Doctor of Nursing Practice

Nurses prepared at the doctoral level, with CBU's Doctor of Nursing Practice, will be able to significantly impact health care outcomes. Transforming health care delivery recognizes the critical need for clinicians to design, evaluate and continuously improve the context within which care is delivered. CBU's Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed as an interdisciplinary, indirect care, practice-focused, MSN-to-DNP program which prepares graduates to function in an independent leadership role in the development of community based, interprofessional and collaborative solutions to the complex health problems facing underserved and vulnerable populations locally and globally. The DNP offers flexibility: asynchronous online instruction (in-person residencies are scheduled throughout the program). The DNP at CBU is guided by nationally recognized core competencies and guidelines. Didactic and practice experiences are provided so the student can demonstrate integration of advanced nursing knowledge. Students meet on campus once a month, where they’ll have opportunities for collaboration, challenging problems for study, and a tradition of rigorous scholarship. Alumni have gone on to work at such places as Riverside Medical Clinic and American Association of Critical Care Nursing, among others.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 Completion of a master’s degree: A master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation is required Applicants with a master’s degree in another discipline may be evaluated for admission on an individual basis. (This is not valid for the AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP option) Prerequisites (completed with a “B-” or better) Research Advanced Pathophysiology (for AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP option) Advanced Physical Assessment (for AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP option) Advanced Pharmacology (for AGACNP, FNP, or PMNNP option) Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Physical Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology must be completed within the last five years An active, unencumbered California Registered Nursing (RN) License Certification as an advanced practice nurse (preferred, if applicable) Verification of MSN-level supervised practicum hours Complete a successful interview with the College of Nursing Professional resume or curriculum vitae, including: work experience; educational, leadership, and professional organization activities; and scholarly activities Required clearances (upon admission): CPR Certification Background Check Clearance Health Clearance Drug Testing Proof of Health Insurance Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance In place of a statement of purpose, a professional essay less than 1,000 words, written in APA format, discussing the following required elements: Your decision to pursue a doctoral degree in nursing, including the reasons for this pursuit, important life experiences that have led you to the field, and why you believe you would be a good fit for the CBU DNP program Some of the challenges you anticipate facing in a doctoral program in nursing, including how you expect to overcome these struggles Your identification of a problem that requires additional scholarship, clinical expertise, and/or leadership expertise to affect a system change relevant to emerging healthcare issues A potential doctoral-level project that would address the identified problem. You should also include the reason for your interest in this topic as a potential project and how doctoral education is necessary for you to address this problem How you will integrate your doctoral education into your future personal and professional goals Your views on faith and how you can integrate Christian ethics and values as a doctorally-prepared nurse leader Reason for choosing California Baptist University The online DNP application includes the following: Official master's degree transcript, sent directly to CBU from issuing institution Copy of RN license Professional essay less than 1,000 words, written in APA format Professional resume or curriculum vitae, including: work experience; educational, leadership, and professional organization activities; and scholarly activities Application fee No GRE required