Take your nursing career to the next level

Earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in California

Gain leadership skills and advanced specializations to become a top-ranked nurse in the Golden State.

There are stellar DNP programs all throughout the state of California to help working nurses obtain terminal degrees in their field.

DNP degree pathways for nurses of all academic backgrounds

You can pursue a DNP as soon as you’ve obtained your RN license. No matter what your degree level, there are California DNP programs to help you meet your goals.

There are excellent DNP programs in California in on-campus, hybrid, and fully online formats to accommodate students with a variety of scheduling and academic needs.

Whoever you are, wherever you are, there are likely to be exceptional program options to make your DNP dreams possible.

BSN to DNP degree programs

If you are a BSN-holding, RN-certified nurse who doesn’t yet have an MSN degree, it’s still possible to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree through streamlined programs that help you acquire the skills and expertise needed to take on a leadership role as a nurse. There are numerous BSN to DNP programs in California designed specifically for motivated nurses like you.

Post-master’s DNP programs

Those who have already obtained their Master of Nursing Practice degrees are eligible for post-master’s DNP programs (also known as MSN to DNP programs) designed to equip nurses with the executive skills needed to lead a nursing team. Post-master’s DNP programs are available across the state of California, with on-campus, online, and hybrid options available.

Gain the skills and expertise needed to become a nursing leader

The coursework of a DNP program is intended to prepare students for roles as nursing leaders in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. There are also some programs devoted to building advanced clinical skills that will emphasize an education in students’ discipline of choice.

There are more classes included in BSN to DNP programs in California than in post-master’s programs, accounting for the work missed during an MSN program. Post-master’s DNP programs, meanwhile, will typically focus on leadership skills, as this is the missing piece from master’s coursework.

In addition to class time, students in all types of DNP program will be expected to complete practicum hours, building off of the field work they completed in their undergraduate nursing schooling as well as whatever professional experience they might have accrued after school. These hours can usually be completed at the clinic of students’ choosing, though some schools offer unique opportunities to perform clinical hours at sites with connections to the university. This can be a great way for DNP students to gain firsthand knowledge of life on the job, acquiring skills through hands-on learning and the complex insight that only on-the-ground experience can offer.

Exceptional graduate programs all over the state of California

California is one of the largest states in the country, but RNs who are eager to take the next steps in their career won’t have to look far to find excellent graduate programs in proximity to where they live. These include UC and Cal State schools as well as private institutions, some of which are among the oldest nursing programs in the country.

Acquire the advanced skills needed to become an executive nurse

With a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, you are equipped to take on the most advanced roles in nursing practice, including leadership roles on nursing teams and highly skilled areas of clinical specialization that will put you in high demand.

DNP-prepared nurses are qualified for high-ranking roles that offer the top salaries in the nursing field, meaning the hard work you put into your education will pay off in a thriving and rewarding career.

This is an excellent choice for ambitious nurses who wish to take on the highest responsibilities the field has to offer.

Stellar job opportunities, from nursing leaders to specialized APRNs

DNP jobs in California include (but are not limited to):

These roles are highly valued for their expertise, taking on major responsibilities in clinical practice. There are even more DNP jobs in California than those listed above, so it’s a good idea to look at the range of job options for DNP-prepared nurses before you enroll in school.

Specialization opportunities across the spectrum of clinical services

Those interested in acquiring an area of clinical specialization as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) can also find a host of concentrations that will prepare you for certification exams in the focus area of your choosing. These areas can include:

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

These nurses provide clinical support to a wide spectrum of ages, from adolescents to the elderly. Adult-Gerontology nurses can subspecialize in either primary or acute care.

Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA)

This is the path for those who wish to be involved in the important and difficult work of administering anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery.

Clinical Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Beyond assisting in the delivery process, CNMs provide support for a range of gynecology and obstetrics-related care services.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

FNPs can provide a wide range of services to families, particularly in the arena of primary care.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)

Those who hold NNP certification provide nursing services to newborns in the labor & delivery ward.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

Pediatric nurses work with children, providing either primary or acute care services in both inpatient and outpatient contexts.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHN)

Those with PMHNP certification are qualified to work with patients dealing with mental illness as well as substance abuse issues.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

There are a variety of services WNHPs can provide to patients, ranging from obstetrics and gynecology to other primary health care procedures.

Different DNP programs can equip you with the specialized knowledge needed to pursue each of these dedicated paths in the nursing field. In many cases, DNP programs require applicants to apply directly to the concentration pathway of their choosing, meaning it’s important to do your homework and learn about DNP concentrations before beginning the application process.

Pursue the next step in your nursing career without interrupting your professional life

DNP programs are designed for working nurses with RN or APRN credentials. In most cases, these programs operate on schedules that students can incorporate into their existing professional schedules, allowing them to continue working (and, of course, earning an income) while working toward a higher level of career development.

There are a few different ways that working nurses who are concerned about taking on the additional work of a DNP program can offset the logistical burdens of attending graduate school, including the following options.

Part-Time DNP Programs

Many (though it should be noted, not all) California DNP programs offer a part-time option for students who wish to pursue their advanced degrees with lighter academic schedules. These programs typically add 1-2 years to your anticipated program duration, distributing coursework and practicum hours over a longer period of time. This can be a great choice for prospective students who are daunted by the workload of a full-time graduate program.

Online DNP programs

Thanks to the arrival of virtual conferencing technology, many DNP programs offer an online or hybrid option. In fact, some programs exclusively offer courses remotely, whether through synchronous courses (in which students all attend live lectures at the same time), asynchronous courses (in which students can access pre-recorded lectures to watch at their convenience), or a mix of the two. Online education options have radicalized graduate degree programs, making it easier than ever to find a quality education through means that are accessible and convenient for all. If flexibility is a paramount concern for you in pursuing your advanced degree, these programs will go a long way in making your long-term goals a reality.

Complete Your Field Practicum

Part of the coursework of a DNP program includes a field practicum, in which nursing students complete a significant number of clinical hours on-site to develop key skills that require hands-on instruction. Fortunately for students who are simultaneously maintaining their positions as working nurses, many schools will allow you to put your working hours toward your degree requirements, seamlessly integrating your on-the-clock hours into larger program expectations so that you don’t have to take on an additional internship while you pursue your degree.

Are you ready to take your nursing career to new heights?

If you’re a Registered Nurse (RN) who holds either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing, you’re qualified to enroll in DNP programs all over the state of California. You’re sure to find top-ranking programs and affordable opportunities that can give you the career boost you’re looking for. It’s time for you to take your career into your own hands and pursue your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a DNP be called a doctor in California?

To spare patients’ confusion about the educational backgrounds of their healthcare providers, Doctors of Nursing Practice are restricted from referring to themselves as doctors. However, they do hold terminal degrees in the nursing field, meaning they hold the highest level of expertise possible among nurses and will hold authority that will be greatly respected by other medical professionals.

How much do DNPs make in California?

Though there is no study that exclusively tracks salaries of DNP-prepared nurses, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report on Nurse Practitioner (NP) salaries can give prospective DNPs some sense of what they might earn with advanced degrees. NPs in California earn a mean annual salary of $161,540. Given that DNPs hold a degree level higher than is required for Nurse Practitioners, those who are considering getting doctorate degrees can expect to earn that much or higher.

What degree do I need to become a DNP?

In California, there are DNP programs available for those who hold MSN degrees as well as for those who hold only BSN degrees. BSN to DNP programs in California include more coursework and additional practicum hours to compensate for the material featured in a typical MSN program.

Do I need to hold RN certification to apply to a DNP program?

Typically, yes. Almost every accredited DNP program in California requires applicants to hold Registered Nurse credentials. Many (though not all) also require applicants to have a year of work experience as an RN in order to apply (or by the time their program starts), meaning it’s crucial to look closely at each school’s requirements before beginning the application process.

Can I pursue a DNP if I hold a master’s degree in a different branch of the healthcare field?

In many cases, yes. Typically, those who hold master’s degrees in a healthcare field outside of nursing can apply to DNP programs, though they are advised to speak directly with admissions departments to find out what additional materials they may need to provide. In some cases, such students are also asked to take on remedial coursework to fill in educational gaps from the coursework they may have missed out on by not attending an MSN program.

Are there scholarship and financial aid opportunities for DNP students?

Yes. Most schools offer financial aid packages that students can apply for directly at the same time that they submit their program applications. There are also some statewide or regional scholarship opportunities that students can pursue to offset the cost of graduate school. These can require extensive applications, so make sure not to leave them until the last step.

Stay Current on the Latest in the World of California DNP

Keep up with articles on recent developments and emerging education in the field of nursing and DNP.