The NP programs are 43-52 semester hours. This includes the 12 (14 for FNP) credits of clinical experience. Most students successfully complete the program in 2 to 3 years by taking 6 to 9 credits in the fall and spring semesters and 3 to 6 credits in the summer. The program must be completed in 5 years.
Yes. The FNP requires 14 credits of clinical experience which equals 630 contact hours. Clinical experiences are usually completed in 2 and 3 credit blocks.
Over two thirds of the didactic courses are offered in both an online and in class format which alternate semester to semester. Your academic advisor will work with you to develop a program plan to meet your individual needs and learning preferences.
Yes. Clinical placements are in Colorado and require a current and unencumbered Colorado Registered Nurses license. Additionally, although we have many distance learning options some courses must be completed on-campus.
Yes, our courses provide you with the knowledge and skills to take the ANCC certification examination or AANP certification examination if you so choose.
Yes, you may take up to 12 semester credits as a non-degree student prior to being accepted to the program. You must meet all prerequisite requirements of the course. Non-degree students register on a space available basis during open enrollment just prior to the beginning of the semester. Students enrolled as non-degree seeking are not eligible for financial aid. Please see the Office of Professional Development for more information.
Yes, the nurse practitioner program is accredited by NLN and CCNE. Following completion of the program, graduates may take certification examinations either American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) examinations in their specialty.
The program is rigorous, challenging, and very rewarding. During the clinical courses, it is strongly recommended that students do not work or work as little as possible. Students will also have the opportunity to have a clinical placement in rural Colorado during the last semesters of their program if they choose.
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF) has published core competencies in each specialty for students to achieve. Students may need to increase their clinical credits if they do not achieve these competencies within the required clinical credits.
All students are required to have a Colorado RN license, current immunizations, and basic life support.