A doctorate in nursing can open many exciting career doors. But with so many doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs in California, how do you choose? Whether you are interested in becoming a nurse practitioner, a nurse anesthetist, or teaching nursing, this guide has the information you need to pick the best program for your background and goals. Learn more about how California DNP programs work, what to consider, and how to apply.
We use a data-driven methodology to evaluate California DNP programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
At a Glance: California DNP Programs
- California Baptist University
- Loma Linda University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- University of California-Irvine
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of San Diego
- University of San Francisco
- Western University of Health Sciences
Featured Online DNP Programs
How do California DNP Programs Work?
DNP programs in California combine classroom learning, original research, and clinical fieldwork. Some programs require a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree, while others are joint MSN-DNP programs. In these programs, while students earn an MSN, they are expected to continue through the entire program and finish with the DNP degree. Typically, a DNP program takes four years, but some programs offer a part-time option. Programs that accept students without an MSN may also take longer.
The DNP is a terminal degree, meaning that there is no higher degree in the field. While this is a doctoral program, it is not the same as a medical doctor (MD) program.
Applying to a California DNP Program
Different DNP programs in California have different requirements, but in general, applicants must have a current and unencumbered RN license, work experience as an RN, and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an MSN. Some schools have bridge programs or accept students with health-related degrees other than nursing.
-
Admission Materials
RN license, CV or resume, personal statement or essay, at least two references
-
GPA Requirement
Most schools prefer a 3.0 or higher GPA. If your grades are borderline, though, talk to the admission counselor, as significant experience, recognition or awards you received as an RN, or other factors may outweigh your GPA.
-
Other Requirements
If the program does not require an RN license, you will need to pass a background check. Having a criminal record will not necessarily keep you from being admitted – talk to the admission staff about your specific case.
Why is California DNP Program Accreditation Important?
Attending an accredited school protects you, your future employers, and your patients. During the accreditation process, a team of experts reviews the program to determine if graduates are equipped to safely practice nursing. Many DNP programs lead to board certification, and nursing boards only accept applicants who graduated from an accredited program. Even for programs that do not lead to certification, almost no employers will consider hiring a graduate from an unaccredited program. Because accreditation is so important, this list of DNP programs in California and this website feature only accredited programs.
Learn More About California DNP Programs & Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
DNP Programs in California
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of nursing practice at California Baptist University is among the best of their four doctoral programs. Degree candidates prepare for the top positions in their career field by developing advanced knowledge and skills. These positions often include upper management, academia, and research roles.
Students of the doctoral curriculum examine advanced theoretical and practical approaches and frameworks for nursing practice. Enrollees may have the opportunity to choose a specific concentration, in order to prepare more directly for a certain career path. Completing the program also requires that candidates contribute original research to the field through a written dissertation.
Hands-on experimental work in clinical and laboratory settings is an integral component of the doctoral program. Supervised internships and practicum activities in healthcare settings such as hospitals provide further opportunities for learners to sharpen their skills. These experiential practices help degree candidates bridge classroom learning with real workplace scenarios.
California Baptist University at a Glance:
Location: Riverside, California
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 78%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $12,830
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,830
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
DNP Programs in California
Loma Linda University
- Loma Linda, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ph.D. in nursing at Loma Linda University is among the best of their 44 doctoral programs. Candidates prepare for the most advanced career opportunities in nursing by building a strong understanding of high-level skills and ideas. Graduates commonly pursue positions in research, academia, and upper management.
Students of the doctoral curriculum examine advanced theoretical and practical approaches and frameworks for nursing careers. Degree-seekers may be able to incorporate a specific concentration into their program, helping them customize their coursework for a specific career path. Degree candidates will also complete a dissertation that contributes new discussions based on original research to the field.
Hands-on work through experiments and clinics is also a common component of nursing doctoral degrees. Learners also develop their abilities through internships and practicums in real-world healthcare settings like hospitals and clinics. Experiential programs like these help degree candidates connect what they have learned in the classroom with the actual workplace
Loma Linda University at a Glance:
Location: Loma Linda, California
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Student-Faculty Ratio: 3-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $26,880
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,880
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
DNP Programs in California
Point Loma Nazarene University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students pursuing a doctoral degree can choose Point Loma Nazarene University's doctor of nursing practice. Candidates gain a highly specialized set of nursing skills and knowledge in order to prepare them to pursue the most important jobs in their field. These positions often include upper management, academia, and research positions.
Doctoral learners study a curriculum in nursing practice that emphasizes advanced practical and theoretical frameworks for the subject. Enrollees may also have the possibility of choosing a concentration in order to focus their studies for a very specific career path. Doctoral programs typically culminate in candidates writing a dissertation based on new research.
Nursing practice programs also typically include noteworthy experimental or clinical requirements. The program also provides learners with opportunities for internships in approved healthcare facilities, including hospitals. These experiential learning activities help candidates apply classroom learning to professional practice.
Point Loma Nazarene University at a Glance:
Location: San Diego, California
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 74%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,880
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,880
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
DNP Programs in California
University of California-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of California, Irvine hosts a high-quality Ph.D. in nursing science as one of its 85 doctoral degree opportunities. The nursing program prepares doctoral degree-seekers for top careers in their field by developing highly specialized knowledge and skills. Many exciting opportunities are available to terminal program graduates, such as high-level management, field research, and positions in academia.
Students in the nursing doctoral program complete a curriculum that focuses on the theoretical and practical frameworks for understanding advanced ideas in the subject. Concentrations are sometimes available to enrollees, allowing them to focus their studies for a specific career path. After finishing coursework, doctoral candidates complete original research and compose a dissertation.
Nursing doctoral students participate in hands-on work in clinics and other experiential settings. Learners often complete an internship or practicum at an approved healthcare environment, such as a hospital or clinic. These experiential learning activities help candidates apply classroom learning to professional practice.
University of California, Irvine at a Glance:
Location: Irvine, California
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 27%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,442
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,544
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
DNP Programs in California
University of California, Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of California, Los Angeles has 89 different doctoral programs available, including a highly-respected DNP program. Degree-seekers prepare for the top job opportunities in nursing as they gain highly-specialized skills and knowledge. These career opportunities can include things like teaching at the college level, engaging in research, and becoming upper management.
Students of the doctoral curriculum examine advanced theoretical and practical approaches and frameworks for nursing. Enrollees may have the opportunity to choose a specific concentration, in order to prepare more directly for a certain career path. The program usually culminates in students completing an original dissertation based on field research.
Enrollees in the nursing doctoral program undertake work in laboratory and clinical settings. Supervised internships and practicum activities in healthcare settings such as hospitals provide further opportunities for learners to sharpen their skills. These experiential practices help degree candidates bridge classroom learning with real workplace scenarios.
University of California, Los Angeles at a Glance:
Location: Los Angeles, California
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 12%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,442
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,544
Percent Online Enrollment
5%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
DNP Programs in California
University of California, San Francisco
- San Francisco, CA
- 4 years
- Campus
A top-ranked Ph.D. in nursing is among the University of California, San Francisco's 25 excellent doctoral programs. The nursing program prepares doctoral degree-seekers for top careers in their field by developing highly specialized knowledge and skills. Graduates commonly pursue positions in research, academia, and upper management.
Doctoral degree-seekers complete a curriculum focused on the major frameworks, ideas, and themes in nursing. Concentrations allow some degree-seekers to further contextualize their studies to a specific career goal. A dissertation consisting of original research in the field is typically required to complete the doctoral program.
Nursing programs also typically include noteworthy experimental or clinical requirements. Practicum and internships in approved healthcare settings like hospitals are another common component of the program. Experiential learning opportunities like these help candidates connect the classroom to the workplace.
University of California, San Francisco at a Glance:
Location: San Francisco, California
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,442
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,544
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
DNP Programs in California
University of San Diego
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate students at the University of San Diego have access to four doctoral degree paths, including the popular doctor of nursing practice. Degree-seekers prepare for the top job opportunities in nursing as they gain highly specialized skills and knowledge. Some of these opportunities include roles in academia, research, and upper management.
Doctoral students develop a strong understanding of in-depth approaches to nursing practice, including its theoretical and practical frameworks. Doctoral degree-seekers may be able to make their coursework more specific for a particular aspect of the field through a concentration. The program usually culminates in students completing an original dissertation based on field research.
Enrollees in the DNP program undertake work in laboratory and clinical settings. Learners may also develop advanced skills in real-world settings like hospitals and clinics through an internship or practicum. These experiential learning activities help candidates apply classroom learning to professional practice.
University of San Diego at a Glance:
Location: San Diego, California
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 49%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $27,288
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,288
Percent Online Enrollment
8%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
DNP Programs in California
University of San Francisco
- San Francisco, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of San Francisco's family nurse practitioner DNP is one of the most popular among its 11 doctoral program offerings. Enrollees in the family nurse practitioner program prepare for top opportunities in their profession by developing an advanced understanding of ideas and practices in their field. These career opportunities can include things like teaching at the college level, engaging in research, and upper management.
The doctoral curriculum explores advanced approaches to work as a family nurse practitioner, emphasizing both theoretical and practical frameworks. Enrollees may have the ability to choose a concentration in order to tailor their coursework and research to a specific career opportunity. The final component of the doctoral program is usually composing a dissertation based on original research.
Family nurse practitioner doctoral students participate in hands-on work in clinics and other experiential settings. Learners may also develop advanced skills in real-world settings like hospitals and clinics through an internship or practicum. These experiential learning activities help candidates apply classroom learning to professional practice.
University of San Francisco at a Glance:
Location: San Francisco, California
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 64%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $25,740
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,740
Percent Online Enrollment
4%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
DNP Programs in California
Western University of Health Sciences
- Pomona, CA
- 4 years
- Campus
Western University of Health Sciences's doctor of nursing practice is one of the finest of its eight doctoral programs. Degree candidates prepare for the top positions in their career field by developing advanced knowledge and skills. Graduates can choose to pursue career opportunities in upper-level management, cutting-edge research, and academic posts.
The curriculum guides students through the most advanced theoretical and practical approaches to nursing. The opportunity to choose a concentration may also be available to enrollees who wish to specialize their coursework for a specific goal. The final component of the doctoral program is usually composing a dissertation based on original research.
Hands-on work through experiments and clinics is also a common component of DNP programs. The program also provides learners with opportunities for internships in approved healthcare facilities, including hospitals. These opportunities help degree candidates connect what they have learned in classrooms to the real world.
Western University of Health Sciences at a Glance:
Location: Pomona, California
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Graduate Tuition In State: $23,556
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,556
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Frequently Asked Questions About California DNP Programs
Can a DNP be called doctor in California?
In general, DNPs can refer to themselves as doctor in California. However, it is unethical and potentially fraudulent to call yourself a doctor unless the context makes it clear that you are not a physician. Different organizations have different internal guidelines for who is called a doctor.
Is a DNP required to become a nurse anesthetist in California?
In all states, new graduates must have a DNP to become a nurse anesthetist. This is not retroactive, so if you received your board certification with an MSN before the DNP requirement took effect, you can continue. However, many nurse anesthetists with an MSN are completing a DNP to be competitive in the job market.
Is getting a DNP in California worth it?
Whether a degree is worth it depends on your goals and circumstances. However, demand for DNPs is high and DNP salaries are considerably above the national median salary. If the cost is a consideration, you may qualify for grants, loans, or scholarships, or become eligible for loan forgiveness.
How long is an online DNP program in California?
Most online DNP programs in California take four years for students with an MSN. Students with other backgrounds or attending part-time may take longer.
