Program Overview

BSN-DNP Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree program is a professional degree designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for complex practice, leadership roles in the clinical setting, and teaching roles at colleges and universities. The BSN-DNP program prepares graduates for evidence-based inquiry, leadership, health policy and advocacy, and development of high-level competencies and skills in the following five nurse practitioner clinical specialty areas: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Practice, Pediatric Primary Care, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Life Span.

Program Outline

The BSN-to-DNP program is a 72-semester unit, three-year (full-time) program that prepares graduates for leadership and clinical roles and the ability to engage in evidence-based inquiry. The program is offered via structured 15-week hybrid synchronous and asynchronous class sessions. The CSULB BSN-DNP hybrid program is composed of three components of study:

1. Core courses: There are 15 required nursing courses (39 credits) that all students must complete at CSULB. Transfer credits for these requirements will be evaluated by the Graduate Director for equivalency.
2. Clinical specialty courses: There are 5 courses (24 units) required per clinical specialty.
3. Doctoral Project: There are 4 courses (9 units) required to complete the doctoral project.

Admission Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Hold an active, unencumbered, unrestricted current RN license in California
• A college-level course in Statistics
• Three letters of professional reference from faculty, colleagues, or supervisors; should be within the past year, dated, and signed.
• An official copy of all transcripts from all universities/colleges previously attended.
• Submit a statement of purpose for obtaining the BSN-DNP degree/NP Specialty Certificate (no more than 1 page single spaced)
• Verification of current employment as a Registered Nurse; letter can come from your direct supervisor at your agency.
• Have one year of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse

Application Process

Students must apply to the university through Cal State Apply. The application process involves:

1. Apply Online to Cal State Apply
2. Submit Official Transcripts
3. Submit DNP Employment Verification Form
4. Wait for University Admissions Decision
5. Receive Admission or Denial Letter
6. Register and Begin Classes
7. Attend mandatory orientation program

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of a minimum of 72 units in approved upper division, doctoral level courses
• An overall GPA of 3.0 or better
• Completion of a minimum of 1000 clinical hours
• Completion of the Doctoral Directed Project

Clinical Specialty Tracks

The program offers the following clinical specialty tracks:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track
• Family Nurse Practitioner Track
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the program online?: The coursework is delivered in a hybrid format and some courses require practice experiences using preceptors approved by the school of nursing.
• Do I need to have my RN license in California to apply for the program?: You can apply if you have an active, unencumbered, unrestricted current RN license in California or be eligible for licensure in the State of California.
• How long is the program?: If all admission criteria and prerequisites are completed, you can complete the program in 3 years of full-time study.
• What is the GPA requirement?: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all bachelor's degree in Nursing courses.