BS to DNP Veteran and Military Health Care
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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-03-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to the BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
The BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in Veteran and Military Health Care is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in nursing and wish to earn two advanced degrees consecutively. The program first leads to a Master of Science (MS) in Veteran and Military Health Care, followed by a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Veteran and Military Health Care Leadership.
Program Overview
This program prepares students to make a significant difference in the lives of veterans and military members by learning about topics unique to this population and becoming leaders in veteran and military member health.
Format and Duration
The program is offered in a hybrid online format, with most coursework completed online and some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO. The average time to complete the program is 4-5 years, spanning 12 semesters.
Faculty and Expertise
The program boasts expert faculty dedicated to student success, many of whom are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research.
Scholarships and Awards
The Jonas Veteran Scholarship, a competitive $24,000 award, is offered every two years to support students in this program. Awardees become part of a national cohort of scholars with opportunities to learn and network.
Program Outcomes and Career Opportunities
The BS to DNP Veteran and Military Health Care program prepares students to improve healthcare for veterans and military service members. Example job titles include:
- Chief Nurse
- Nurse Manager
- Community Care Coordinator
- Director of Performance Improvement
Students can work in various settings, such as:
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Community Clinics
- Nonprofits and Advocacy Organizations
- Government Agencies
Why Pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree?
A 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 program has specific deadlines for application:
- Fall 2026: Application opens August 15, 2025, with a priority deadline of January 15, 2026, and an extended deadline of July 1, 2026.
- Spring 2027: Application opens January 15, 2026, with a priority deadline of July 1, 2026, and an extended deadline of November 1, 2026.
Real-World Experience and Advanced Classes
The program includes an internship and a doctoral project, which can be completed where the student lives and works. Students spend 61 credit hours in online classes learning about topics specific to caring for veterans and military members, including administration leadership, health systems management, and supporting veterans and military families.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
Upon completion of the DNP program, students will be able to:
- Integrate nursing knowledge and ways of knowing in the development and evaluation of healthcare delivery strategies.
- Evaluate person-centered healthcare delivery strategies that meet evolving healthcare delivery system needs.
- Collaborate across settings to advocate for improved population health outcomes for all.
- Disseminate nursing scholarship to improve health and transform healthcare.
- Lead the translation of quality and safety evidence to promote system effectiveness and individual performance.
- Build interprofessional teams that enhance healthcare experiences and outcomes for patients, families, communities, and partnerships.
- Lead within complex systems to effectively and proactively coordinate resources to provide safe, quality, and whole person care.
- Lead teams to advocate for end-user perspectives in the design, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare technologies and processes.
- Cultivate the future identity and ideals of the nursing profession.
- Create systems and policies that support organizational resilience, personal, and professional well-being.
Tuition and Fees
Estimated total tuition for the program varies by residency status:
- Colorado residents and eligible western state residents: $49,662
- Nonresidents: $80,476
Additional expenses include a matriculation fee, other fees, books and supplies, and CU health insurance (which may be waived with proof of comparable personal health insurance).
Conclusion
The BS to DNP Veteran and Military Health Care program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a comprehensive and specialized program designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to lead in the care of veterans and military members. With its unique blend of online and in-person learning, expert faculty, and focus on real-world application, this program stands out as a premier choice for those wishing to make a meaningful difference in this critical area of healthcare.