Doctor of Nursing Practice

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The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Visionary Leadership is a post-MSN practice doctorate that will prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice to apply credible research and translate evidence-based practice into improved health outcomes. The DNP provides development of advanced competencies for increasingly complex practice and enhanced leadership to strengthen practice and healthcare delivery within the inter-professional work environment.

The eight DNP essentials provided by AACN, the ANCC advanced nurse executive certification competencies, and the foundational concepts and mission of Colorado Christian University’s School of Nursing serve as the framework for the DNP program and student learning outcomes. This program is appropriate for any MSN-prepared nurse seeking a terminal clinical degree, including, but not limited to: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), nurse administrators, nurse leaders, and nurse educators. In an effort to develop both advanced nursing knowledge of students, and the opportunity to gain wisdom from a biblical worldview, the DNP program learning outcomes represent the intersection of the profession of nursing with the values of truth and grace.

Clinical practicum experiences are distributed over five courses for a total of 525 clinical hours. For students entering the program with less than 500 clinical hours post Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), additional practice hours will be available during NUR720, NUR740 and/or NUR701. All students must complete 1025 clinical practice hours post-BSN to graduate from the program.

Admission Requirements

Have earned a graduate GPA of 3.0 or above based on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent from a regionally accredited university.
Have an active, unrestricted or unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state in which the clinical/practicum experience will be completed.
Have completed a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) from a nationally accredited nursing program.
Submit current resume or Curriculum Vitae through the online application process.
Complete the CAGS application to the DNP program, including essay, professional recommendation, applicable fees, and interview.

NUR701 Advanced Clinical Practicum (1-7)

This course provides students with advanced clinical practicum hours in their chosen area of specialty. Students will complete clinical hours with a qualified preceptor to implement evidence-based practice in a variety of settings that may include direct patient care, indirect care, leadership, and quality improvement to meet the student’s individual professional and personal goals.

NUR-701 Advanced Clinical Practicum (1-7)

Required Courses for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (30 credit hours)

30 credit hours consisting of the following classes:

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Colorado Christian University offers several academic programs which lead to professional licensure in the state of Colorado and, in some programs, prepare students for a national exam. All students should be aware that states vary in their educational and professional requirements depending on the profession. Some states require specific educational requirements, clinical requirements, accreditation requirements, or exam requirements. See professional licensure disclosures for details.

Graduation Requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree

The faculty recommends students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements:

Have a total of 30 credits post-MSN with a letter grade of C or better for any course and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on the University’s 4.0 grade scale in all CCU course work.
Have a total of 1025 DNP clinical hours post-MSN.
Successfully complete all required DNP courses, 525 clinical /Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project hours, successfully defend the final EBP project, and be in good standing to graduate.
Maintain current RN licensure in the state of residency.
Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
No outstanding financial obligations to the University.
Meet university residency requirements .