“Though the preparation to become a highly qualified nurse is demanding, the practice of nursing is one of the most noble and rewarding callings that an individual can pursue.”
Karen Bradley, DNP Vice President for CBU Health; Dean, College of Nursing
Program Distinctives
Develop as a Leader
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program 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. 01
Reach Your Goals at Your Convenience
The program is designed for the working professional, featuring online, asynchronous class delivery with mandatory on-campus, in-person residencies. 02
Work on Projects That Solve Real-World Challenges
Students work with industry leaders to identify a problem and develop a solution that leads to improved healthcare outcomes. 03
Program Details at a Glance
Program Length*
36–47 units
2 years, full time (3 years, part time option is available)
Program Cost**
$32,298–$43,372
$725 per unit
$1,033 per semester program fee
Program Start Term
Fall (September)
Class Format
Online with required in-person, on-campus residencies at key intervals throughout the program.
Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Approved by California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
*Optional concentration program length and program cost not included. See page 9 for cost details per concentration.
**Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
We exist to educate competent, responsible, caring and professional nurses prepared from a biblical worldview to serve locally, nationally and globally; revering the human dignity of all persons created in the image of God.
Facility Highlight
We believe that nursing is a human science, and the essence of nursing is found in the relationship a nurse establishes with the patient, their family and the community. Integrating the latest science and technology, the College of Nursing combines innovative leadership and nursing theory in order to promote excellence globally.
The College of Nursing also features a special simulation room called the “Black Box Room” where nursing students experience an immersive simulation in public health, emergency and cross-cultural situations.
Faculty Spotlight
Lorraine
Shields,
DNP
Program Director, Doctor of Nursing Practice
My dad always takes credit for my becoming a nurse. He saw something in me and was always supportive throughout my education. I am thankful for that guidance because it set me on an amazing career journey.
When I finished school, I wanted to work with heart patients, but God had a different plan. He opened the opportunity for me to start my first job in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Neonatal has been my specialty field now for 43 years! I have been a bedside nurse, transport nurse, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Working with fragile neonates and their families has brought the most fulfilling moments of my nursing career. I have been so blessed to work with teams providing the best care possible to such vulnerable patients and to be in a position to support, educate, encourage and celebrate with families through a very difficult journey. My experiences led to my doctoral work titled, “Development of an Evidence-Based Family-Centered Neonatal Discharge Pathway.”
My other passion is nursing excellence and professional development. I am committed to advancing the nursing profession and recognizing our vital contributions to patient outcomes and healthcare at the local, national and global levels. Nurses provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients, families and the public about various health conditions. Nurses provide advice and emotional support and also have opportunities to provide spiritual support to patients and their families during the most difficult times of their lives.
I truly believe that nursing is a calling. I am so thankful to my dad. He did not live to see me receive my doctoral degree, but I carried a picture of him during my hooding ceremony. I also am so thankful that God has had His hand on all my days. God has provided amazing opportunities and mentors that have supported my growth and love for the profession. He has led me to CBU, where I continue to “Live My Purpose.” I consider being called a nurse a great privilege and a blessing.
Degree Requirements
Clinical Hours Total for DNP
(MSN clinical hours may be transferred in on approval)
hours
Courses
NURS 7000 Nursing Science and Translational Research
NURS 7050 Organizational Systems Leadership
NURS 7100 Population Health
NURS 7200 Systems Evaluation and Scholarship
NURS 7250 Healthcare Finance
NURS 7300 Transformational Technology
NURS 7350 Statistics for Health Sciences
NURS 7400 Health Policy and Advocacy
NURS 7500 Innovation in Quality and Safety
Project and Practicum Courses
NURS 7020 Project Planning I Practicum
NURS 7120 Project Planning II Practicum
NURS 7220 Project Planning III Practicum
NURS 7900 Translational Research Residency I
NURS 7910 Translational Research Residency II
NURS 7920 Translational Research Final Project
Admissions Requirements
Application for admission with a $45 application fee.
Completion of a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the evaluated equivalency. Applicants with a master’s degree in another discipline may be evaluated for admission on an individual basis (not valid for AGACNP, FNP and PMHNP options).
Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
An active, unencumbered California Registered Nursing (RN) License.
Verification of MSN-level supervised practice hours.
Certification as an advanced practice nurse (preferred, if applicable).
Professional resume or curriculum vitae, including work experience, educational leadership, professional organization activities and scholarly activities.
Successful interview with the College of Nursing.
An applicant whose first language is not English and/or does not have a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction is required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a recent TOEFL or IELTS score.
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 following clearances are required upon admission:
• CPR Certification
• Background Check Clearance
• Health Clearance
Prerequisites*
• Research
• Advanced Pathophysiology**
• Drug Testing
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Proof of Professional Liability Insurance
• Advanced Pharmacology**
• Advanced Physical Assessment**
*Must be completed at the graduate level with a “B-” or higher and approved by the College of Nursing. Prerequisites can be completed at CBU.
** Required within the last five (5) years for Advanced Practice Options: AGACNP, FNP, PMHNP
How to Apply
01
Submit a Graduate Application at calbaptist.edu/gradapp.
02
Send official college or university transcripts.
Application Deadline
Priority
Standard May 15 August 1
03
Provide any supplemental documents required.
Ready to take the next step? Follow this QR code to start your application!