Doctor of Nursing Practice
Program Overview
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is designed to prepare nurses for the highest level of clinical practice in the profession of nursing. Graduates are prepared to create and lead new models of health care delivery for communities locally, across the nation and around the world.
The DNP program is innovative, inter-/intra-professional and focuses on evidence-based population-focused health care. The program maximizes the use of online delivery methods for enhanced learning and increased course accessibility. To read more about the DNP, visit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
"The way the program is designed prepares nurses for the highest level of clinical practice in the profession of nursing."
- Joe Franta, DNP
Program Mission
The mission of the School of Nursing is to prepare graduates for professional positions as safe, competent, and caring nurses to meet the health care needs of diverse populations.
Program Outcomes
- Eighty percent of graduates will:
- Complete the program within one and one-half times the length of the program
- Express satisfaction with the program
- Pass national certification exam the first time
- Be employed in role-related professional practice within six months to one year
- Eighty percent of employers will express satisfaction with graduates’ job performance.
DNP Graduate Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Integrate evidence-based practice, ethical decision making and technology into advanced nursing practice
- Conduct scholarly inquiry to influence health outcomes of individuals, aggregates, and populations
- Organize interprofessional collaboration to provide safe, quality patient-centered care.
- Assume a leadership role in transforming health care systems, policies, and standards of care
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does the program take to complete?
The MS-DNP degree is 8 semesters for the part time option. The MS-DNP degree is 5 semesters for the full-time option.
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How many credits can I transfer into the program?
Transfer credit will be awarded per the published Graduate Programs section of the University catalog. A maximum of nine semester hours of transfer credits from an accredited institution may be applied to the degree with approval from the graduate nursing program coordinator.
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Do I need to have a Master of Science Degree to apply?
The MS (Nursing) to Doctor in Nursing Practice (Population Health) degree requires a Master of Science degree to apply.
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Is there a time limit for finishing the degree?
Courses completed 6 or more years before the date of graduation will not be accepted as satisfying graduation requirements without the approval by the graduate nursing program coordinator.
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What is the cost of the DNP?
The DNP will cost around $20,000 or $$600 a credit hour.
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Will I need clinical hours to be accepted into the DNP program?
You do not need to submit clinical hours to be accepted to the DNP program. However, if you do have 500 clinical hours, 32 credits will be granted when acceptance is granted.
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How many clinical hours do I need to graduate from the DNP program?
You will need 1,000 clinical hours before the degree can be conferred.
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Is the program accredited?
Effective December 12, 2019, the DNP nursing program at Colorado State University Pueblo School of Nursing located in Pueblo, CO is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on December 12, 2021.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
