Doctor of Nursing Practice

Nurses prepared at the doctoral level will be able to significantly impact health care outcomes. 

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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).

36 Units
6 Semesters
$676 +fees Cost Per Unit

*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.

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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:

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.

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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 $676 per unit, for 36-45 units; plus a $1,033 per semester program fee.

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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

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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

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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.