Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is designed for nurses interested in advanced practice roles as family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and nurse leaders in healthcare systems. The DNP-FNP curriculum is based on guidelines and competencies established by the Colorado Board of Nursing, American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and the National Task Force for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education (NTF).

Overview

DNP graduates work as FNPs in direct patient care and as leaders in academic, healthcare, or community-based systems. The DNP-FNP program graduates are eligible to take the national FNP certifying examination and are eligible for licensure as an FNP. Courses are delivered via an online format, allowing students to reside in their home communities. However, students travel to complete clinical hours, objective structured clinical exams (OSCEs), and graduate program student intensive (GPSI) sessions, which are held in both in-person and online formats.

Requirements

The DNP program requires students to complete a minimum of 1000 clinical hours, 750 of which must be in direct care. The remainder of the hours may be in indirect care, including hours spent on the students' DNP scholarly projects.

Admission to the DNP-FNP Program

Admission to the DNP-FNP Program is competitive. Students submit an application through the Centralized Application Service for Nursing at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The DNP-FNP program is rigorous and prepares nurses as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Admission is on a rolling schedule with final cohorts starting in the fall semester. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for the DNP-FNP program, students must have:

• Earned a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program.
• An unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license from a US state or territory, which must be maintained for the duration of enrollment in the Graduate Nursing Program.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for healthcare providers, which must be maintained for the duration of enrollment in the Graduate Nursing Program.
• Malpractice insurance as a nurse practitioner student, which must be maintained for the duration of enrollment in the Graduate Nursing Program.
• A criminal background check.
• A drug screen.
• Current immunizations, which must be maintained for the duration of enrollment in the Graduate Nursing Program, with exemptions accepted by the program based on the state of Colorado's policies.
• Proof of training in cultural competency and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prior to enrollment in clinical courses.

General Policies

Up to nine credit hours may be taken as non-degree seeking and later applied towards program requirements. Students can transfer up to 30% of eligible credits from another accredited institution into their degree plan, provided they meet the general transfer policies of the university and are approved by the Graduate Program Director. Coursework considered for transfer must be completed with a grade of "B" or higher.

Program of Study

The program includes coursework in advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, primary care across the lifespan, rural/underserved populations, mental and behavioral health, quality improvement, health policy, leadership, and health systems change. The last two years of the program include students' completion of their DNP scholarly projects, which require developing, implementing, and evaluating a primary care-focused intervention to address a clinical gap in practice. Students present their scholarly project publicly and submit their original work for publication at the conclusion of the DNP program.

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.