(Major Code: 12033) (Academic Plan Code: 554685DNPS)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a clinical doctoral degree for registered nurses who have already obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). Core requirements of the degree prepare students for evidenced-based inquiry, leadership, healthcare policy and finance, curriculum development, and advanced practice skills in three clinical specialties; Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The culminating experience for students will be the completion of an evidence-based practice/translational research project. Students are expected to complete the program in three years while attending full-time, and in four years when attending part-time. The number of units for the DNP program of study range between 70 - 78 units depending on specialty concentration.
The Doctor of Nursing practice with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner is 75 units.
A maximum of 12 units may be transferred into the program. If courses were completed at SDSU to confer a Master’s degree, additional units may be required to meet the minimum units for the degree. Please consult with your advisor if you have completed some of the requirements through a Master’s program.
Admissions Requirements
1. The applicant holds an acceptable bachelor’s degree in nursing earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association and a national professional accrediting association, as applicable. The applicant has completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the appropriate campus authority.
2. Meet SDSU graduate admission requirements (https://admissions.sdsu.edu/graduate)
3. Be in good standing at the last college/university attended
4. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in an acceptable bachelor’s degree program.
5. Hold a current registered nursing license from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), unencumbered, unrestricted with no disciplinary action pending.
6. Have a minimum of two years of full-time experience working as an RN.
7. Two letters of recommendation from professional persons knowledgeable about the applicant’s nursing practice experience and the applicant’s potential for scholarship and leadership.
8. A written statement of purpose reflecting what the applicant expects to accomplish in the DNP program and how the DNP program will advance the applicant’s nursing career and practice.
9. A personal interview may be required prior to admission.
10. The applicant meets all requirements for credentialing or certification eligibility as appropriate to the nursing specialty area.
11. The applicant has demonstrated sufficient preparation and experience pertinent to nursing practice to be successful in doctoral education.
12. The applicant shall meet any additional requirements established by the chancellor in consultation with faculty and any additional requirements prescribed by the appropriate campus authority.
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