Regis University Online NP Programs

Regis University offers several online and remote nurse practitioner pathways for students at different stages of their nursing education, including MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-graduate certificate options in family nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner tracks. 

The programs are housed in the Loretto Heights School of Nursing and are built around advanced nursing knowledge, leadership development, service learning, and preparation for nurse practitioner roles across different patient populations.

For students entering at the master’s level, Regis offers MSN pathways in three NP specializations. The FNP program prepares nurses to provide primary care across the lifespan, the NNP program focuses on the care of high-risk newborns and infants, and the PMHNP program prepares advanced practice nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan.

For nurses who want to move beyond the master’s level, Regis also offers a post-BSN to DNP dual-degree pathway that allows students to earn both the MSN and the DNP in one program. In this pathway, students first complete their master’s-level NP specialization in FNP, NNP, or PMHNP, and then move into DNP coursework designed to strengthen advanced practice, leadership, and applied research skills.

Regis also provides post-graduate certificate options for nurses who already hold a master’s degree in nursing or its equivalent and want to gain a new NP specialization without earning a second master’s degree. These certificate pathways are available in FNP, NNP, and PMHNP, giving experienced nurses a focused route into a new area of advanced practice.

The FNP programs prepare nurses to deliver primary health care to patients and their families across the lifespan, with a focus on disease prevention, health promotion, and management of acute and chronic illness and injury. The NNP programs prepare students to manage the health care needs of high-risk newborns and infants, working within the dynamics of the family environment and in collaboration with neonatologists and other health care providers. The PMHNP programs prepare an advanced practice nurse who can assess, diagnose, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy for patients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across the lifespan in various settings.

Graduates of the FNP programs are eligible to take the FNP certification exams through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). FNPs may work in primary care facilities, hospitals, schools, government facilities, and home health care.

Graduates of the NNP programs are eligible to take the neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP-BC) certification exam through the National Certification Corporation (NCC). NNPs may go on to positions in Level III and Level IV neonatal intensive care units (NICU), hospital delivery rooms, home care, special care nurseries, and well-baby nurseries.

Graduates of the PMHNP programs are eligible to take the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). PMHNPs may work in primary care clinics, correctional facilities, hospitals, schools, government, and rehabilitation care facilities.

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Denver, Colorado. The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

What to Expect from the Regis University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the nursing programs at Regis University must have an unrestricted RN license in their state of residence in approved states. MSN and BSN-to-DNP applicants must hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and a grade of C or above in all nursing courses. Post-master’s certificate applicants must hold a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. Applicants must also have taken statistics and earned a grade of C or higher, and have current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Depending on the program, application materials include an online application, official transcripts, three professional letters of recommendation, a current resume, and an essay or personal statement. An admissions interview may be required. All degrees must be from NLN- or AACN-CCNE- accredited programs. No GRE or GMAT is required.

NNPs must have two years of clinical practice in Level III or Level IV NICU work experience; Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification is also required. PMHNPs must have two years of work experience in behavioral health or community health settings. FNPs need two years of clinical RN practice. FNP and PMHNP work experience is preferred but may not be required for the MSN and BSN-to-DNP programs.

State Restrictions: Regis University accepts students from most states into the online nursing programs except for Louisiana and New York. Prospective students should verify enrollment eligibility with the Loretto Heights School of Nursing under the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions. Additionally, interested nurses should check with their State Board of Nursing about licensure requirements.

Study Plan: The MSN-FNP program is designed to be completed in two years, or six semesters, of continuous study. It requires 48 credits and a minimum of 630 hours of precepted clinical experience. The FNP program begins once a year in May.

The MSN-NNP program is designed to be completed in as few as five semesters of continuous study. It requires 43 credits and a minimum of 630 hours of precepted clinical experience. The NNP program begins once a year in August.

The MSN-PMHNP program is designed to be completed in as few as two years of continuous study. It requires 48 credits and a minimum of 630 hours of precepted clinical experience. The PMHNP program begins once a year in May. Clinical experiences begin during the fourth semester (second year) of the program.

The post-BSN to DNP dual-degree program requires completion of the MSN with a specialization in FNP, NNP, or PMHNP prior to progression into the DNP program. The full pathway takes four to five years. The DNP portion is completed in the final two to three years. The post-BSN to DNP program requires a total of 74 to 79 credits and a total of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.

The post-graduate FNP certificate requires 21 to 27 credits and begins once a year in May. The post-graduate NNP certificate requires 22 to 31 credits and the program starts in late August. The post-graduate PMHNP certificate requires 26 to 36 credits and starts in early May.

All nurse practitioner programs require students to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. The NNP specialization is offered in a web-based classroom once per week, with all students required to attend two on-campus intensives in the second and fourth semesters, each lasting two to three days.

MSN Core Curriculum: The MSN degree includes the following core courses for all specializations: theoretical frameworks for leadership and advanced nursing practice; ethics for nurse leaders; advanced application of research for evidence-based practice; advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan; pharmacology for advanced practice; and health policy analysis and development. Students also complete a comprehensive exam at the end of the program.

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Curriculum: In addition to the core, the FNP specialization includes courses such as advanced health assessment of the family (FNP); women’s health and childbearing for the FNP; professional integration; primary health care of children and their families; primary care procedures; and primary health care across the lifespan I-III.

MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Curriculum: In addition to the core, the NNP specialization includes courses such as advanced health assessment for the neonatal nurse practitioner; professional integration; advanced practice procedures for the high-risk infant; genetics and embryology for the NNP; care of the child to age two; management of the high-risk newborn; and clinical integration for the neonatal nurse practitioner.

MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Curriculum: In addition to the core, the PMHNP specialization includes courses such as advanced health assessment of the patient and family; professional integration; psychopharmacology for advanced practice psychiatric nursing; psychiatric assessment and psychopathology across the lifespan; and psychiatric mental health advanced practice I-III.

Post-BSN-to-DNP Curriculum: The post-BSN to DNP program requires completion of the MSN with a specialization in FNP, NNP, or PMHNP prior to progression into the DNP program. Students complete the MSN core courses and their selected area of specialization courses, then move into doctoral-level coursework.

The MSN portion uses the same core and specialty courses listed above. After completing the master’s requirements, students enroll in DNP courses. The DNP requires completion of a minimum of 31 semester hours of graduate coursework for the advanced practice registered nurse specialization and completion of a total of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.

The DNP core courses include theoretical application for DNP; analysis of biomedical data for the DNP; informatics; epidemiology and health promotion for populations; DNP project A; DNP project B; DNP project C; clinical research for DNP; health policy analysis and development; health system decision making; applications to practice A-F; and project defense.

Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The post-master’s FNP certificate includes courses such as advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan; pharmacology for advanced practice; advanced health assessment of the family (FNP); women’s health and childbearing for the FNP; professional integration; primary health care of children and their families; and primary care procedures. Students also complete a comprehensive exam at the end of the program.

The post-master’s NNP certificate includes courses such as advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan; pharmacology for advanced practice; advanced health assessment of the neonatal (NNP); advanced practice procedures for the high-risk infant; genetics and embryology for the NNP; care of the child to age two; management of the high-risk newborn; and clinical integration for the neonatal nurse practitioner. Students also complete a comprehensive exam at the end of the program.

The post-master’s PMHNP certificate includes courses such as advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan; professional integration; psychopharmacology for advanced practice psychiatric nursing; psychiatric assessment and psychopathology across the lifespan; and psychiatric mental health advanced practice I-III. Students also complete a comprehensive exam at the end of the program.

Online Experience: Regis University delivers its online NP programs through synchronous virtual classrooms and web-based formats. The FNP remote pathway and the PMHNP program both meet one day per week in a live, virtual classroom. The NNP program is offered in a web-based classroom once per week, with live participation from a distance. In the post-BSN to DNP pathway, master’s-level courses are taught through classroom instruction or web-based synchronous classroom participation, while the DNP portion is fully online with no on-campus requirements.

On-Site Requirements: All NP programs require precepted clinical experiences in health care settings. The MSN-FNP and MSN-PMHNP each require a minimum of 630 clinical hours, generally completed on weekdays. The MSN-NNP also requires 630 clinical hours, completed in level III high-risk neonatal intensive care units, and includes two on-campus intensives in the second and fourth semesters, each lasting two to three days. The post-BSN to DNP pathway requires a total of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Students may complete clinical time in their place of employment in some programs, but clinical time must be separate from paid work time.

Paying for the Regis University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

The Regis University tuition rates are listed below. Travel expenses for the campus intensives are not included in tuition costs. Interested students should contact the School of Nursing through Regis University for current tuition costs, as rates can change annually.

Regis University graduate students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS loans per eligibility determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Other funding options may include employer tuition reimbursement programs, discounts, private loans, and outside grants and scholarships.

Regis University

Regis University online MSN, Post-BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate NP graduates are known for their nursing competence, knowledge, compassion, ethical approaches, and leadership skills.

APRN Programs

BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

Campus Address

3333 Regis Blvd
Denver, Colorado 80221

Regis University – BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

August

100% Online?

Yes, plus local clinicals

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

79

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,000

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.75 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

KY, LA, NY, ND, OR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

79

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,075.80

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$84,988.20

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,075.80

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$84,988.20

Regis University – BSN to DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

August

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

2

Credits Needed to Graduate

75

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,000

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.75 or Higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

KY, LA, NY, ND, OR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

75

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,076.91

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$80,768.25

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,076.91

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$80,768.25

Regis University – BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

Program Essentials

Degree Level

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

May

100% Online?

Yes, plus local clinicals

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

79

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

1,000

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.75 or Higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

KY, LA, NY, ND, OR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

79

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,075.80

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$84,988.20

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,075.80

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$84,988.20

Regis University – MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

August

100% Online?

Yes, plus local clinicals

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

48

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.75 or Higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

KY, LA, NY, ND, OR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

48

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$50,640.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$50,640.00

Regis University – MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

August

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

2

Credits Needed to Graduate

43

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.75 or Higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

KY, LA, NY, ND, OR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

43

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$45,365.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$45,365.00

Regis University – MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

May

100% Online?

Yes, plus local clinicals

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

48

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.75 or Higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

KY, LA, NY, ND, OR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

48

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$50,640.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$50,640.00

Regis University – Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

August

100% Online?

Yes, plus local clinicals

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

27

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.75 or Higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

KY, LA, NY, ND, OR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

27

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$28,485.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$28,485.00

Regis University – Post-Graduate Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

August

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

2

Credits Needed to Graduate

31

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.75 or Higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

KY, LA, NY, ND, OR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

31

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$32,705.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$32,705.00

Regis University – Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

May

100% Online?

Yes, plus local clinicals

Campus Visits Required

0

Credits Needed to Graduate

36

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

630

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.75 or Higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

KY, LA, NY, ND, OR

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

36

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

$37,980.00

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

$1,055.00

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

$37,980.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.

Bernd Geels

Bernd Geels

Writer

Bernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].

Sara Navratil

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.

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