2008-2009 Catalog 
    
    Apr 18, 2024  
2008-2009 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Doctorate of Nursing Practice, DNP


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs

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. The DNP program offered by the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) builds upon the base of a Master’s Degree in Nursing Preparation in Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialty (CNS) programs and upon excellence of practice based on validations by standard sets of competencies in national certification processes and specialty credentials.

The UCCS program is based upon the essential concepts of the DNP curriculum as approved by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in September 2005, and the accrediting body for DNP programs, the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The DNP program is initially offered as a postmaster’s option that builds upon and expands the competencies of the master’s prepared Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist, providing an extended transition period during which nurses with master’s degrees would be recognized to be fully credentialed for current advanced practice roles (start date May 2007). This transition period will be necessary to ensure multiple entry points into practice-focused doctoral programs. The transition period will allow advanced practice nurses (APNs) currently practicing as NPs or CNSs, an opportunity to earn a practice doctorate.

The DNP program will also provide a post Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) entry point (projected start date May 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 Beth-El College of Nursing and HS 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:3.0; Graduate GPA 3.3
  • National Certification as NP or CNS, or CNS portfolio reflecting expertise

Prerequisite Courses


In addition to MSN 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. Provisional admission status is in effect until courses are successfully completed.

 
 
 

Graduate Level Statistics (pre or co-requisite)

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.

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


Total Credits (36 Credits)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs