Program Overview

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Introduction to the BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is designed to advance the careers of nursing professionals. This program allows students to earn both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree back-to-back, preparing them for leadership, advanced clinical practice, and healthcare policy roles.

Program Overview

The program prepares students to care for children who are typically healthy but are seeing them because they are sick. Students will learn to manage short-term but serious health conditions, such as respiratory illnesses or injuries. The program is mostly online with some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.

Program Format and Duration

• The program is offered in a hybrid online format.
• The average time to complete the program is 5 years, which is equivalent to 13 semesters.

Exam Preparation

Upon completion of the program, students can sit for the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC-PNP) exam to become board-certified.

Application and Admission

• Students only need to apply once to this program to earn both a master's degree and a doctoral degree back-to-back.
• Clinical placements are arranged for students in Denver or Aurora, with partnerships with top clinics and hospitals in the area, such as Children's Hospital Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.

Faculty and Expertise

The faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research, and are dedicated to helping students advance their knowledge and careers.

Program Outcomes and Career Opportunities

After completing the program, students can take the board certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Upon passing the exam, they will be ready to get their license, unlocking a new career path and scope of practice. Acute care pediatric nurse practitioners can get licensed to work in all 50 states, including Colorado.

• Prescribe medication
• Serve as an independent provider
• Assess, diagnose, and treat health conditions
• Educate patients about health management and disease prevention They can care for children of all ages, from newborns to young adults, and work in various settings, including hospitals and family clinics.

Why Pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree prepares students for leadership, advanced clinical practice, and healthcare policy roles, focusing on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and healthcare systems management.

Admission Deadlines

The application deadlines for the program are as follows: | Start Term | Application Opens | Priority Deadline | Extended Deadline | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Fall 2026 | August 15, 2025 | January 15, 2026 | April 1, 2026 |

Getting Started

To get started, students should:

1. Check the requirements: Understand the admissions requirements, including the number of letters of recommendation needed and the courses that should be on the transcript.
2. Start the application: Work on the application and submit it through NursingCAS.

Program Details

• Hands-on training: The program includes 1,125 hours of clinical training, with clinical experiences set up for students in the Denver Metro area.
• In-depth coursework: The program covers 51 classroom-based credit hours, including topics like pediatric advanced clinical skills and evidence-based practice.
• Skills and knowledge gained: Upon completion, students will be able to integrate nursing knowledge, evaluate person-centered healthcare delivery strategies, collaborate across settings, and more.

Tuition and Fees

The estimated total tuition for the program is as follows: | Residency Status | Estimated Total Tuition | | --- | --- | | Colorado residents | $60,876 | | Eligible western state residents | $60,876 | | Nonresidents | $98,648 | Additional expenses include a matriculation fee, other fees, books and supplies, and CU health insurance.

Accreditation and Rankings

The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the University of Colorado Denver is ranked among the top nursing colleges in Colorado, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings.