical skills and leadership for underserved populations. With 74-79 credit hours and 1000 clinical hours, it offers flexible part-time options. The program is AACN-CCNE accredited, with high national certification pass rates, preparing graduates to make a significant impact in rural healthcare.

• Dual MS and DNP degree
• Hybrid learning format
• 74-79 total credit hours
• Rural FNP concentration option
• High national certification rates
• AACN-CCNE accredited program
• Clinical hours: 1000 total
• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
• Optional part-time progression
• Leadership and clinical focus

Colorado Mesa University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner is tailored for nurses aiming to excel in advanced clinical roles. This hybrid program blends online coursework with 1000 clinical hours, focusing on rural and underserved communities. It prepares graduates for national certification, emphasizing pharmacology, health assessment, and quality improvement. The program is CCNE accredited, offering a competitive admission process and requiring a scholarly project. Ideal for working nurses, it combines flexibility with rigorous training to produce leaders in family healthcare.

• Online/hybrid program format
• 1000 total clinical hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Advanced practice nursing degree
• National certification eligible
• Rural healthcare focus
• Terminal clinical nursing degree
• Scholarly project required
• Competitive admission process

The Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) at Colorado Mesa University is designed for RNs seeking to enhance their clinical and leadership skills in primary care. This 74-semester-hour hybrid program includes 1000 clinical hours, focusing on evidence-based practice and health policy. It requires a bachelor's in nursing and a 3.0 GPA, catering to those aiming to serve diverse populations, with particular attention to rural health. The curriculum prepares graduates for advanced practice roles, emphasizing comprehensive patient care and leadership development in a flexible online format.

• Online hybrid program format
• 74 semester credit hours
• 1000 clinical practice hours
• Bachelor's in nursing required
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Focuses on primary care
• Advanced practice preparation
• Leadership skill development
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Rural health experiences

Colorado Christian University offers an innovative online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Visionary Leadership, tailored for nurses aiming to lead in healthcare transformation. This 30-credit, CCNE-accredited program can be completed in two years, requiring 525 clinical hours without campus residency. It uniquely blends advanced nursing practices with biblical principles, focusing on evidence-based leadership to improve healthcare systems. Ideal for working professionals, graduates are equipped for top-tier roles in administration, policy, and clinical innovation. The program emphasizes a biblical worldview, preparing nurses to make impactful changes in healthcare through visionary leadership and evidence-based projects.

• Online DNP with Visionary Leadership focus
• 30 credit hours total
• Completed in two years
• No campus residency required
• 525 clinical experience hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Designed for working nurses
• Biblical worldview integration
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Evidence-based practice project