DNP Programs in Colorado

Unlock your potential as a nurse educator with the University of Northern Colorado's Online PhD in Nursing Education, designed for passionate professionals seeking advanced academic and leadership roles. This comprehensive post-master's program prepares scholars to transform nursing education through cutting-edge research, innovative teaching strategies, and professional development. Completed in four years, the program offers flexible online coursework with minimal campus visits, competitive tuition at $734 per credit hour, and no GRE requirement. Ideal for registered nurses with a master's degree seeking to address critical faculty shortages and drive meaningful change in healthcare education.

• 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

The University of Northern Colorado's post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a flexible online program designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to elevate their professional expertise. In just over two years, part-time, nurses can develop critical leadership skills to transform healthcare delivery. The 44-credit program emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, preparing graduates to drive policy changes and improve patient care at individual and organizational levels.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration offers working nurses an advanced practice pathway to transform healthcare. This rigorous five-year, part-time program prepares clinical experts with critical thinking and leadership skills to advocate for patient care across diverse populations. Graduates earn the terminal nursing degree, qualifying for national certification and potentially increasing their salary to a median of $121,610. The program combines online and hybrid learning, requiring 84 credit hours and 1,125 clinical hours, with a competitive tuition rate of $734 per credit hour.

• 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

The University of Northern Colorado's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration prepares experienced BSN nurses to become advanced clinical experts. This five-year, part-time program equips students with critical thinking, leadership, and policy skills to transform healthcare delivery. Graduates focus on primary care health promotion and disease management across patient lifespans, with emphasis on underserved populations. Tuition is $734 per credit hour, with 84 total credits required. The hybrid program combines online and in-person learning, requiring one weekly on-campus day and extensive clinical practicum hours.

• 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 prepares advanced nursing professionals to lead innovative healthcare delivery models. With a hybrid learning format, students can pursue high-level clinical practice while balancing professional responsibilities. The program uniquely offers a concurrent Master of Science in Nursing, expanding career opportunities for nurses seeking to elevate their expertise and impact community health nationally and globally.

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

Colorado State University Pueblo's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers advanced nursing professionals an intensive program to transform healthcare delivery. Students develop advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice competencies, and leadership capabilities through a rigorous curriculum that prepares them to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care across the lifespan. The hybrid program emphasizes scholarly inquiry, interprofessional collaboration, and systemic healthcare improvements, enabling graduates to address complex health challenges effectively and advocate for patient populations.

• 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

Colorado State University Pueblo's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver expert mental health care across patient lifespans. This innovative hybrid program equips nurses with comprehensive skills in evidence-based practice, developing advanced clinical expertise through rigorous coursework and extensive 1,320 total practicum hours. Graduates become highly qualified mental health professionals eligible for national certification, capable of addressing complex psychiatric healthcare 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

Colorado State University Pueblo's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in complex healthcare settings. The comprehensive program equips students with advanced clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and scholarly expertise. Designed for registered nurses, the curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with extensive practical training, including 1,320 total practicum hours. Graduates are eligible to take national certification exams and can pursue leadership roles in acute and gerontological care. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, with all courses requiring a B or better grade.

• 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

CSU Pueblo's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Population Health Concentration offers an innovative hybrid pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced expertise. Designed for working professionals, this program prepares nurse leaders to transform healthcare through strategic population-level interventions. Students develop advanced clinical skills, learn evidence-based population health strategies, and gain leadership competencies to address complex health challenges. The program requires a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA, active RN licensure, and commitment to advanced nursing practice.

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

Regis University's innovative DNP to Ph.D. in Nursing Research and Education empowers experienced nurses to become advanced educators and researchers. Designed for DNP holders, this unique program features a groundbreaking 'dissertation by publication' approach, enabling students to contribute meaningful research throughout their academic journey. Graduates gain comprehensive skills in advanced research methodologies, nursing education strategies, and theoretical perspectives, positioning them as future healthcare leaders and educators.

• 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

Regis University's Post-BSN to DNP program offers nurses a comprehensive pathway to advanced practice and leadership. This innovative dual-degree program allows students to earn both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, with a specialized Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. Students complete 74-79 credit hours over four to five years, gaining advanced clinical skills and population-focused research expertise. The flexible hybrid format enables working nurses to advance their education, with competitive tuition rates and comprehensive clinical training. Graduates are prepared to lead healthcare transformation, improve patient outcomes, and pursue national certification.

• 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's Post-BSN to DNP program offers nurses a comprehensive pathway to advanced practice and leadership. This dual-degree program combines a Master of Science in Nursing with a Doctor of Nursing Practice, preparing healthcare professionals to tackle complex patient care challenges. Students can specialize in Family Nurse Practitioner tracks, including a unique Rural and Underserved Communities focus. The flexible hybrid format allows working nurses to advance their education, with coursework spanning 4-5 years and options for part-time study. Total program cost ranges from $71,810 to $80,420, with competitive tuition rates and potential financial aid opportunities.

• 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) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an advanced clinical pathway for nurses seeking leadership roles. This rigorous program prepares healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care across the lifespan, emphasizing rural and underserved populations. Designed for working nurses, the hybrid format enables students to complete coursework online while gaining 1000 clinical hours. Graduates become eligible for national certification as Family Nurse Practitioners, equipped with advanced skills in pharmacology, health assessment, and quality improvement strategies.

• 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

Colorado Mesa University's Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver high-quality primary care with exceptional clinical expertise. This flexible online program requires 74 semester hours and includes 1000 clinical practice hours, enabling students to develop critical leadership skills while maintaining current employment. Designed for registered nurses with a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy, and comprehensive patient care across diverse populations.

• 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's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Visionary Leadership is a cutting-edge, online program designed for advanced practice nursing professionals seeking to elevate their leadership skills. Completed in two years, this 30-credit program prepares nurses to drive systemic healthcare improvements through evidence-based practice and transformative leadership. Tailored for working professionals, the curriculum integrates biblical principles with advanced nursing competencies, enabling graduates to pursue high-level roles in healthcare administration, policy development, and clinical innovation.

• 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