Nestled in the heart of the Golden State, Sacramento is not just the capital of California—it’s a vibrant, diverse city brimming with history, culture, and a whole lot of charm.
This article considers the path to becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in the Sacramento area. Below, we’ll touch on things like:
- The Sacramento healthcare system
- Local, online, and BSN to DNP programs
- The average salary of DNPs in Sacramento
We’ll also take a closer look at some specific programs, including Sacramento State.
Welcome to Sacramento, California
Sacramento is a city with a fascinating past. Founded during the Gold Rush era, it’s a place where history comes alive, especially when you stroll through Old Sacramento, with its wooden sidewalks and historic buildings that harken back to the 1850s. From the bustling downtown area to the hip Midtown district, there’s always something new and exciting happening, whether it’s a street fair, a music festival, or a new art installation.
Healthcare in Sacramento
Sacramento’s healthcare system is anchored by some of the region’s most prominent medical centers, offering comprehensive care and advanced medical services.
One of the leading facilities is the UC Davis Medical Center, which is nationally recognized for its excellence in multiple specialties, including cancer care, cardiology, neurology, and pediatrics.
Another key player in Sacramento’s healthcare landscape is Sutter Health, a large integrated healthcare network that began as a single hospital in the 1920s and has grown to encompass numerous hospitals and clinics across Northern California. Sutter Health has a significant presence in Sacramento and is involved in both everyday healthcare and emergency management, making it a vital part of the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
These institutions, along with other facilities like Kaiser Permanente and Shriners Hospitals for Children, contribute to a robust healthcare system that not only meets the general medical needs of Sacramento’s residents but also provides specialized care and cutting-edge treatments. Whether dealing with routine care or complex medical conditions, Sacramento’s healthcare providers are well-equipped to deliver high-quality care to their community.
DNP Programs in Sacramento
If you’re looking to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Sacramento, California, you’re in luck:
The city is home to several reputable institutions that offer DNP programs, providing a great opportunity for nurses who want to take their careers to the next level.
One of the prominent options in the area is the University of San Francisco’s Sacramento Campus, which offers a DNP program designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles and leadership positions in healthcare. This program is particularly appealing because it combines online coursework with occasional in-person sessions, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments.
Another excellent choice is California State University, Sacramento (Sac State), which offers a DNP degree program through a partnership with other CSU campuses. This program is designed to be accessible for working professionals, with a focus on clinical practice, leadership, and applying research to improve patient outcomes.
Online DNP Options
One of the top options for remote DNP programs in the Sacramento area is California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), whose DNP program is fully online. Like Sac State, CSUF is part of a partnership with other CSU campuses, providing a high-quality education that’s accessible from anywhere in the state. It’s designed for advanced practice nurses and includes coursework in leadership, policy, and evidence-based practice, along with a required DNP project (usually known as a capstone).
Another strong choice is Chamberlain University, which also offers a fully online DNP program with several specialty tracks, including Advanced Practice Leadership and Healthcare Systems Leadership. Chamberlain’s program is known for its flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with professional and personal responsibilities.
Walden University is also a well-regarded option, offering various DNP pathways, including BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP tracks. Walden’s program is designed with working nurses in mind. One unique element of a nursing education at Walden University is that this program offers asynchronous learning, meaning that you can complete coursework on your schedule.
Lastly, Capella University offers a DNP program that’s entirely online and focuses on nursing leadership and administration. Capella’s program is competency-based, which allows you to move through the material at your own pace, potentially saving time and money if you’re able to accelerate your studies.
These online programs provide a convenient way to advance your nursing career without needing to relocate or give up your current job. With the flexibility of online learning, you can complete your clinical hours in local healthcare settings in Sacramento while benefiting from the expertise and resources of institutions located throughout the state and beyond.
University of San Francisco at Sacramento
Overview:
- Online or In-Person: Hybrid format – online coursework and in-person classes.
- Tuition: Approximately $1,660 per unit, with additional costs for health insurance and other fees.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Scholarships and financial aid options are available.
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), DNP.
If you’re a nurse who would like to or needs to continue working alongside pursuing your degree, the University of San Francisco at Sacramento is a great option.
The DNP program at USF’s Sacramento Campus offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to take on advanced roles in healthcare, as well as the opportunity to upskill with specializations as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Here, online learning is combined with in-person sessions to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.
Students can expect to cover a wide range of topics, including healthcare policy, ethics, epidemiology, health systems management, and evidence-based practice. Additionally, the program emphasizes social justice and leadership, preparing graduates not only to be expert practitioners but also advocates for change in the healthcare system.
In addition to a DNP program, USF Sacramento offers several nursing programs catered to different levels of nursing education and career aspirations. For one example, it’s possible for students to combine the DNP with a Master of Public Health (MPH), allowing students to earn dual degrees.
Sacramento State
Overview:
- Online or In-Person: Hybrid.
- Tuition: Approximately $495 per unit, with the total cost variable.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Various scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available.
- Degrees Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP
Sacramento State (Sac State) offers a comprehensive, hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice and leadership roles in healthcare.
One of the key advantages of choosing Sac State over other options, like the University of San Francisco (USF) Sacramento, is the cost-effectiveness of the program. The DNP program at Sac State is priced at approximately $495 per unit, which is significantly more affordable compared to many other DNP programs in California, including USF.
The total cost of the program typically ranges from $35,000 to $40,000, depending on the number of units a student needs to complete. This affordability makes Sac State an attractive option for students who are looking to advance their nursing education without incurring a large amount of debt.
Sac State’s DNP program is also known for its strong connections with local healthcare providers, which can be advantageous for clinical placements and networking opportunities.
The university’s established relationships within the Sacramento healthcare community provide students with valuable hands-on experience and potential job placements after graduation.
For those looking to advance their nursing careers while staying in Sacramento, Sac State’s DNP program offers a solid combination of affordability, flexibility, and quality education.
BSN to DNP Programs in Sacramento, CA
In Sacramento, there are options for BSN to DNP programs, although they are somewhat limited. The University of San Francisco (USF) offers a DNP program at its Sacramento campus that caters to BSN-prepared nurses looking to advance their education directly to the doctoral level.
This program is designed to help nurses transition seamlessly from a BSN to a DNP, allowing them to bypass the MSN step and move directly into advanced practice roles. The program includes coursework in advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy, leadership, and evidence-based practice, and it requires completion of clinical hours and a DNP project.
Sacramento State (Sac State) also offers a DNP program, though it typically caters to nurses who already have a master’s degree. However, BSN-prepared nurses interested in Sac State’s DNP program might consider completing their MSN first at Sac State and then transitioning into the DNP program, which is structured to accommodate this progression.
An Average DNP Salary in Sacramento
In Sacramento, the average salary for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) holder is approximately $131,000 per year.
(Please note: this figure can vary depending on the specific role, years of experience, and the healthcare facility where one is employed.)
Advanced practice nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Administrators, typically see salaries in this range due to their high level of expertise and leadership responsibilities in healthcare settings. As such, this salary is reflective of the demand for advanced nursing professionals in the region.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers reflect state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2024.