DNP Programs in California

Point Loma Nazarene University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification offers an innovative, fully online program designed for working nurses seeking advanced practice expertise. Spanning approximately 3.3 years, the program provides comprehensive training to become a high-level primary care provider. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours, including 750 direct patient care hours, preparing them for diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, with competitive tuition at $820 per unit. Graduates are positioned for a rapidly growing career field with a projected 52% job growth, enabling them to provide comprehensive care across various patient populations and healthcare environments.

• Fully online asynchronous program
• 1,000 total clinical hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Two entry pathways: BSN and MSN
• Optional synchronous sessions
• Small class sizes (15-20 students)
• 52% job growth projection
• $820 per unit tuition
• California Board of Nursing approved
• Two on-campus intensive weekends

Elevate your nursing career with Point Loma Nazarene University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Healthcare Leadership - a fully online program designed for ambitious nurses seeking top-tier leadership roles. In just 24 months, you'll develop advanced skills to transform healthcare systems, create strategic changes, and lead complex nursing departments. The program costs $820 per unit and requires 34 units, with flexible asynchronous learning and optional synchronous sessions. Ideal for working professionals, this CCNE-accredited program prepares you for high-impact roles like nursing manager, educator, or administrator with potential salaries ranging from $91,000 to $128,200.

• Fully online asynchronous format
• 24-month completion time
• 34 total program units
• 1000 clinical hours required
• MSN degree entry point
• CCNE accredited program
• Optional synchronous sessions
• Small class sizes (15-20 students)
• Flexible clinical placement options
• Leadership-focused curriculum

The University of San Francisco's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Health Systems Leadership prepares advanced nurses to transform healthcare through innovative leadership. This comprehensive program equips healthcare professionals with critical skills in evidence-based practice, complex system management, and population health improvement. Designed for baccalaureate and master's prepared nurses, the program meets rigorous AACN standards and offers specialized concentrations. Students develop advanced competencies in strategic leadership, quality improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, positioning graduates to drive meaningful change in complex healthcare environments.

• Hybrid DNP program format
• AACN standards compliant
• Multiple leadership concentrations
• Advanced nursing practice preparation
• Evidence-based scholarship focus
• Interdisciplinary learning approach
• Comprehensive healthcare leadership curriculum
• Population health emphasis
• Professional nursing identity development

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at USF prepares advanced registered nurses to become comprehensive healthcare providers. Students can complete the program in four years with a BSN or three years with an MSN, with flexible hybrid learning options. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, evidence-based practice, and social justice, enabling graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat patients across diverse settings. Graduates gain advanced clinical competencies, leadership skills, and the ability to advocate for ethical healthcare policies.

• Hybrid program with online/classroom learning
• 4-year BSN to DNP track
• 3-year MSN to DNP track
• Social justice healthcare focus
• CCNE accredited program
• Preceptor program support
• Weekend teaching schedule
• Multiple entry pathways
• Dual MPH/DNP option available

The University of San Francisco's Executive Leadership DNP program provides advanced nursing professionals a comprehensive pathway to transformative healthcare leadership. Designed for master's-prepared nurse executives, this rigorous two-year program develops strategic skills in innovation, policy development, financial management, and evidence-based practice. Graduates emerge as high-level healthcare leaders equipped to drive systemic improvements, navigate complex healthcare environments, and implement cutting-edge patient care models.

• 42-59 total credit program
• Hybrid learning format
• Two in-person intensives per semester
• CCNE and WASC accredited
• Focuses on executive nursing leadership
• Six semester curriculum
• Designed for current nurse executives
• Located in downtown San Francisco

The University of San Francisco's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health services across diverse patient populations. Students complete a hybrid DNP program that combines rigorous academic coursework with 1,000 clinical practice hours, equipping graduates to diagnose psychiatric conditions, conduct therapy, and prescribe medications. The program offers flexible post-baccalaureate and post-master's pathways, with online and in-person learning options designed for working healthcare professionals.

• Hybrid DNP-level PMHNP program
• 1,000 supervised clinical hours
• Multiple entry pathways available
• Online and campus learning
• CCNE and WASC accredited
• Concurrent MPH option
• Focus on leadership skills
• Evidence-based practice project
• Advanced clinical competencies

The University of San Francisco's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare delivery. Students develop comprehensive skills in patient care, leadership, and evidence-based practice, completing 1,000 supervised clinical hours. The hybrid program accommodates working nurses, offering flexible full and part-time options. Graduates are equipped to provide holistic care across diverse settings, from community agencies to private practices, with a strong emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

• Hybrid program format
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• CCNE and WASC accredited
• Concurrent master's options
• Full and part-time schedules
• DNP qualifying examination
• Evidence-based practice project
• Advanced nursing leadership training
• Population health focus
• Multiple healthcare practice settings

The University of San Francisco's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Population Health Leadership concentration equips advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare systems. This comprehensive program prepares nurses to lead innovative population health initiatives, develop evidence-based interventions, and address complex health challenges. Graduates gain advanced skills in epidemiology, policy development, and strategic leadership, enabling them to drive meaningful improvements in community health outcomes. The hybrid program blends rigorous academic coursework with practical experience, positioning nurses to become influential leaders in healthcare policy, risk management, and population health strategies.

• Hybrid DNP program
• Population Health Leadership focus
• AACN standards compliant
• Advanced nursing practice preparation
• Evidence-based curriculum
• 8 additional concentration units
• Interdisciplinary learning approach
• Healthcare system leadership training

The University of San Francisco's Health Systems Leadership DNP with Management Concentration prepares nurses for advanced leadership roles in complex healthcare environments. This innovative program uniquely blends nursing expertise with business management, offering students 14 credits from the Masagung Graduate School of Management. Graduates gain comprehensive skills to lead healthcare transformation, potentially qualifying for prestigious Nurse Executive certifications. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, strategic leadership, and population health management, positioning nurses to drive systemic improvements in healthcare delivery.

• Hybrid DNP program with management focus
• Leadership and business management integration
• ANCC certification preparation
• Seven-semester advanced nursing track
• Interdisciplinary learning approach
• Population health leadership emphasis
• Evidence-based practice curriculum
• Doctoral-level nursing preparation

California State University-Long Beach's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares advanced practice nurses for complex clinical leadership and teaching roles. Focused on Adult Gerontology Primary Care, this rigorous 72-unit, three-year program develops high-level nursing competencies through comprehensive coursework and 1,000 clinical practice hours. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses, the program emphasizes evidence-based inquiry, health policy, and specialized clinical skills. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, and prerequisite courses in statistics, physical assessment, and pathophysiology.

• 72-unit, three-year program
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• Multiple nurse practitioner specialties
• Doctoral project focus
• National certification preparation
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• California Board of Nursing approved
• Advanced clinical leadership training
• Evidence-based practice emphasis

California State University-Long Beach's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares advanced practice nurses for complex clinical, leadership, and teaching roles. This comprehensive 72-unit, three-year program focuses on the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, equipping students with high-level competencies through evidence-based inquiry, health policy advocacy, and intensive clinical training. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours and develop a scholarly doctoral project aimed at improving patient care. Designed for registered nurses with a bachelor's degree, the program requires a 3.0 GPA, current nursing license, and multiple prerequisite courses.

• 72-unit, three-year program
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• Multiple nurse practitioner specialties
• Evidence-based doctoral project
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• National certification preparation
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Comprehensive admission requirements

California State University-Long Beach's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers an innovative pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking leadership roles in complex clinical settings and academic environments. Focused on the Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Life Span concentration, this hybrid three-year program prepares nurses for high-level professional practice. Students complete 72 semester units, including 1,000 clinical hours, and develop critical competencies in evidence-based inquiry, health policy, and advanced clinical skills. The program demands a minimum 3.0 GPA and provides comprehensive preparation for national certification examinations.

• Three-year full-time hybrid program
• 72 total semester units
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• Six nurse practitioner specialties
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• National certification preparation
• Doctoral project required
• BSN degree prerequisite
• Current RN license needed
• Advanced clinical leadership focus

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at California State University-Long Beach offers an advanced Adult Gerontology Acute Care concentration designed for ambitious nurses seeking high-level clinical expertise. This rigorous 72-unit, three-year program prepares professionals for complex healthcare environments, emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership, and specialized acute care skills. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours and engage in a transformative doctoral project focused on improving patient care. With competitive admission requirements including a 3.0 GPA, nursing license, and comprehensive prerequisites, graduates are positioned for advanced clinical roles and national certification.

• 72-unit doctoral nursing program
• Specialized Adult Gerontology Acute Care
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Professional practice-focused degree
• National certification preparation
• Leadership and advanced practice focus
• 39 core course units
• Doctoral project requirement
• Hybrid program format

California State University-Long Beach's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares advanced practice nurses for complex clinical leadership roles. The comprehensive 72-unit, three-year program offers specialized concentrations including Family Practice, with rigorous coursework and 1,000 clinical practice hours. Students develop high-level competencies in evidence-based inquiry, health policy, and clinical expertise. Admission requires a BSN, current nursing license, 3.0 GPA, and comprehensive prerequisites. Graduates are positioned for national certification and advanced practice in diverse healthcare settings.

• 72-unit three-year program
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• Six nurse practitioner specialties
• Doctoral project required
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• National certification preparation
• Advanced clinical leadership focus
• Multiple clinical concentrations

California State University Long Beach's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses for complex clinical, leadership, and teaching roles. Designed as a comprehensive 72-semester-unit, three-year full-time program, it offers specialized concentrations including Adult Gerontology Primary Care. Students complete rigorous coursework and 1,000 clinical hours, developing high-level competencies in evidence-based practice, health policy, and advocacy. Admission requires a BSN, current nursing license, and strong academic credentials with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• 72-unit three-year program
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• 6 nurse practitioner specialties
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• 39 core course units
• 24 clinical specialty units
• Hybrid program delivery
• Prepares for national certification
• Advanced leadership training
• Evidence-based practice focus

California State University Long Beach's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers an advanced professional degree preparing nurses for complex clinical, leadership, and teaching roles. This intensive three-year, 72-unit program focuses on evidence-based practice, health policy, and developing high-level healthcare competencies. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses, the program covers six specialty areas and provides comprehensive training through rigorous coursework and 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates are equipped to pursue national certification and excel in advanced nursing practice settings.

• Three-year full-time program
• 72 total semester units
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• Six nurse practitioner specialties
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• Hybrid program delivery
• National certification preparation
• Doctoral project component
• Leadership and teaching focus

Azusa Pacific University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers an advanced clinical pathway for nurses seeking the highest level of professional practice. The 39-unit online program prepares nurses to lead healthcare innovations, focusing on complex health issues and systemic improvements. With a competitive cost of $1,160 per unit, students develop advanced clinical expertise and research skills through a comprehensive curriculum. Admission requires a BSN and master's degree, current RN licensure, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical leadership, and translational research, positioning graduates to transform healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

• 100% Online Doctorate Program
• 39 Total Program Units
• Cost Per Unit: $1,160
• Low-Residency Option Available
• Yellow Ribbon School
• 1,000 Clinical Hours Required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• Advanced Practice Preparation
• Evidence-Based Clinical Approach

Azusa Pacific University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in complex healthcare environments. Designed for working professionals, this low-residency online program emphasizes clinical leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare system improvement. With a competitive per-unit cost of $1,160 and comprehensive financial aid options, students can develop advanced clinical expertise across direct and indirect nursing roles. The 39-unit program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and includes 1,000 clinical hours, positioning graduates to transform healthcare through scholarly research and innovative practice.

• 100% Online Low-Residency Program
• 39 Total Program Units
• Cost per Unit: $1,160
• 1,000 Clinical Hours Required
• CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
• Yellow Ribbon Military Friendly
• Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
• Evidence-Based Clinical Approach
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Requirement
• Multiple Financial Aid Options

Azusa Pacific University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses and healthcare leaders to excel in complex healthcare environments. Designed for working professionals, this low-residency online program emphasizes evidence-based clinical approaches and nursing leadership. With a comprehensive curriculum of 39 units costing $1,160 per unit, students develop advanced skills in patient care, healthcare systems, and clinical research. Admission requires a BSN and master's degree, current RN licensure, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program offers flexible learning paths and supports students through comprehensive financial aid options, including military benefits and potential loan forgiveness programs.

• 100% Online Low-Residency Program
• 39 Total Program Units
• Cost per Unit: $1,160
• Health Systems Leadership Concentration
• Nationally Ranked Nursing School
• Accredited by CCNE
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• Clinical Hours: 1,000 Total
• Evidence-Based Clinical Approach
• Military-Friendly Program

San Diego State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration equips registered nurses to become advanced clinical leaders. The rigorous three to four-year program emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and advanced clinical skills. Designed for nurses with bachelor's or master's degrees, students prepare for professional certification through comprehensive coursework and a translational research project. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, current RN license, two years of nursing experience, and professional recommendations.

• 70-78 total program units
• Full-time or part-time options
• 3-4 year completion timeline
• Preparation for FNP certification
• Evidence-based practice focus
• No GRE required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Two years RN experience needed
• In-person graduate courses
• Clinical doctoral degree

San Diego State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner provides advanced clinical training for registered nurses seeking highest level of professional expertise. The three to four-year program prepares nurses for complex healthcare leadership roles, focusing on evidence-based practice, policy development, and specialized patient care. Graduates are equipped to take certification exams and gain advanced clinical skills across diverse healthcare settings. With a robust curriculum emphasizing research, interprofessional collaboration, and healthcare innovation, this program offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a highly skilled Family Nurse Practitioner.

• Clinical doctoral degree for RNs
• 3-4 year full/part-time
• 70-78 total program units
• Two certification exam options
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Two years RN experience needed
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Interprofessional leadership training
• No GRE required
• Advanced clinical specialization

San Diego State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration offers advanced clinical training for registered nurses seeking to elevate their healthcare expertise. This rigorous three to four-year program prepares professionals to provide comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. Students develop advanced practice skills through evidence-based inquiry, leadership training, and translational research projects. Graduates are eligible for prestigious national certification exams, positioning them for high-impact roles in mental health treatment and policy development.

• Full-time 3-year program
• Part-time 4-year option
• 70-78 total program units
• RN licensure required
• Two years nursing experience
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• No GRE required
• Certification exam preparation
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Advanced clinical specialization

San Diego State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals for transformative healthcare leadership. Students develop evidence-based skills across clinical, policy, and research domains, completing the program in three to four years. Graduates are equipped to take certification exams through ANCC or AANPCB, and gain advanced practice capabilities in patient care, healthcare innovation, and interprofessional collaboration.

• Clinical doctoral degree for RNs
• 70-78 total program units
• Full-time: 3 years, Part-time: 4 years
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Two years RN experience needed
• No GRE required
• Two recommendation letters
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Multiple certification exam options