Nursing Practice, DNP
Nurses prepared at the doctoral level will be able to significantly impact health care outcomes.
Program Intro
Transforming health care delivery recognizes the critical need for clinicians to design, evaluate and continuously improve the context within which care is delivered. The DNP 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).
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Why Earn Your Doctor of Nursing Practice at CBU?
Develop as a leader and learn how to improve healthcare
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.
Work on projects that solve real-world challenges
Students start working on a DNP project in the first semester with their DNP team, which consists of a faculty advisor and clinical advisor. Students have implemented projects such as creating a nurse managed heart failure clinic at Riverside Medical Clinic, developing an online app with resources for nurses and leaders to address compassion fatigue, and collaborating with the Riverside Department of Public Health to empower public health nurses to be prepared as first responders in disasters.
What You'll Learn
Students graduating with a Doctor of Nursing Practice will learn to:
- Synthesize theory-guided practice grounded in a biblical worldview.
- Create clinical prevention interventions to improve individual and population-health outcomes.
- Evaluate research-based evidence to create, implement and translate into best-practice competencies.
- Synthesize data using information technology to improve inter-professional collaboration and health outcomes at a systems level.
- Demonstrate professional, competent and responsible doctoral level nursing.
- Implement innovative leadership to reduce health disparities across the continuum of care.
Program Details
NUR 705: Organizational Systems Leadership
Students describe the impact of organizational and leadership theories on the process of managing change and the effects of operational processes on practice environments that affect outcomes, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of patient care.
NUR 740: Health Policy and Advocacy
The focus of this course is on policy analysis and political activism strategies to influence change for improved health care delivery and outcomes at all levels.
NUR 750: Innovation in Quality and Safety
Students will examine safety science, risk reduction, harm prevention, and ways to align cost with quality. Innovative approaches to promoting a culture of safety will be analyzed.
1. Is this program accredited?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at California Baptist University is accredited
by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
2. Can I work during the program?
Yes, the DNP program format is designed for the working adult. The program is online,
with mandatory on campus residency 3-4 times during the program.
3. How much does the program cost?
The total cost of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is $696 per unit, for
36-45 units; plus a $1,033 per semester program fee.
Lisa Bursch, DNP, CPNP-PC
Professor of Nursing
Associate Dean, Division of Graduate Nursing
Office Phone: 951-343-4940
E-mail: lbursch@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Nursing Annex 275
Jeffrey Gage, Ph.D.
Professor of Nursing
Office Phone: 951-552-8658
E-mail: jgage@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Nursing Annex 286
Lorraine Shields, D.N.P.
Associate Professor of Nursing
Director of Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Office Phone: 951-552-8659
E-mail: lshields@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Lambeth 118
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at California Baptist University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
As you make decisions about graduate school, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.
| Application Deadlines | Fall |
|---|---|
| Priority | May 15 |
| Standard | August 1 |
The College of Nursing offers an exemplary learning environment for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in the care of patients and our community. The faculty and staff effectively partner to optimize the learning experience. They have guided me through doctoral-level academic studies and the implementation of a project for patients at my organization. Their collective knowledge, kindness and engagement in the learning process have made my studies exciting.
Wendy Cortez '23
CBU provided the foundational knowledge base to not only better understand nursing practice but to positively influence it through quality metrics, financial data, evidenced-based practices and, most importantly, through relationships and servant leadership. CBU surrounds you with an incredible caliber of nursing professors, support staff and community, allowing you to practice in the best hospitals and simulation labs and learn from those who have done the work, from the frontline to the executive level.
Joseph Tolentino '21
I was born in the Philippines and was the first person in the family to attend and graduate with a college degree. I valued education and wanted to make a difference to my patients; therefore, I decided to return to school. I chose to attend CBU to integrate my faith into nursing or clinical practice and live my purpose and beyond. The CBU College of Nursing has provided me with quality, faith-based education that exceeded anything I could have dreamed of.
Corazon Brittain '23
Career Possibilities
Nurses are in demand. With a doctoral degree in nursing from CBU, students will be well prepared for a long and promising career in nursing leadership.
- Director of Nursing
- Educator
- Clinical Director
- Board Chair
- Director of Clinical Services
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.