2012-2013 Graduate Catalog

Nursing D.N.P.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares expert clinicians for advanced practice roles in hospitals, primary care clinics, specialty settings such as long term care facilities, and virtually any area they wish to practice within the healthcare industry. These highly skilled practitioners will be the leaders in healthcare delivery and care management. The program has two entry options: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S./B.S.N.) to D.N.P. or the traditional Master’s to D.N.P. The speciality emphasis for the B.S./B.S.N. to D.N.P. is in family with a preparation to be a family nurse practitioner (F.N.P.).

Specific exceptions to the Graduate School requirements for doctoral degrees have been approved. Those exceptions relate to the dissertation proposal, dissertation, defense of dissertation, advancement to candidacy, doctoral committees, research course and credit hours. Because of the clinical focus of this degree, rigorous academic standards are maintained throughout the program rather than completion of a dissertation. Students will be required to complete a capstone project.

Admission Requirements

Post Bachelors in Nursing Pathway

  1. A bachelor’s degree in nursing from NLN or CCNE accredited institutions.
  2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0
  3. Eligibility for Colorado licensure as a registered nurse.
  4. One year minimum of clinical practice is preferred.
  5. Three letters of reference from former faculty, supervisor, and/or professional colleagues.
  6. Submission of a brief sample of professional writing (maximum of 10 pages). Examples:
    • Describe a scholarly evidence based case study that best exemplifies your practice.
    • Describe a current practice related concept including its scope and significance, the patient population and the clinical setting of interest. Discuss alternative approaches described in the literature and identify an approach that you might take in addressing the concept.
  7. A resume or curriculum vitae.
  8. Career goal statement articulating “why now" for your practice doctorate.
  9. Description of practice experiences and settings.
  10. A personal interview may be required.

Post Masters in Nursing Pathway

  1. A master’s degree in nursing from NLN or CCNE accredited institutions.
  2. Preparation as Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) with documentation of national certification as an APN.
  3. Minimum of 500 clinical practicum hours in the APN master’s program.
  4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
  5. Eligibility for Colorado licensure as a registered nurse and APN.
  6. Three letters of reference from former faculty, supervisor, and/or professional colleagues.
  7. Submission of a brief sample of professional writing (maximum of 10 pages). Examples:
    • Describe a scholarly evidence based case study that best exemplifies your practice.
    • Describe a current practice related concept including its scope and significance, the patient population and the clinical setting of interest. Discuss alternative approaches described in the literature and identify an approach that you might take in addressing the concept.
  8. A resume or curriculum vitae.
  9. Career goal statement articulating “why now" for your practice doctorate.
  10. Description of practice experiences and settings.
  11. Graduate level inferential statistical methods course (SRM 602) or equivalent. Must be completed prior to beginning DNP coursework.
  12. A personal interview may be required.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Nursing D.N.P.