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Application Deadlines Fall
Priority May 15
Standard August 1

Please review the information below to learn more about the application requirements for admission into the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. If you have any questions please call 951-343-4527.

The following are required for your application to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program:

  • 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