No matter what level of degree you hold, your dreams of obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can come true. This terminal degree qualifies nurses for high-level positions in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations, whether in leadership roles or providing specialized care services that few others can offer.
For ambitious nursing students who are eager to do the most they can in their career, a DNP is the degree that will allow you to rise to the top of your field.
Some in the nursing profession know before even entering the field that they aspire to hold the greatest responsibilities they can in the medical field. Others decide to pursue higher levels of nursing education after they’ve already worked in the field as Registered Nurses (RNs) or completed lower-ranking degrees. No matter who you are, it is possible to work toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, taking advantage of the excellent DNP jobs in California and nationwide.
Pathways to a DNP at any degree level
Obtaining a DNP requires hard work and patience, especially if you’re at the beginning stages of your nursing education. However, no matter what degree level you hold at the outset of your DNP journey, it’s possible for you to hit the ground running on the pathway to your doctorate degree.
Throughout the state of California, motivated nursing students of any educational background can find excellent DNP programs designed to meet you where you are.
While most decide to pursue their DNP degree after completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), it’s even possible to find degree programs that culminate in a DNP for those who don’t yet hold any nursing degree at all.
It’s worth noting that the variety of DNP programs available for students of diverse educational backgrounds also makes clear that you do not need to decide to pursue a DNP at the outset of your nursing career. Indeed, those who need time to explore the field or wish to break up their education into more manageable blocks of time have the opportunity to pursue their education step by step, giving them time to learn about the field incrementally and amass work experience on the way. This is another path that is worth considering if you are hoping to obtain a DNP but haven’t yet dipped your toes into the nursing field.
So why do many nursing students opt for the all-in-one approach, selecting the option that begins with foundational coursework but extends over time into highly specialized learning? One is purely psychological: for many, it is motivating to know that the intensive schooling they will complete will leave them qualified for some of the most engaging and important roles on nursing teams. Others appreciate the efficiency and expediency of certain DNP programs that streamline and consolidate nursing coursework into a single program.
Learning about the tremendous opportunities one can find with a DNP can help illustrate why so many nurses decide to take on the rigor of a doctorate program. Read on to learn more about the job opportunities and impressive pay available for those who hold these advanced degrees.
DNP degrees can grow your expertise – and in turn, your salary
For those who are just beginning their nursing education, DNP programs can give you a long-term goal to work toward, one that will prove to be rewarding over the course of your career. After all, since DNP degrees are terminal degrees (meaning they mark the final stage in your education), those who hold them are qualified for advanced roles in the medical world.
DNP jobs don’t all look the same. In fact, this academic path is designed to help nurses find the areas of specialization that most speak to them, offering the opportunity for uniquely focused nursing careers.
Indeed, DNP jobs can vary depending on your established area of specialty as well as the type of organization where you work. DNPs can find jobs in hospitals and clinics as well as nursing homes, palliative care treatment centers, at-home care settings, and more. There are also non-clinical roles DNPs can take on, using their expertise to contribute to the operational functions of medical organizations, policy advocacy, program management, and more.
Some of the top job titles for those who hold DNP degrees include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Certified Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
- Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS)
- Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (NCNS)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Executive Nurse Leader
- Clinical Trainer
- Nurse Informaticist
With the advanced responsibilities of these roles typically come impressive compensation. Indeed, California has been ranked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as the top-paying state for nurse practitioners in the country, offering an impressive mean annual salary of $161,540. Compared with registered nurses (RNs), who in California earned an already notable mean annual salary of $137,690 in 2023, this is a significant jump, one that can help give nursing students the push they need to pursue the highest level of schooling.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses reflect state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2024.
DNPs are pioneers in their field
As exceptionally qualified professionals, DNP-prepared nurses have proven to be invaluable champions of innovation in clinical practice. Nurses, after all, perform a range of roles in clinical organizations to ensure the best patient outcomes and keep their workplaces running smoothly. As a result, they are often responsible for embracing and employing new technologies and approaches to clinical care in their practice.
Because of this, DNPs have often led the charge on incorporating new procedures and tools into clinical care. Some of these relate to direct services provided to patients, and others pertain to administrative functions (such as electronic health records, also known as EHRs) or deployment methods (such as overseeing the rise of telehealth at clinical facilities of all types).
Because their knowledge of the on-the ground functions of clinics is so vast, DNPs can play an important role in helping a medical organization revise its procedures to make room for new modalities and instruments that can improve the healthcare experience for all. This is another reason why many RNs decide to ultimately pursue DNP degrees, understanding that their work can make a powerful contribution to their patients’ lives as well as the day-to-day duties of their fellow nurses.
Learn about the types of DNP degree program available
As mentioned above, the different DNP degree programs that are out there are defined by the different degree levels they cater toward. Consequently, those who are interested in DNP programs will likely not have too much wiggle room in picking out the appropriate program type for their needs.
What to consider as you choose your DNP degree pathway
Making the preparations to pursue a DNP requires careful long-term planning. For those who are just beginning to learn about the variety of DNP program options available, it can be daunting to approach the varied considerations one must take into account before applying for school. If this is you, don’t fret; rather, take a look at the key concerns prospective DNP students should keep in mind before starting program applications.
Degree level
This is a key factor that in fact may determine your pathway to a DNP automatically. If you already hold a Master of Science in Nursing, you are only eligible for MSN to DNP programs. If you don’t hold any bachelor’s or hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject outside of nursing, you are only eligible for Direct Entry DNP programs. Those with BSNs can choose between BSN to DNP programs or MSN programs followed by traditional DNP programs – the key difference here depends on whether or not you’d like to break up your education into more approachable portions.
Scheduling
The majority of students who enroll in DNP programs already hold RN licensing, and many choose to continue to work as nurses while pursuing their advanced degrees. One can do this by enrolling in part-time degree programs, which are offered by most DNP schools in California. This can be a great solution for students who wish to continue earning income and amassing professional experience while in school.
Delivery format
Thanks to the arrival of remote learning options, students have newfound opportunities to pursue their education with more convenience and the ability to study from locations that might be far from your university’s campus. Take a look at the section at the bottom of this article on online DNP programs in California to learn about the advantages of attending your graduate program virtually.
Are you ready to start learning about DNP program options in California? Take a look at the options below for a brief overview of the three main types of DNP program available, including degree required to enter, average program duration on a full-time schedule, and more.
Degree needed to apply: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Average program duration (full-time): Three to four years
If you already hold a BSN and have completed at least one year of professional experience as an RN, you’re a candidate for a BSN to DNP program. These programs allow students to bypass obtaining their MSN, which until recently was the traditional route to a DNP degree, incorporating some MSN coursework alongside doctoral requirements to create a streamlined and efficient path to the rank and responsibilities of a Doctor of Nursing Practice. This is a great choice for RNs who are certain they would like to advance to the highest level of nursing role before having obtained their master’s degree.
As is the case in any DNP program, BNS to DNP programs include a mix of class time and clinical training, the latter of which emphasizes skills related to leadership and/or specialized clinical services, depending on your career goals. Students can typically expect a higher volume of classes in their first two years of school, compensating for the material that would have been covered in an MSN program.
There are numerous excellent BSN to DNP programs in California, making it possible for nurses all over the state to pursue the education required to level up in their profession. These are available on a full-time and part-time basis, in on-campus, hybrid, and online formats.
Degree needed to apply: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Average program duration (full-time): Eighteen months to two years
The traditional pathway to a DNP degree has typically been to acquire a Master of Science in Nursing upon obtaining your BSN, followed by a year or more of professional experience as an RN. With the rise of the other program types listed in this guide, these traditional programs are often called MSN to DNP programs or Post-Master’s DNP programs. They are designed for those who already hold MSNs and wish to complete the final stage of their nursing education.
Course material in MSN to DNP programs expand upon the already great body of knowledge students have acquired in their master’s programs, with additional coursework focused on systems leadership, quality assessment and improvement, evidence-based practice, and specialized services in whatever focus area a student has chosen to pursue. A great deal of time is also spent in clinical training, especially for those who aim to become specialists in a given form of care.
There are fantastic MSN to DNP programs in California for prospective applicants to choose from. These include all three delivery models (on-campus, hybrid, and online) as well as full-time or part-time scheduling options, allowing working nurses to continue to practice while working toward their DNP degrees.
Degree needed to apply: No bachelor’s degree needed; bachelor’s degree in another subject permitted; RN certification required
Average program duration (full-time): Four to six years
In California, it is possible to become an RN having only completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Because of this, some RNs who wish to pursue their DNP degrees may not actually have their BSNs. There are also some nurses who have obtained their RN license while holding a bachelor’s degree in a subject outside of nursing and therefore also do not hold BSNs. Nurses in these situations can still pursue their DNP dreams by enrolling in direct entry DNP programs, also known as RN to DNP programs or DNP programs for non nurses.
Direct entry DNP programs take the longest to complete of the three degree program models listed above. This is because they need to cover the most coursework, including material from both bachelor’s and master’s-level nursing programs to ensure that students are all up to speed. As with other types of DNP program, coursework will also include extensive clinical training, providing the advanced skill-building and seasoned experience one needs to become a DNP-prepared nurse.
Direct entry DNP programs for non nurses are less common than other DNP pathways, but there are several California-based options, available in both full-time and part-time scheduling formats as well as in on-campus, hybrid, and online delivery models.
Online DNP programs can help you pursue your education on your own terms
Those contemplating pursuing DNP degrees may find themselves daunted by the amount of time they will need to spend in school before leveling up in their careers. Fortunately, the arrival of online learning can greatly reduce the burden of school for students, especially those who decide to continue to work as nurses while studying.
Online DNP programs, which can be found at all in all the pathways listed above, offer students the flexibility to earn their degrees without the constraints of a traditional on-campus schedule. These programs often allow students to complete coursework at their own pace, offering access to lectures, assignments, and resources online, so that students can fit their studies around their personal and professional lives, making it easier to pursue advanced nursing degrees without sacrificing their current jobs or family commitments. They also allow students to study from wherever they are, sparing students the hassle and expense of relocating in order to study.
All this is to say that incoming DNP students are at a tremendous advantage thanks to remote learning capabilities, allowing unprecedented access to an education that is certain to transform your career for the better.
Your DNP journey starts today
Are you ready to take the next steps toward a spectacular career as a top-ranking nurse? If so, your first move should be to look into program offerings at DNP schools in California for whatever track is suited to your existing degree level. You’re sure to find a variety of fantastic programs that will equip you with the knowledge and skill you need to take on great responsibilities and drive important change in the medical profession.
Our program guides provide comprehensive directories for every type of DNP program in California, including BNS to DNP, MSN to DNP, direct entry, and post-master’s DNP programs so that you can find exactly what you need.
FAQs
Is it possible to get a DNP without holding a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, though it is uncommon for those who hold no bachelor degree at all to pursue their DNP. More common is for those who hold bachelor’s degrees outside of nursing to enroll in programs specifically designed for those who don’t hold BSNs or MSNs, known as direct entry DNP programs. It is sometimes possible for those who only hold Associate’s Degrees of Nursing (ASN) to enroll in direct entry DNP programs as well.
Is it possible to get a DNP without holding a Master of Science in Nursing?
Yes. BSN-to-DNP programs are specifically designed to allow those who hold BSNs to bypass the coursework of an MSN program, though a significant amount of MSN course material is likely to be included in your curriculum. These programs, which typically take three to four years to complete, are a popular choice among BSNs who are eager to streamline their nursing education to qualify them for leadership positions in nursing as soon as possible.
Do all DNP programs in California take the same amount of time?
No. Your DNP program duration will vary depending on the degree level that you enter with. This means that obtaining your DNP can take anywhere from one and a half to six years (see each section above for program-specific information).
How much do DNPs make in California?
Holding a DNP is an impressive distinction for a nurse, rendering one eligible for leadership roles and specialized positions which typically receive higher compensation. Further, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the state of California offers the highest salaries to nurse practitioners in the country, with the mean annual DNP salary in California amounting to $161,540. It’s worth remembering that this is the average, so it’s possible to make considerably more than this in a DNP position as well.