Colorado DNP Programs

Get your doctor of nursing practice degree in Colorado - online & campus-based options.
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Online DNP Programs & nursing PhD programs may be available for Colorado students. Check current course listings.

New graduates celebrate with their families at their nursing commencement ceremony.

DNP Programs in Colorado - What to Expect with a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree

Whether you are based in a major metropolitan area such as Denver, or are out in one of the rural areas of Colorado, there are a number of programs that have been devised to meet your educational needs in the nursing field. Students who have already completed their Master of Science in Nursing degree and wish to pursue further clinical studies may want to think about enrolling in one of the DNP programs in Colorado. These teach a more advanced set of skills that suit the doctoral level of education, helping aid mastery in a number of different subjects. From healthcare administration to informatics, there are many different topics that could be covered in a Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Typical class titles that you might see covered in DNP programs in Colorado include Healthcare Management, Theoretical Foundations of Health Promotion, Evaluation Research, and Healthcare Finance. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the emphasis tends to be more on administrative aspects of the nursing field, rather than research topics as is the case with a PhD. This is meant to fast track nurses to take on more leadership responsibilities within busy healthcare settings.

Some factors to consider before you decide to enroll in your top choice of DNP programs in Colorado include the time that you have to complete such a program, and if you plan on continuing to work as a nurse practitioner while you are going back to school. This could determine whether you choose to attend a full-time or part-time program, both of which are available at most schools. When attending on a full time basis, a DNP degree can be earned in as little as two years. It may take closer to three or four when attending part-time.

Another factor that might influence the best choice of DNP programs in Colorado for your needs is whether or not they offer online courses. Students who want to continue working in their current healthcare positions, but want to gain the extra credential and professional leadership experience that a DNP program can provide, may wish to turn to distance or online class work for their needs. Some courses may require that students do some field work, however, such as those that teach the best methods for using the latest healthcare technology, so it may not be possible to complete every class completely online.


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Colorado Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway, Suite 880
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-2430
Fax: (303) 894-2821

Colorado Nurses Association

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Schools with Doctoral & PhD Nursing Programs Accepting Students in Colorado

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University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
University of Colorado Denver
1250 14th Street
Denver, CO 80217
Mesa State College
1100 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
University of Northern Colorado
1862 10th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80639

Colorado Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs (CO)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a post-graduate level practice nursing degree. A DNP focuses on the clinical aspects of nursing as opposed to working on medical research or teaching.

Due to the fact that most Colorado DNP degree seekers are working professionals, there are a number of flexible educational options available including RN-DNP (BSN-DNP) bridge programs and specialized programs for certified advanced practice nurses.

Colorado DNP Degree Prerequisites

In Colorado, nurses seeking DNP certification must already hold both BSN and MSN degrees. Being the final and most advanced degree offered to professionals in the nursing field, there is strict educational criteria. Since the DNP is a relatively new status in the profession, there has not been much national standardization of academic criteria. Therefore, it is essential for you to check with your Colorado educational institution of choice to find out what specific prerequisites they require for program admission. You can also check with the Colorado Board of Nursing to find out more about how Colorado recognizes DNPs.

Although every school has differing entrance requirements, here is an example of one Colorado schools current requirements for admission to their DNP program.

Online DNP Programs for Colorado Nurses

Online education is also known as distance learning. As this level of certification becomes increasingly popular in Colorado, more and more Colorado higher learning institutions are offering their DNP programs online. This will make it far more convenient for current RNs to take the next step without having to sacrifice time on the clock or professional responsibilities.

Benefits of DNP Certification

There are benefits in Colorado to holding this advanced degree. Having a strong focus on advanced practice, leadership, and actual application of clinical research, DNPs are often depended on to fill the gap between doctors and nurses.

Also, Colorado nurses holding this certification are quickly becoming favored for parity with other health professionals when and where a doctorate status is required. This includes being called upon for involvment in advanced diagnosis, legal consultation, and highly specialized clinical research. With their focus on actual clinical application, DNP nurses are typically viewed as the most experienced.

As a nurse, earning a DNP degree will also foster enhanced leadership skills and the knowledge to deliver superior healthcare service to patients, which will in turn advance you professionally.

Resources for Colorado Nurses Seeking a DNP Degree

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