Doctorate of Nursing Practice, DNP

The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the terminal degree in advanced nursing practice. The post-master’s DNP program at Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences enrolls master’s prepared Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) who have obtained national certification. The curriculum was guided by the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice as endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in October 2006. The degree prepares advanced practice nurses for the highest level of nursing practice and leadership in a variety of health care settings. The DNP will undergo accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in 2010, and will also provide a post Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) entry point (projected to start in 2010).

Application Materials

Two copies of official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
Submission of three letters of reference (professionals or nursing educators)
Curriculum vitae and completion of application essay
Interview in either person or by phone
Completion of the UCCS application, Part I and II, and application fees

Admission Requirements

Active RN license in State of Practice
Master of Science Degree in Nursing from an accredited (CCNE/NLN) program
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and Graduate GPA of 3.3
National Certification as NP or CNS, or CNS portfolio reflecting expertise

Prerequisite Courses

In addition to a MSN degree and National Certification as APN, applicants must have the following courses or equivalents for full admission. Courses may be taken prior to admission via extended studies offerings if not previously awarded. The DNP admissions standards differ from the UCCS Graduate School admissions in that NP/CNS National Certification and RN license are required as well. Prerequisite graduate courses in nursing theory, research and policy are indicated only if MSN programs were in deficit of this core course.

Graduate Level Statistics (pre or co-requisite)

Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Level Course Curriculum: Post-Master’s

Required Courses

Clinical Elective Specialty Course (9 Credits)

Students must take three courses from one category:

Holistic Nursing

Geriatric Nursing

Self-Defined Option

Three 3-credit graduate level courses in area of desired expertise, taken at an accredited college or university and transferred to program. Courses and area of interest must be pre-approved by DNP Program Coordinator.