Program Overview

Doctor of Nursing Practice in Public Health Nursing

The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Public Health Nursing is a program designed to advance community health by preparing nurse leaders who work to prevent disease and promote health for entire populations. This program is suitable for individuals with a bachelor's degree in nursing and a master's degree in public health.

Program Format

The program is offered in a hybrid online format, with mostly online coursework and some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.

Duration

The average time to complete the program is 2 years, consisting of 6 semesters.

Clinical Placements

Clinical placements are arranged for students in the Denver or Aurora area, providing high-quality, hands-on experiences in top clinics and hospitals.

Faculty

The program features expert faculty dedicated to student success, with many recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research.

Program Outcomes

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Public Health Nursing prepares students for leadership roles in improving community health and well-being. Example job titles include:

• Public health nurse practitioner
• Community health program manager
• Director of public health nursing

Students will be able to:

• Educate patients about health management and disease prevention
• Implement public health awareness campaigns
• Provide expertise to healthcare organizations or government agencies

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work in various settings, including:

• Schools
• Healthcare systems
• Government agencies

Difference between DNP and PhD Degrees

The main difference between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is their focus. The DNP program focuses on applying the latest evidence in clinical practice, while the PhD program emphasizes scientific research.

Admission Deadlines

The admission deadlines for the program are as follows:

Tuition and Fees

The estimated total tuition for the program is:

• $16,821 for Colorado residents
• $16,821 for eligible western state residents
• $27,258 for non-residents

Additional expenses include:

• Matriculation fee: $140 (one-time)
• Other fees: $349 per term (fall, spring, summer)
• Books and supplies: $2,000 (total for the program)
• CU health insurance: $2,742 (fall), $3,838 (spring), $1,095 (summer) per term

Program Details

The program includes:

• Up to 630 hours of clinical training
• Advanced classes in innovative leadership and evaluating evidence in evidence-based practice
• Skills and knowledge in:
  1. Integrating nursing knowledge and ways of knowing in healthcare delivery strategies
  2. Evaluating person-centered healthcare delivery strategies
  3. Collaborating across settings to advocate for improved population health outcomes
  4. Disseminating nursing scholarship to improve health and transform healthcare
  5. Leading the translation of quality and safety evidence to promote system effectiveness and individual performance
  6. Building interprofessional teams to enhance healthcare experiences and outcomes
  7. Leading within complex systems to provide safe, quality, and whole-person care
  8. Leading teams to advocate for end-user perspectives in healthcare technologies and processes
  9. Cultivating the future identity and ideals of the nursing profession
  10. Creating systems and policies that support organizational resilience, personal, and professional well-being

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.