Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is for baccalaureate- or master's-prepared nurses who are interested in an advanced practice role as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) and nurse leader in health care systems. DNP graduates are prepared as experts in the delivery of primary care, with a focus on critical thinking, leadership, and public policy skills needed to advocate for and create changes in healthcare practice at all levels. Courses are delivered via an online format allowing students to reside in their home communities. Students may complete most clinical hours in their home communities but may need to travel for specialized clinical experiences or graduate program student intensives.

Family Nurse Practitioner

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program clinical hours are completed approximately 80% in primary care settings and approximately 20% in specialty settings or during the Scholarly Project. Students may complete most clinical hours in their home communities, but may need to travel for specialized clinical experiences or graduate program student intensives.

Academic Requirements for Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurses with a DNP degree often work in leadership positions within health care and academic systems. Graduates with the DNP FNP degree work across a variety of healthcare and educational settings in roles including, but not limited to, providers, administrators, and executives.

Program Mission

The mission of the DNP program is to prepare experts in advanced practice to utilize specialized knowledge and evidence-based nursing to influence and deliver primary care to diverse populations. Graduates translate scientific findings, evaluate programs and outcomes, produce clinical scholarship, and transform healthcare systems and policies.

Program Goals

The goals of the DNP program are to prepare graduates to:

• Assume clinical leadership roles in service and academic settings.
• Influence health policy and systems of healthcare in local, state, regional, and national forums.
• Use information technology and analytic methods to evaluate multiple sources of outcome data.
• Utilize current practice guidelines and policies, care delivery models, and strategies to impact health outcomes.
• Develop therapeutic approaches to reduce disparities in the care of families, communities, and populations.
• Design evidence-based, ethical, safe, and cost-effective strategies that improve healthcare outcomes for individuals or populations.
• Incorporate strategies to stay abreast of healthcare policies and issues.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation with a DNP degree, students are able to:

1. Build intra- and interprofessional collaboration to improve healthcare quality across diverse populations.
2. Compile and evaluate healthcare information systems to strengthen, support, or improve the health delivery system.
3. Interpret social justice, equity, and ethical policies in healthcare for complex decision-making for individuals and populations.
4. Develop theoretical and scientific practice initiatives and/or policies for quality improvement to promote a culture of safety in diverse organizational cultures and populations.
5. Modify complex clinical situations and healthcare systems through the integration and utilization of evidence-based practice to promote optimal outcomes.
6. Improve the delivery of care to individuals, families, and communities through advanced nursing science.

Graduate Nursing Program Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree programs, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Colorado Mesa University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Graduate Nursing Program Students Licensure

Colorado Mesa University's DNP Graduate Nursing Program eligibility for licensure information is available.

Department of Health Sciences

• Undergraduate Degrees
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Nursing
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • RN to BSN
    • LPN to BSN
    • Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
    • Practical Nursing (Technical Certificate)
  • Radiologic Sciences
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Surgical Technology
• Graduate Degrees
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Certification Courses
  • Phlebotomy Course
• Honors Program
• Clinical Education Center
• Student Nurses Association
• Health Sciences Faculty

Colorado Mesa University

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Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

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Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

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Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.