The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree represents the highest level of preparation in nursing practice based on nursing science, and prepares leaders for nursing practice. The DNP program offered by the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) will build upon the base of a BSN in Nursing and experience in clinical practice.

The BSN to DNP program trains nurses to become leaders in improving the healthcare system. The focus of the program is to teach them how to use science and theories to create better models of care for patients.

Graduates will have the skills to lead healthcare change, analyze the healthcare system, think critically, work well with others, and use technology to improve patient care. They will also learn the importance of ethical, safe, culturally sensitive, and cost-effective care for all patients.

The program ends with a project that shows what the nurse has learned and how they can make a positive impact on healthcare.

Upon admission to the BSN-DNP program, the student must complete a minimum of 70 credits at the graduate level and earn at least 70 credits to graduate with a doctorate at UCCS. Students must maintain a B grade or better in all courses.

A GPA of 3.0 must be maintained to remain in the program. A successfully defended DNP project is required. The student must complete all degree requirements within seven years.

The final requirement of the DNP program is a quality-improvement project consisting of a paper, poster, and presentation.

For program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduates of the specialty tracks (PMHNP, FNP, Adult/Gero) in the master’s program, the post-graduate certificate program, and the BSN-DNP program are eligible to apply for national certification by examination in the states in which our curriculum meets the requirements for certification/licensure. APRN (advanced practice registered nurse) certification is required for licensure in each state, including Colorado, and both national certification and state licensure are required for practice. You can learn more about the requirements for APRN licensure by visiting the Colorado Board of Nursing APRN application page, or by visiting the state board of nursing in the state of your primary residence.

Department of Education Required Licensure Disclosure Information 

• Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from a Nationally Accredited Nursing program
• BSN GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Current unrestricted Registered Nurse license from the state where you practice during practicum rotations
• Passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if your native language is not English or if your BSN program was not conducted in English
• Submission of all required application materials by posted deadlines (all required materials are listed in the online application)

Debbie Schultze

Academic Services Professional
(719) 255-4458
dschult3@uccs.edu

For information about accreditation for this and all our programs, please visit our accreditation page.

See the Bursars Office website for a tuition and fee estimate. 

Additional costs:
There are additional costs besides tuition that are incurred when obtaining licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse.  

The estimated costs below may include but are not limited to an application fee (70.00-350.00), transcripts (15.00) and fingerprinting and background check (30.00-58.00). Certification board examination fees (see links below) along with professional liability insurance (600.00-1500.00). These are estimates based on the states we admit from and can change at any time. You should use the links below to find the specific state Board of Nursing (BON) website where you plan to apply for licensure in order to find the most current information.  

• https://www.aanp.org/ 
• https://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/