Colorado Christian University AGPCNP Programs

Colorado Christian University (CCU) offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:

• BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP and Transformational Leadership
• MSN to DNP – Transformational Leadership (for MSN-prepared nurses adding doctoral credentials)

Both programs are delivered fully online with only one required on-campus weekend intensive during the program.

Program Tracks Overview

The BSN-to-DNP track stands out for its dual-emphasis design — combining AGPCNP clinical training with a Transformational Leadership core — so graduates are prepared for both primary care practice and executive nursing roles. CCU’s faith-integrated curriculum is built on biblical principles and includes one-on-one DNP project mentorship from enrollment through defense.

BSN to DNP – AGPCNP and Transformational Leadership

The estimated total cost for the BSN-to-DNP AGPCNP program is approximately $50,350 (67 credits at $625/credit plus mandatory program fees) and is designed to be completed in 3 years (36 months) on a full-time basis.

DNP Curriculum

The program totals 67 credits split across two parallel tracks: AGPCNP clinical coursework (35 credits / 640 clinical hours) and Transformational Leadership (32 credits / 520 clinical hours). No stop-out MSN option exists — all graduates earn the DNP only. Coursework aligns with AACN Essential Sub-Competencies, NONPF NP Role Core Competencies, AONL Nurse Leader Core Competencies, and ANCC Nurse Executive Advanced Certification standards. 

Transformational Leadership Core (32 credits — shared with MSN-to-DNP track)

NUR700 – Theoretical Foundations of DNP Studies
This course introduces the theoretical and scientific foundations that guide advanced nursing practice. Students evaluate nursing theories, research knowledge, and data analytics to support system-level leadership and clinical improvement. The course also examines self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and faith-based leadership principles that guide ethical and effective decision-making.

NUR710 – Translational Research and Evidence-Based Practice
This course examines how translational science supports evidence-based nursing practice. Students study the steps of the evidence-based process, including research appraisal, implementation strategies, and dissemination of findings. The course also reviews data management systems and statistical methods used to analyze healthcare data.

NUR720 – Leadership in Organizations and Systems
This course studies the leadership role of the DNP-prepared nurse in healthcare systems and organizations. Students apply evidence-based strategies to improve care quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes. The course also covers health data systems, technology tools, and care model design. Students complete 80 hours of clinical practicum experience.

NUR725 – Ethics and Advocacy
This course explores ethical decision-making in advanced nursing practice. Students analyze ethical frameworks that support advocacy for individuals, families, communities, and the nursing profession. The course also reviews ethical principles in research and evidence-based practice projects while emphasizing leadership roles that support responsible and compassionate care.

NUR740 – Leadership in Populations and Global Health
This course focuses on strategies that improve population and global health outcomes. Students use epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health data, and cultural factors to design prevention programs and population health initiatives. The course prepares nurses to plan, implement, and evaluate health interventions. Students complete 80 hours of clinical practicum experience.

NUR750 – Leadership in Healthcare Policy
This course examines how nurses influence healthcare policy and system change. Students study policy development, implementation, and advocacy strategies that address access to care, health equity, and healthcare delivery systems. The course also prepares students to communicate policy issues to stakeholders and policymakers.

NUR797 – DNP Project Development
This course introduces the planning stage of the Doctor of Nursing Practice capstone project. Students analyze research evidence to identify gaps in care and design a quality improvement or practice change project. The proposed project targets improved health outcomes within a healthcare organization or population group. Students complete 120 hours of clinical practicum experience.

NUR798 – DNP Project Implementation
This course focuses on the execution of the DNP evidence-based practice project. Students apply leadership and collaboration skills to implement their proposed quality improvement initiative within a healthcare system or organization. Faculty advisors guide the project process and support system-level change efforts. Students complete 120 hours of clinical practicum experience.

NUR799 – DNP Project Evaluation and Dissemination
This course focuses on evaluating the outcomes of the DNP evidence-based practice project. Students analyze project results and present findings through a scholarly paper, poster presentation, and formal oral defense. Successful completion of the course requires clear demonstration of project impact and contribution to improved healthcare practice.

AGPCNP Clinical Specialty (35 credits)

Individual AGPCNP specialty course titles are not published in the catalog; contact CCU admissions for the full course list. Specialty courses prepare graduates to diagnose and manage conditions in adolescents, adults, older adults, and the frail elderly, with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic condition management.

See the official curriculum page for more details.

DNP Clinicals

The BSN-to-DNP AGPCNP track requires 1,160 total supervised clinical hours, distributed across all three years of the program. All in-person hours are completed in the student’s geographic area of residence; CCU’s Clinical Program Manager assists with preceptor identification and placement.

• Year 1: 160 clinical hours
• Year 2: 160 clinical hours
• Year 3: 840 clinical hours (288 DNP project hours may be completed virtually)
• AGPCNP specialty: 640 of the 1,160 hours
• Transformational Leadership: 520 of the 1,160 hours
• Year 1–2 pacing: approximately 1 full day (~8 hours) per week in clinical setting
• Year 3 pacing: approximately 2 days (~12.5–14.5 hours) per week
• One mandatory on-campus weekend intensive during NUR792 (travel not included in tuition)
• CCU Clinical Program Manager assists with identifying qualified local preceptors

DNP Admissions Requirements

• BSN from a regionally accredited institution with minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• At least 5 months of full-time RN experience before program start
• Active, unencumbered RN license in the state where clinical hours will be completed
• Completed CAGS online application including personal narrative essay and professional recommendation
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Virtual interview with the nursing admissions committee
• Authorization and release form for background check and drug screen
• Pre-clinical compliance (upon provisional acceptance): criminal background check, drug screen, physical exam, vaccination record, TB screening, BLS Provider Certification
• One-day mandatory online orientation during the week prior to program start
• Transfer credits: up to 6 credits accepted (up to 12 credits for MSN holders with the “3 P courses” completed within 3 years)
• All transfer credits must be from a nationally accredited nursing program and earned within 5 years of CCU program start
• Program completion time limit: 5 years from start date

MSN to DNP – Transformational Leadership

The estimated total cost for the MSN-to-DNP Transformational Leadership program is approximately $24,300 (32 credits at $625/credit plus mandatory program fees) and can typically be completed in 4 to 5 semesters on a full-time basis.

Post-MSN DNP Curriculum

The MSN-to-DNP track is a 32-credit post-MSN practice doctorate focused exclusively on the Transformational Leadership core. It does not add a new NP specialty — it is appropriate for any MSN-prepared nurse (APRNs, administrators, educators, or nurse leaders) seeking a terminal clinical degree. 

• NUR700 – Theoretical Foundations of DNP Studies
• NUR710 – Translational Research and Evidence-Based Practice
• NUR720 – Leadership in Organizations and Systems
• NUR725 – Ethics and Advocacy
• NUR740 – Leadership in Populations and Global Health
• NUR750 – Leadership in Healthcare Policy
• NUR797 – DNP Project Development
• NUR798 – DNP Project Implementation
• NUR799 – DNP Project Evaluation and Dissemination
• NUR701 – Advanced Clinical Practicum (required only for students entering with fewer than 500 post-BSN clinical hours)

See the official curriculum page for more details.

Post-MSN DNP Clinicals

The MSN-to-DNP track requires 520 clinical/EBP project hours, distributed across five practicum-embedded courses. Students who enter with fewer than 500 post-BSN clinical hours must complete additional hours via NUR701 to meet the 1,020 total post-BSN hour requirement for graduation.

• 520 clinical hours across 5 practicum courses
• Students entering with fewer than 500 post-BSN hours: additional hours required via NUR701
• Total 1,020 post-BSN clinical hours required for graduation
• Clinical hours completed in student’s geographic area of residence

Post-MSN DNP Admissions Requirements

• MSN from a nationally accredited nursing program with minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
• Active, unencumbered RN license in state where clinical hours will be completed
• CAGS online application including essay, professional recommendation, and applicable fees
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Virtual admissions interview
• Transfer credits: up to 6 credits accepted; exceptions considered for MSN holders
• Program completion time limit: 4 years from start date

Tuition

CCU charges $625 per credit hour for all DNP program courses. A resource fee of $71 per credit hour ($51 technology + $20 course materials) applies to all students and covers most digital textbooks and course resources. Key one-time program fees for BSN-to-DNP AGPCNP students include:

• DNP Clinical Management Software: $308 (paid directly to vendor)
• NUR720 Uniform Fee: $35
• NUR756 APEA 3P Bundle: $575
• NUR782 APEA Nurse Practitioner Bundle: $1,125
• NUR797 Intellectus Statistical Platform: $176
• DNP Project Faculty Mentor (NUR797, NUR798, NUR799): $500 each / $1,500 total

MSN-to-DNP students are not charged the NUR756 APEA 3P Bundle or the NUR782 NP Bundle, reducing their total program fees accordingly. 

More tuition details are available here.

Application Deadlines

CCU’s BSN-to-DNP AGPCNP program offers both Summer and Spring start dates. Specific application deadlines are not published on the program page; prospective students should contact a CCU Enrollment Counselor directly for current deadline information and cohort availability.

Accreditation

Both the baccalaureate and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Colorado Christian University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of the AGPCNP track are eligible to apply for APRN licensure in their state and to sit for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

More AGPCNP Programs in Colorado

• Colorado Mesa University - Grand Junction
• University of Colorado Anschutz - Anschutz