Admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program at Colorado Christian University includes the following four tracks:
- BSN to DNP: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) and Transformational Leadership
- BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Transformational Leadership
- BSN to DNP: Nurse Educator (NE) and Transformational Leadership
- MSN to DNP: Visionary Leadership
Admission is selective, and each applicant is carefully evaluated on previous academic performance, personal and professional accomplishments, and strength of character. A strong desire to complete doctoral-level work in a Christ-centered community is required.
Application Deadlines
- All DNP Tracks: March 10th for the April program start date
- AGPCNP/FNP Tracks Only: November 10th for January program start date.
Admissions Process
Step 1: Meet degree and experience requirements.
- BSN to DNP Tracks:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above based on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent from a regionally accredited university.
- At least 5 months of full-time experience as an RN before the start of the program.
- MSN to DNP Track:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above based on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent from a regionally accredited university.
- Total of 500 clinical hours as part of previous MSN degree. If fewer than 500 hours were obtained, then required to complete the gap hours through NUR698.
Step 2: Complete the College of Adult and Graduate Studies and CCU Online Application.
You will be prompted to provide contact information for a professional reference.
Step 3: Work with your assigned enrollment counselor (EC) to submit required forms/documents.
- Official nursing transcripts
- Copy of active, unrestricted, or unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state in which you reside and will be completing your clinical practicum hours.
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- A written personal narrative
- Authorization and Release of Background and Drug Screen Results form
Step 4: Participate in a virtual interview with nursing admissions committee.
You will receive more information upon arrival at this admissions step.
Step 5: Complete additional screening.
If provisionally accepted, obtain a CCU email through your EC, then work with the Clinical Program Manager to complete the following clinical facility requirements before orientation:
- Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen through CCU contracted vendor (fees apply). See Disqualifying Criminal Offenses.
- Physical Exam
- Vaccination Record
- TB Screening
- BLS Provider Certification
Step 6: Attend a one-day mandatory online orientation during the week prior to the program start date.
You will receive more information upon arrival at this admissions step.
Once all admission requirements have been successfully completed, admission status will be changed from provisional to full acceptance.
To submit application-related materials that were not already submitted through the online application, email them to AdmissionsSupport@ccu.edu or mail to:
Colorado Christian University
Attn: Registration Services/CAGS Transcripts
8787 W. Alameda Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80228
Nursing Transfer Credits
In accordance with CCU's Graduate Residency Policy, students transferring from an accredited institution may transfer up to six (6) approved credit hours. Applicants who hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and desire to enroll in either the FNP or AGPCNP track can transfer up to twelve (12) credits based on a gap analysis. Coursework must be comparable to that offered at CCU and fulfill the CCU Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and specific track requirements.
Graduate or doctoral transfer credits must have been earned within five years of the CCU program start date and must be from an institution with national nursing accreditation. Exceptions to this rule are Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology, which must have been completed within three years.
Time Limitation
All work applied toward the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree must be completed within the following time limits:
- BSN to DNP tracks: Five years
- MSN to DNP Track: Four years
After the allotted time, any student who has not completed the requirements to graduate will be required to complete a Petition for Exception to Academic Policy. Continuing study is not guaranteed and must be approved. Students are required to adhere to the most current Academic Catalog, CAGS Student Handbook, Nursing Student Handbook, fees, and tuition rates.
Students who need to step out of the cohort and who have not attended a class for a period of 365 days will need to reapply to the program, have an updated interview, and, if accepted, will then be held to the current catalog standards. Stepping out of the cohort will result in delayed completion of the student's program.
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.
State Exclusions for Online Students
Colorado Christian University is required by the U.S. Department of Education to be in compliance with state laws regarding where we can offer distance and/or online education. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers courses to online students in all states with some exceptions for specific academic programs.