DNP Programs in California (CA)

There are several colleges and universities in the Golden State of California which offer DNP degree programs.  You can find local programs in Loma Linda, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco, and Pomona.

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Loma Linda University
School of Nursing

Linda Loma University’s School of Nursing offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program designed specifically for full-time working professionals. It requires 2 years of core coursework and a year of DNP project implementation.

The DNP program is a post-Master’s program. It requires a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited program with a 3.2 or higher cumulative graduate GPA. Applicants must be licensed as an RN in their state of residense. They must also hold a Nurse Practitioner license or cerfication in an advanced practice rol (i.e. CNS or CRNA) to apply for a clinical track or Management certification to apply for the leadership track.

Accreditation:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact Information:

West Hall
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 588-1000


Samuel Merritt University
School of Nursing

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is one of the newest program offerings from Samual Merritt University’s School of Nursing. The California DNP program began began in the spring of 2011.

SMU’s DNP program requires either:

  • a Master of Science in Nursing or
  • a Master’s degree in another health-related field plus a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Applicants must have an active, unencumbered license as an RN in their state of residence. They must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Accreditation:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact Information:

3100 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 869-6511


University of San Diego
Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science

University of San Diego’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science offers two pathways to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. They offer a BSN to DNP pathway and a post-Master’s program.

The post-BSN pathway is designed as a 3-year full-time program, but part-time programs are also available. It includes curriculum plans to prepare nurses for advanced practice in the following specializations:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Family/Lifespan Psychiatric – Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Dual Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

The number of credits required can vary based on the specialization selected.

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited school with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Exceptions will be made if the applicant holds an ADN or Diploma in Nursing from an acreedited program as well as a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is held. Those students not holding a BSN will be required to take additional courses. Also, students with a Master’s level entry program in nursing are also eligible to apply.

BSN to DNP applicants must also hold a current, unencumbered RL license in California. One year of clinical experience is preferred.

The post-Master’s program at USD requires a Master’s degree in Nursing with an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) specialization. The student’s graduate GPA must be 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The prospective student must be certified as an APRN and hold a license as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.

Accreditation:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact Information:

5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4600


University of San Francisco
School of Nursing and Health Professions

University of San Francisco’s Shool of Nursing and Health Professions was the first university in the Bay Area to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. USF offers two major pathways to the DNP. One was designed for Bachelor’s prepared nurses and the other for Master’s prepared nurses.

The DNP program is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis. Most courses are offered in a blended format – part online and part on campus. Courses are scheduled on alternating weekends.

For applicants with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the BSN to DNP pathway offers advanced training as a clinical nurse while working towards the DNP degree. Students earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree during the first two years in the program and then complete the doctoral portion of the program in the remaining two and a half years of the program.

For applicants with a Master of Science in Nursing, the MSN to DNP pathway takes into account all of the courses and clinical work performed earning the MSN. So the post-Master’s pathway can be completed in just two and a half years.

There are two tracks that can be selected by the BSN to DNP or MSN to DNP applicant:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Healthcare Systems Leadership

Applicants are required to have a BSN or MSN degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale. They must also be licensed as a Registered Nurse.

Accreditation:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
California State Board of Registered Nursing

Contact Information:

2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 422-5555


Western University of Health Sciences
College of Graduate Nursing

Western University of Health Sciences’ Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program was designed as a full-time two year post-Master’s program. The program allows you to earn your DNP degree while continuing in your nursing practice. The program is taught primarily online with the exception of weekend seminars which must be attended twice per semester at the Pomona, California campus.

A Master of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE accredited program is required. Applicants must have a Registered Nurse license in the state where they intend to complete their practice immersion project.

Accreditation:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact Information:

309 E. Second Street
Pomona, CA 91766
(909) 623-6116