DNP Programs in California

Loma Linda University's Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP program uniquely prepares nurses to deliver comprehensive pediatric healthcare for patients aged 0-21. Through an innovative hybrid curriculum, students develop sophisticated clinical competencies in prescription writing, diagnostic interpretation, and evidence-based interventions. The program emphasizes leadership and policy expertise in pediatric primary care, requiring 1000 clinical hours and maintaining rigorous academic standards with a 3.0 GPA threshold. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses, this CCNE-accredited program equips professionals to transform pediatric healthcare delivery with advanced clinical skills and strategic policy understanding.

• Hybrid DNP program format
• 3.9 years full-time duration
• Pediatric care 0-21 years
• CCNE accredited program
• Advanced clinical skills training
• Leadership and policy focus
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• California RN license needed
• 1000 clinical hours required
• Evidence-based practice emphasis

Loma Linda University's Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides specialized training for managing complex pediatric health challenges in critical care environments. This hybrid program develops advanced practitioners capable of stabilizing pediatric patients with acute and chronic conditions through comprehensive clinical strategies. Students gain intensive skills for emergency departments, intensive care units, and specialized pediatric clinics, requiring substantial clinical experience and strong decision-making capabilities. The curriculum combines online coursework with intensive on-campus sessions, preparing graduates to navigate intricate pediatric acute care scenarios with precision and compassion.

• Hybrid DNP program
• 3 years and 9 months duration
• CCNE accredited program
• Minimum 1000 clinical hours
• RN license with acute care experience required
• On-campus and online learning
• Pediatric acute care focus
• Advanced clinical skills training
• Multiple career setting opportunities
• California BRN approved

Loma Linda University's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a transformative educational pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced leadership roles. This comprehensive hybrid program prepares practitioners to revolutionize healthcare through cutting-edge clinical expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration. With multiple specialization tracks including Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner options, the curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership, evidence-based practice, and holistic patient care. Designed for registered nurses with bachelor's or master's degrees, the program integrates a Christian perspective while meeting rigorous doctoral-level practice standards set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

• Hybrid program format
• Multiple specialization tracks
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• Current RN license required
• Christian perspective integration
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Advanced clinical preparation

Loma Linda University's Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner BS to DNP program offers a comprehensive pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced primary care expertise. This hybrid curriculum prepares students to provide holistic, lifespan-oriented healthcare with a strong emphasis on preventative strategies. Students complete the program in 3.9 years, with flexible full-time and part-time options. The program integrates extensive clinical training, requiring 1000 clinical hours and focusing on whole-person care approaches. With competitive financial aid options and a commitment to developing skilled primary care practitioners, graduates are well-positioned to address complex healthcare challenges.

• 3.9 years full-time program
• Hybrid learning format
• CCNE accredited program
• 1000 clinical hours required
• Whole-person care approach
• Primary care focus
• Flexible part-time option
• DNP project in workplace

Loma Linda University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Leadership cultivates transformative healthcare professionals prepared to drive systemic change. This innovative program equips nurses with advanced skills in strategic planning, policy development, and organizational management. Through a hybrid curriculum blending online learning and focused campus sessions, students develop executive leadership capabilities applicable across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, mission-driven leadership, and prepares graduates for high-impact roles in hospitals, healthcare systems, and academic institutions. Designed for experienced nurses seeking meaningful leadership opportunities, the curriculum integrates comprehensive leadership development strategies.

• 3.5-year full-time program
• Hybrid learning format
• Executive leadership focus
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Clinical leadership residency
• California RN license needed
• CCNE accredited program
• Leadership role experience preferred

• 3.9 year DNP program
• Hybrid online/on-campus learning
• CCNE accredited program
• Full-time and part-time options
• Minimum 1000 clinical hours
• Comprehensive mental health focus
• Spiritual care integration
• Advanced clinical skills training
• Multi-setting career preparation
• Faculty-arranged clinical rotations

• Hybrid DNP program format
• 3.9 years full-time duration
• CCNE accredited program
• Comprehensive clinical experience
• Requires 1000 clinical hours
• On-campus exams mandatory
• Part-time option available
• Focus on preventative adult care
• Independent practice preparation
• Spiritual healthcare integration

• Hybrid DNP program
• 3.9 years full-time
• Minimum 1000 clinical hours
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Clinical rotations in Southern California
• Requires 3.0 GPA
• Critical care RN experience required
• On-campus exam requirements
• DNP project in workplace allowed

• 3.9 year hybrid DNP program
• 1000 total clinical hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Whole-person care approach
• California RN license required
• Full and part-time options
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Prepare for national certification

• Hybrid program format
• Multiple clinical concentrations
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
• Designed for working nurses

• CCNE accredited
• Complete in 3 years and 6 months full-time
• Apply by 2026-06-01
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall/winter
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 1000 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• Capstone required

The University of San Francisco's DNP in Health Systems Leadership stands out as a transformative program preparing advanced nurses to revolutionize healthcare leadership. Designed for baccalaureate and master's prepared nurses, this hybrid program meets rigorous AACN standards and emphasizes strategic leadership, quality improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students develop critical competencies in complex system management, evidence-based practice, and population health enhancement. The program uniquely positions graduates to drive meaningful systemic changes, offering specialized training that bridges clinical expertise with innovative healthcare management strategies.

• 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

USF's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a comprehensive pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical practice. With flexible hybrid learning options, students can complete the program in three to four years, depending on their educational background. The curriculum integrates holistic patient care, evidence-based practice, and social justice principles, enabling graduates to provide comprehensive healthcare across diverse settings. Emphasizing advanced clinical competencies and leadership skills, the program prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat patients while advocating 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 Executive Leadership DNP at USF provides a strategic two-year program for master's-prepared nurse executives seeking advanced healthcare leadership training. This hybrid program develops sophisticated skills in innovation, policy development, financial management, and evidence-based practice. Designed for current nursing leaders, the curriculum focuses on navigating complex healthcare environments and implementing cutting-edge patient care models. Graduates emerge as high-level healthcare transformation agents, equipped with comprehensive knowledge to drive systemic improvements and lead organizational change.

• 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

USF's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers an advanced hybrid DNP pathway for nurses specializing in mental health services. The comprehensive curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with 1,000 clinical practice hours, preparing graduates to diagnose psychiatric conditions, conduct therapy, and prescribe medications. Flexible post-baccalaureate and post-master's entry options accommodate working healthcare professionals. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and leadership skills, the program equips students to provide holistic mental health care across diverse patient populations.

• 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 Family Nurse Practitioner DNP at USF transforms nursing professionals into comprehensive healthcare providers. This hybrid program enables students to complete 1,000 supervised clinical hours while developing advanced skills in patient care, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Accommodating working nurses through flexible full and part-time options, the curriculum emphasizes holistic care across diverse settings. Graduates are prepared to provide exceptional healthcare in community agencies and private practices, with a strong focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and advanced nursing leadership.

• 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

• 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

• 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

Point Loma Nazarene University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner certification delivers an innovative online pathway for working nurses seeking advanced primary care expertise. The comprehensive 3.3-year program prepares students through 1,000 clinical hours, emphasizing holistic patient care and evidence-based practice. With two entry points from BSN and MSN, students develop leadership skills across diverse healthcare environments. The CCNE-accredited program offers competitive $820 per unit tuition and flexible asynchronous learning with optional synchronous sessions. Graduates are positioned for a promising career with a projected 52% job growth, enabling comprehensive patient care across multiple healthcare settings.

• 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

Point Loma Nazarene University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Healthcare Leadership empowers nurses to transform healthcare systems through a dynamic 24-month online program. Designed for ambitious professionals, this CCNE-accredited curriculum develops advanced leadership skills for high-impact roles like nursing managers and administrators. The program requires 34 units at $820 per unit, offering flexible asynchronous learning with optional synchronous sessions. Students gain strategic change management expertise and prepare for potential leadership salaries ranging from $91,000 to $128,200. Ideal for working professionals seeking to elevate their nursing career through comprehensive, flexible education.

• 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

Point Loma Nazarene University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration provides a transformative online pathway for experienced nurses. This fully asynchronous program prepares professionals to deliver specialized, expert-level care for adult and elderly populations. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours, developing advanced practice skills and leadership capabilities to drive meaningful healthcare improvements. The California Board of Nursing-approved program offers flexible entry from BSN or MSN pathways, small class sizes, and optional synchronous sessions. Graduates emerge as highly skilled clinical specialists ready to provide comprehensive, innovative patient care across diverse healthcare settings.

• Fully online asynchronous program
• 1000 total clinical hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Adult-Gerontology CNS specialty track
• Optional synchronous sessions
• California Board of Nursing approved
• MSN or BSN entry pathways
• Small class sizes (15-20 students)
• Christian university environment
• Mentorship and personalized support

Point Loma Nazarene University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration offers an advanced online pathway for nursing professionals. This CCNE-accredited program equips nurses to provide specialized, expert-level pediatric care through a flexible 3.3-year curriculum. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours, developing advanced clinical skills and leadership capabilities while implementing evidence-based practices. With competitive $820 per unit tuition and multiple entry pathways from BSN and MSN, the program provides accessible advanced nursing education. Featuring faculty mentorship, optional synchronous sessions, and asynchronous learning, graduates are prepared to elevate pediatric patient care quality.

• Fully online asynchronous program
• 1000 total clinical hours required
• CCNE accredited program
• Two entry pathways: BSN and MSN
• Pediatric CNS concentration available
• 3.3 years program completion
• Optional synchronous sessions
• Faculty mentorship provided
• $820 per unit tuition

Point Loma Nazarene University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration in Adult-Gerontology and Women's Health presents a cutting-edge online program for ambitious nurses. This 3.3-year curriculum prepares professionals to deliver specialized, holistic patient care across diverse healthcare settings. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours, including a personalized project that develops advanced leadership skills transforming healthcare delivery. California Board of Nursing-approved with BSN and MSN entry options, the program offers small class sizes, mentorship, and flexible learning. Graduates gain enhanced professional autonomy and expertise in clinical management and specialized patient care.

• Fully online asynchronous program
• 1000 total clinical hours required
• Optional synchronous sessions
• Small class sizes (15-20 students)
• California Board of Nursing approved
• BSN or MSN entry pathways
• CCNE accredited program
• Mentorship and personalized support

California State University-Long Beach's DNP in Adult Gerontology Primary Care transforms experienced BSN-prepared nurses into advanced clinical leaders. This meticulously crafted 72-unit program emphasizes comprehensive adult and geriatric healthcare through 1,000 clinical practice hours. Students develop sophisticated skills in evidence-based practice, health policy implementation, and specialized gerontological interventions. With a robust curriculum designed for professional growth, graduates are strategically positioned to address complex healthcare challenges in aging populations. The program's rigorous admission standards, including a 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure, ensure a high-caliber cohort of future healthcare innovators.

• 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

CSU Long Beach's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP pathway offers an intensive three-year educational journey for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This comprehensive 72-unit program integrates 1,000 clinical hours with cutting-edge coursework, focusing on holistic family healthcare delivery. Students engage in evidence-based research, health policy development, and scholarly project work aimed at transforming patient care strategies. The curriculum prepares nurses for national certification, emphasizing advanced practice skills across diverse patient demographics. Designed for BSN-prepared professionals, the program demands academic excellence and a commitment to innovative healthcare solutions.

• 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

The Psychiatric-Mental Health DNP concentration at CSU Long Beach provides a transformative educational experience for nurses committed to mental health leadership. This hybrid three-year program spans 72 semester units, integrating 1,000 clinical hours with comprehensive mental health training across lifespan contexts. Students develop advanced clinical competencies, research skills, and policy expertise to address complex psychological healthcare challenges. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based interventions, professional development, and scholarly inquiry, preparing graduates for national certification and high-impact roles in mental health practice, education, and systemic improvement.

• 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

CSU Long Beach's Adult Gerontology Acute Care DNP program represents a pinnacle of advanced nursing education for professionals targeting complex medical environments. This intensive 72-unit curriculum delivers sophisticated training in acute care management, emphasizing evidence-based practices and leadership development. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours, engaging in specialized coursework that prepares them for high-stakes healthcare scenarios. The program's rigorous admission criteria and focus on doctoral project implementation ensure graduates emerge as expert clinicians capable of driving meaningful improvements in acute care delivery and patient outcomes.

• 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

The Family Practice DNP at California State University-Long Beach offers a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical leadership roles. This meticulously designed 72-unit program integrates 1,000 clinical practice hours with innovative coursework focusing on family healthcare delivery. Students develop sophisticated skills in evidence-based practice, health policy, and comprehensive patient care strategies. The curriculum prepares nurses for national certification, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and scholarly inquiry. Graduates are equipped to address complex healthcare challenges across diverse family and community contexts.

• 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

• 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

• 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

UC Irvine's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner concentration represents an innovative three-year hybrid program targeting advanced nursing professionals. Uniquely designed for BSN and MSN-prepared nurses, the curriculum integrates 720 direct patient care hours across diverse ambulatory settings. Students gain comprehensive primary care skills, developing expertise in preventive services, chronic disease management, and leadership capabilities. The program features quarterly on-campus intensives, national board certification preparation, and a focus on primary care across patient lifespans. With no GRE requirement and robust clinical training, graduates emerge as highly qualified Family Nurse Practitioners prepared for complex healthcare environments.

• First UC campus DNP-FNP program
• Three-year hybrid format
• 720 direct patient care hours
• Quarterly on-campus intensives
• National FNP board certification preparation
• Advanced practice nursing leadership
• Primary care across lifespan focus

The University of California-Irvine's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a transformative educational pathway for nursing professionals. This three-year hybrid program emphasizes comprehensive primary care training, integrating 720 direct patient care hours with advanced scholarly development. Students engage in interprofessional leadership training, quarterly campus clinical skills intensives, and develop scholarly projects addressing contemporary healthcare challenges. The curriculum prepares advanced practice registered nurses to deliver nuanced care across patient lifespans, focusing on preventive, urgent, and chronic disease management strategies. With a commitment to advanced practice excellence, graduates are equipped to lead and innovate in complex healthcare settings.

• First UC campus DNP-FNP program
• Three-year hybrid commitment
• 720 direct patient care hours
• Quarterly campus clinical skills development
• Advanced practice registered nurse preparation
• Comprehensive primary care focus
• Interprofessional leadership training
• Scholarly project requirement
• Ambulatory care settings experience

UC Irvine's Doctor of Nursing Practice represents a cutting-edge professional doctorate designed for ambitious nursing professionals. Offering two distinct tracks - Family Nurse Practitioner and Post-Master's - the program provides flexible hybrid learning with comprehensive clinical immersion. Students complete between 53-1020 clinical practice hours depending on their chosen track, ensuring deep practical expertise. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical leadership, scholarly project development, and professional practice innovation. With no GRE requirement, active RN license prerequisite, and a 3-5 year completion timeline, the program accommodates working professionals seeking to elevate their nursing careers through rigorous academic and practical training.

• Hybrid educational delivery
• Two program track options
• 98-1020 clinical practice hours
• No GRE required
• Professional practice-focused doctorate
• Advanced clinical leadership training
• Scholarly project requirement
• 3-5 year program completion
• RN license prerequisite
• Comprehensive nursing curriculum

UC Irvine's Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a strategic pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced leadership development. Tailored for working professionals, this hybrid program provides maximum flexibility with intensive on-campus sessions and adaptable scholarly project opportunities. Participants can complete clinical hours within their current workplace, meeting a minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hour requirement. A standout feature is the $10,000 UC Nurse Scholarship for system-employed nurses, making advanced education more accessible. The program accommodates full-time employment while delivering comprehensive clinical leadership training, positioning nurses to transform healthcare practice and policy.

• Hybrid program design
• Working professionals welcome
• 1,000 clinical hours required
• $10,000 UC Nurse Scholarship
• Flexible scholarly project options
• On-campus intensive sessions
• No California residency required