DNP Admission Requirements

Admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Admission to the online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Visionary Leadership at Colorado Christian University is selective. Each applicant is carefully evaluated on previous academic performance, personal and professional accomplishments, and strength of character. A strong desire to complete doctoral-level work in a Christ-centered community of nurse leaders is required.

Application Deadlines

Now enrolling for Summer 2025. Application and all admission requirements must be completed by 3/28/2025.

Admitted students are asked to attend a one-day mandatory orientation that will be held online during the week prior to the program start date.

Admission Requirements for the DNP Program

• Complete the graduate admission application online.
• Have an active, unrestricted, or unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state in which the clinical/practicum experience will be completed.
• Have completed a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) from an accredited higher education institution. The college or university must have national nursing program accreditation from either CCNE or ACEN.
• Participate in an online admission interview.
• Have earned a graduate degree GPA of 3.0 or above based on a 4.0 scale.
• Complete and successfully pass the following documents through CastleBranch. In the upper right corner, enter package code LS08 (first two alpha, second two numeric). Fees apply and are the responsibility of the student.
  • Criminal Background Check. Be sure to review the list of disqualifying offenses. Fees apply and are the responsibility of the student.
  • Drug Screen. A failed drug screen will result in non-admittance into the program.
  • Authorization and Release Form (PDF)
  • Student Physical Exam Form (PDF)
  • Other required documents

Submit the following admission documents

• Official transcripts from all college/university educational experiences, including clinical hours completed in an MSN program.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Proof of RN licensure and any current certifications.
• Three letters of professional reference who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for success in a graduate program. One letter must be from a graduate program faculty who can speak to the student’s ability to be successful in a doctoral program. Additional letters could be from other graduate program faculty, professional colleagues, or work supervisors.
• Personal narrative (1-2 pages) describing practice experience, professional goals, and why the applicant wishes to pursue a DNP.
• If English is not the applicant’s native/first language, provide proof of meeting the College of Adult and Graduates Studies requirements related to English language proficiency.

Additional DNP Admission Process Information

• Students who apply to the DNP program having completed less than 500 clinical hours in their MSN program will need to complete additional practice hours for a total of no less than 1025 clinical practice hours required for graduation. There are opportunities prior to and within the program to complete additional hours as needed.
• Students who did not complete at least 500 clinical hours in their MSN program must provide written validation from their MSN school/college of the number of clinical hours completed in the MSN.
• All students must have a reliable computer throughout the program that meets the CAGS requirements for internet connections and broadband width. (See CAGS Student Handbook.)
• Since this is an online course and you can take classes from outside Colorado, students will need to have adequate software and internet capabilities to participate in web-based discussions, watch video streaming, and internet-based learning activities.

Additional Requirements

Additional requirements occur at the beginning and end of the DNP program. Both may be completed 100% online; attendance is required.

• Orientation occurs at the beginning of the program and includes: overview of the DNP program; review of the course sequence; individual meetings with advisors & faculty; socialization to the DNP role; introduction of DNP program faculty, director, and Dean; introduction to CCU; use of library resources; introduction to Brightspace (Learning Management System); writing workshop; APA format workshop; preparing for the DNP project; introduction to evidence-based practice; and options for international learning experiences/projects.
• Final program requirements will be completed at the end of the program and include: preparation for dissemination of DNP project results, a professional poster, and an oral presentation/defense of DNP project.

Time Limitation: How Long is the DNP Program?

Students must complete all DNP courses and the project within 9 semesters or 3 years. If all courses, clinical hours, or the project are not completed after the 3-year period, the student will be required to petition for an exception to the academic policy. Continuing study is not guaranteed and must be approved by the Nursing Graduate Program Director.

State Exclusions for Online Students

Colorado Christian University is required by the U.S. Department of Education to be in compliance with state laws regarding where we can offer distance and/or online education. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers courses to online students in all states with some exceptions for specific academic programs.