Doctorate of Nursing Practice, DNP (Post Masters)

The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents the highest level of preparation in nursing practice based on nursing science and prepares leaders for nursing practice. This program builds upon the base of a Master's Degree in Nursing Preparation in Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialty (CNS) programs and excellence of practice based on validations by standard sets of competencies in national certification processes and specialty credentials.

The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences program is based upon The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice from the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN, 2006) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF, 2017) Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies.

The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences program is based upon The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice from the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN, 2006) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF, 2017) Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies.

• Completion of a minimum of 70 credits at the graduate level
• Completion of a minimum of 33 credits at the graduate level for post masters
• A grade B or better in all required courses
• Completion of degree requirements within seven years

Please go to the Department of Education Required Licensure Disclosure Information for details on whether our curriculum meets the requirements for licensure in each state

• Current unrestricted Registered Nurse license from an approved state listed on our website
• Master of Science Degree in Nursing from an accredited (CCNE/NLN) program
• MSN cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• National Certification as NP, CNS, CNM, or CRNA
• Submission of all required application materials by posted deadlines (all required materials are listed in the online application)
• All English as Second Language (ESL) applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency for admission. This requirement can be met by one of the English Proficiency Requirements.
• NOTE: The DNP admissions standards differ from the UCCS Graduate School admissions in that the NP/CNS National Certification and RN license are required as well. Prerequisite graduate courses in nursing theory, research and policy are indicated only if the MSN programs were in deficit of this core courses.

Essay Questions

The online application will require answers to several essay questions. We strongly recommend drafting your answers to these questions before beginning the application so that you can complete it in one sitting.  

Essay Questions: the first is mandatory, then choose 3 of the remaining 6 questions to answer. Responses should be 250-300 words each.

1. What was the deciding factor that led you to choose to become a (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner) and what will you do to secure clinical sites to support your career choice? (mandatory question)
2. What professional or personal life obstacles have you had to overcome to be successful in your education or career?
3. What skills or characteristics do you possess that will make you a successful practitioner?
4. What opportunities do you see that might help improve health in your state?
5. What language or cultural expertise and experience do you have that enhances your ability to practice health care?
6. What interests do you have in historical, cultural or health related topics that have spurred your intellectual curiosity?
7. What professional life experiences do you have or community service have you done where you led efforts to overcome a problem or challenge?”

The Graduate Nursing Department’s MSN and DNP options have a rolling admission cycle. 

Completed applications are reviewed each month by the Graduate Option Coordinators. 

A prospective student may apply for a Spring, Summer, or Fall start for any of our MSN, DNP, or Post Masters Certificate options.

Completed applications will be considered up to January 5th for the Spring term, up to May 5th for the Summer term, and up to August 5th for the Fall term.