Within the nursing profession, rising in the ranks usually requires more than just work experience. In most cases, taking on increased responsibilities – such as taking on leadership positions on nursing teams or providing specialized forms of care – requires a higher degree, demonstrating that you have had the training and education to perform your role with full competence and preparation.
For those who are ambitious about their career pursuits as nurses, an unusual opportunity exists to help you streamline your education, directing your efforts toward one of the highest nursing degrees possible – a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – after obtaining your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). With a DNP degree, one is qualified to hold the highest level of nursing positions, which typically earn the highest compensation in the field as well.
A unique path for highly motivated individuals, BSN-prepared nurses have the chance to pursue a terminal nursing degree without getting a master’s degree first.
These programs, it should be noted, are not for everyone. They take more time to complete than a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and prepare students for work that is likely to be difficult, with important responsibilities that will require a great deal of attention and care. But for those who have their sights set on the top of the field, a BSN to DNP program is the perfect avenue to turn your career dreams into a reality.
So how do California BSN to DNP programs work, and what are the advantages of these programs for working nurses? Read on to learn everything you need to know to pick the right educational path for you.
A streamlined track to a terminal degree
In California, most nurses enter the field by obtaining their BSN and becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). In this role, nurses are qualified for many crucial roles in healthcare organizations, but their career path will be capped at a certain threshold. In order to level up from here, one must hold an MSN or a DNP degree.
While an MSN can qualify nurses to become Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and prepare them for greater clinical responsibilities, those who hold leadership positions on nursing staffs as well as those who provide specialized services must hold a degree level higher – the DNP.
In earlier days, nurses whose goal was to earn DNPs would first have to complete MSN programs. However, BSN to DNP programs have become a popular new path that allows motivated students to combine their academic coursework into a single elongated academic path designed to keep your eyes on the prize and put your most ambitious career goals within reach as soon as you graduate.
There are several reasons why BSN-prepared nurses choose to pursue their DNPs right away. Chief among these is the career opportunities the degree can open up, as well as the impressive compensation that accompanies these high-ranking roles. A BSN to DNP program can offer you the focused education and training to qualify for those roles in the most efficient pathway possible.
Why bypass an MSN? Reasons some BSNs go straight to DNPs
With so many educational pathways available to nursing students, it may be confusing to differentiate each track to determine which one is the right fit for you. While some make their decisions for scheduling and logistical reasons alone – namely, the amount of time each program takes to complete – those who have their long-term goals in mind will be better served by learning about what each degree can get you.
If you already hold a BSN who wishes to pursue an advanced degree, you have the option of enrolling in either an MSN program or a BSN to DNP program. An MSN program, which typically takes two years to complete, will qualify you to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Educator. These roles are typically focused on on-the-ground clinical care and patient management.
A DNP program, meanwhile, leaves you qualified for roles related to leadership, system-level program management, and healthcare policy. While those with DNPs hold the qualifications for NP positions with a clinical focus, those who pursue this terminal degree typically intend to focus their efforts more broadly within clinical organizations or even in the legislative world.
The best BSN to DNP programs in California can prepare you for top nursing roles without needing your MSN first.
If you know that you wish to pursue a nursing role with a broader scope, a BSN to DNP program offers you a simplified route to doing so.
Curriculum, program duration, and course formats
The curriculum of a BSN to DNP program will vary depending on your ultimate career goals. Some students choose to focus their DNP studies on general clinical leadership, while others pursue specialization tracks in key clinical focus areas.
However, the first several years of a BSN to DNP program will likely include the same subject matter for students regardless of their long-term goals, as they provide an overall education intended to stand in for the MSN. The general curriculum of a BSN to DNP program coursework includes the following subjects:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology for Advanced Practice
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Healthcare Policy and Advocacy
- Clinical Decision Making
- Leadership in Healthcare Systems
- Health Systems and Organizational Management
Those who wish to specialize in a particular clinical focus area will also receive intensive schooling in that clinical practice. For example, there are many BSN to DNP Nurse Anaesthesia programs in California that provide rigorous anaesthesiology training to usher students toward this arena upon graduating.
BSN to DNP degree programs typically take three to four years to complete when taken on a full-time schedule. That said, there are many nurses who decide to continue working while completing a BSN to DNP program part-time, which can take four to five years to complete. Thanks to the arrival of virtual conferencing technology, it is now possible for students to enroll in online BSN-DNP programs online, which can be a tremendous asset for those with scheduling concerns or who live far from campuses offering these degrees.
There is no difference between the class curriculum of BSN to DNP online programs in California and on-campus programs. Students enrolled in online BSN to DNP programs in California should expect to still complete clinical training in person at an approved clinic or hospital local to them.
Admissions requirements and application components
If you’re considering applying to a BSN to DNP program, it’s crucial to make sure you meet all program requirements and prepare your application materials with ample time. Read below to learn about the experience you need to have and the information you’ll need to provide to schools you’re interested in.
Application materials
Most BSN to DNP programs in California, online and in person, call for similar application materials, making it easy for students to apply for multiple schools that interest them.
That said, when preparing your applications, be sure to look carefully at the specific requirements of each school that interests you. While the guide below should be helpful in setting your expectations for what you’ll need to prepare (and what requisites you need to meet), every school has its own unique application, and you won’t want to be caught by surprise by an application requirement at the last minute.
The following requirements can be expected from virtually any BSN-DNP programs in California:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university
- Official transcripts from your alma mater (sometimes with 3.0 GPA requirement)
- A current, unrestricted license to practice as an RN in California
- Letters of reference (usually three)
- Personal essay (typically a statement of purpose)
- Proof of completion of required courses (when asked for)
How to know if you’re a candidate for BSN to DNP programs
As mentioned above, in order to attend a BSN to DNP program, you need to hold a BSN from an accredited institution. This may seem obvious, but with so many DNP program types out there, it’s worth making absolutely clear. Those who hold MSNs are overqualified for these programs and can apply to MSN to DNP programs (also known as post-MSN DNP programs). Those who hold RN licensing but no BSN can apply to direct entry DNP programs, which include additional courses.
In many cases, California BSN to DNP programs expect applicants to have completed a year of professional experience as an RN. This means that you will not be eligible to apply for these programs until you are a year out of school. Having the experience of a seasoned RN is a
Many schools also have specific course requirements for incoming BSN-DNP students. These are not unilaterally found on all BSN to DNP applications, so it’s important to carefully review the admissions requirements at each school that appeals to you.
If you meet the above qualifications, you’re ready to enroll in a BSN to DNP program. Congratulations! Your next step is to take a look at the fantastic California BSN to DNP programs available all over the state.
DNP programs for BSN-prepared nurses in California
The following schools offer Doctor of Nursing Practice programs specifically tailored for nurses who have completed their BSNs but not MSN degree programs. If you already hold a Master of Science in Nursing, you are qualified for a post-master’s DNP program.
Azusa Pacific University
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Health Systems Leadership
- Location: Azusa (main campus), Inland Empire, Monrovia, San Diego
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $63,980 – $77,060
- Format(s): In-person, online
Those who wish to pursue a study of nursing with a Christian spiritual orientation have an excellent opportunity to do so at Azusa Pacific University, which offers a BSN to DNP program with multiple specializations tracks to allow RNs to build advanced knowledge and skills without needing to obtain their MSNs. APU has multiple locations across the state of California as well as a fully online option for students wishing to pursue their education remotely, with full-time and part-time scheduling options available.
There are two primary academic tracks within the BSN-DNP program at APU: the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) track and the Health Systems Leadership track. Those in the former category have two sub-specializations to choose from: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Curriculum in any track includes class time, extensive clinical residency hours, and an evidence-based culminating research project on a topic related to a student’s area of specialty.
To be eligible for APU’s BSN to DNP program in any track, one must already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an RN license. Those pursuing one of the APRN tracks are expected to also have a minimum of eight months’ work experience as an RN prior to applying.
California State University – Long Beach
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Location: Long Beach
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $8,902
- Format(s): Online (with in-person intensives)
BSN-prepared nurses seeking a convenient and affordable DNP program have a terrific option in CSU Long Beach’s BSN to DNP program, which offers a generalist course curriculum that gives way to specialization tracks in Adult Gerontology (Primary Care or Acute Care), Family Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Pediatric Primary Care, which students can select over the course of their studies.
This program is available in a hybrid format, with a significant amount of class time occurring remotely in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Students are required to complete 1,000 hours of clinical field work, which prospective students should note will be expected to take place in person. It’s worth noting that this program is only available on a full-time schedule.
CSU Long Beach’s DNP program requires students to have a minimum 3.0 GPA from their BSN program to apply. Applicants must also hold an up-to-date RN license or be eligible for licensure in the state of California. It is possible to apply if your RN license is in progress at the time of application.
Fresno State University
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Location: Fresno
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $16,112
- Format(s): Online (with two on-campus intensives)
Those looking for a quality DNP education in a largely online format have an excellent option in Fresno State University. The school’s DNP program is open to BSN-prepared nurses and consists primarily of virtual classes, with the first and fourth semesters of the program including short on-campus intensives at the beginning of fall terms. Otherwise, students get the benefit of taking all classes remotely, allowing them to study from wherever they live.
As you will find in all other DNP programs, Fresno State requires students to complete 1,000 hours of practicum at a clinic of their choosing (this cannot be done remotely). 270 of these hours are expected to be performed in connection to students’ individual doctoral projects, informing long-term research to contribute to an evidence-based report.
FSU’s DNP program is only available on a full-time schedule, but class time is designed so that students can continue working while in school. The program is only open to those who hold active RN licenses, meaning it is designed to help nurses continue to practice while pursuing the next stages of their career.
Loma Linda University
Doctor of Nursing Practice
See concentrations and certificate options below
- Location: Loma Linda
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): Varies (refer to specific program pages on LLU website)
- Format(s): Hybrid
Loma Linda University’s School of Nursing is one of the oldest in the country, founded in 1905. It is home to the nation’s largest medical simulation center, offering students unparalleled access to clinical experiences designed to build nursing skills. A Christian university, Loma Linda’s course offerings are rooted in faith-based values.
There are numerous DNP concentrations at Loma Linda University that are available to students who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Many of these programs are designed to qualify graduates for advanced nursing certificates, as noted in the parentheticals below. The school offers the following majors:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Adult/Gerontology
- Leadership
- Acute Care-Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (ACAGNP)
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC-PNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Primary Care: Adult/Gerontology (AGNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
It’s important to note that prospective students must apply to each of these programs directly. In other words, you cannot choose your concentration after beginning your graduate study, but rather decide it in advance of submitting your applications. Requirements to apply to each program can vary, so it’s critical to look closely at the requested materials for whatever program most interests you.
All of the programs listed above are delivered in a hybrid model, including both in-person and online classes as well as an in-person clinical field work requirement. All programs are available on a part-time schedule that allows students to continue practicing as RNs, with the one exception of the CRNA program, which is exclusively available on a full-time schedule.
National University
Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
- Location: Fresno
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $22,768
- Format(s): Hybrid
National University offers a DNAP program specifically designed for those who wish to specialize in anesthesia care delivery. This 36-month program streamlines the foundational coursework of an MSN program alongside focused training in anesthesia administration in both in-person didactic and high-fidelity simulation courses. Students who graduate from this program will be qualified to take the National Certification Exam to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs). In the past five years, 100% of program graduates have passed this exam.
While National University’s main campus is located in San Diego, students in the DNAP program are expected to complete a 15-month in-person didactic in Fresno followed by a 21-month clinical residency. In order to apply, students are required to hold RN certification and to have completed a minimum of one full year of critical care experience in an intensive care unit. Applicants are also expected to have shadow experience in the OR with CRNAs. National University is a veteran-founded university with a special application and admissions process for veterans and active duty members of the military.
Point Loma Nazarene University
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Location: San Diego
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $18,884
- Format(s): Online
Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian university that nevertheless is open to students of all faith backgrounds. It offers two DNP programs for BSN-prepared nurses, one designed to prepare students for the work of Clinical Nurse Specialists and the other for Family Nurse Practitioners. Both programs are offered in a fully-online format, with asynchronous courses as well as optional synchronous courses, allowing students to pursue their advanced education with a maximum of flexibility. Each program requires in-person clinicals that can be completed at the location of the student’s choosing, with San Diego-based students receiving assistance in securing their clinical placements. The FNP program includes two on-campus intensive weekends over the course of the program.
The CNS program at Point Loma Nazarene offers three population-foci specialization tracks: Adult-Gerontology CNS, Pediatric CNS, and Adult-Gerontology CNS track with a women’s health specialty. The last of these specialties is the only program of its kind in the state of California. This program builds the skills needed to take on a particular clinical focus area so that you can provide services in specialized clinical settings.
The FNP program at PNU, meanwhile, is a single-track program designed to build the clinical skills needed to provide primary care to individuals and families at all age levels and from a diversity of backgrounds. Upon completion of this program, students will earn their FNP certificate.
Samuel Merritt University
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health
- Location: Fresno, Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $57,326
- Format(s): Online
If you’re looking to complete your DNP on a fast timeline with a maximum of convenience, Samuel Merritt University’s online DNP programs have among the most accelerated schedules of any opportunities out there. The school offers two DNP tracks for BSN-prepared nurses: the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, which takes only 2.5 years to complete on a full-time schedule (3 years on a part-time schedule), and the Psychiatric Mental Health program, which takes 3 years to complete on a full-time schedule (there is no part-time option for this track).
The DNP-FNP program includes two on-campus residencies and requires students to complete 1,000 hours of field practicum over the course of their studies. The DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health program holds classes exclusively online but also includes a mandatory 1,000 hours of practicum.
SMU has been ranked as one of the top 10 BSN-DNP programs in California, boasting a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and the opportunity for one-on-one mentorship from preceptors, advisors, and faculty. This makes the school a great choice for those seeking hands-on instruction and supportive relationships on your academic journey.
University of California – Irvine
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Location: Irvine
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $12,264
- Format(s): Hybrid
UCI’s Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing offers a DNP-FNP concentration open to both BSN and MSN-prepared nurses. This is a three-year program offered in a hybrid model, with most classes delivered in online formats (both synchronous and asynchronous to allow maximum scheduling flexibility for students who are continuing to work as nurses while in school). The program features one on-campus intensive each quarter in year two of school, plus mandatory in-person attendance during the Prologue, Intersession, and Epilogue sessions of the program.
Students in UCI’s FNP program will receive an extensive education in nursing practice, encompassing topics including clinical prevention, population health, organizational and systems leadership, health care policy, and research methods, among others. Students are also expected to complete 1,020 hours of clinical practice hours which will inform their DNP Scholarly Project, a final capstone project that marks the culmination of their studies.
Applicants to UCI’s DNP-FNP program are expected to hold an active RN license in the state of California and to have completed a minimum of 1800 hours (or one full year) as a registered nurse by the time of the start of the program. They also must hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher from their prior nursing program in order to qualify.
University of California – Los Angeles
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Location: Los Angeles
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): TBD (pending school announcement)
- Format(s): In-person
Starting in 2025, UCLA will offer a brand new Post Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice program, creating a fantastic opportunity for Los Angeles-based nurses to level up in their careers. This three-year program will take place on-campus, with students also expected to fulfill a 1,000 hour practicum requirement, in line with expectations at most other DNP programs in the state.
There are four tracks offered in UCLA’s BSN-DNP program, corresponding to students’ chosen career paths: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Some tracks will also offer the opportunity to add an Occupational and Environmental Health certificate, further refining students’ area of specialization as nurses.
While UCLA’s BSN-DNP program is, at the time of publication, not yet up and running, prospective students can rest assured that it will offer a stellar education and an impressive addition to one’s resume. Ranked as one of the nation’s top universities, UCLA’s nursing program has long been one of the most respected in the field. This makes it an attractive choice for LA-based students who wish to be the first to take advantage of the school’s first BSN-DNP offering.
University of California – San Francisco
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Location: San Francisco
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $50,766
- Format(s): Hybrid
UCSF is one of the nation’s leading academic and health care institutions. Its new BSN-to-DNP program, whose pilot program launched in 2024, makes it possible for BSN-prepared nurses to pursue advanced practice nursing opportunities without needing to pursue MSN degrees first. This hybrid program includes both in-person and online didactic courses, as well as hands-on clinical training at locations across the Bay Area. Many students pursue their practicum hours at the school’s Helen Diller Medical Center, which is ranked among the top medical institutions in the country.
There are three primary nursing roles students can pursue in UCSF’s DNP program, each with corresponding specialization areas. They are: Nurse Practitioner, which offers specializations in Adult-Gerontology (Acute and Primary Care), Family Nursing, and Pediatrics (Acute and Primary Care); Clinical Nurse Specialist, which offers a concentration in Adult-Gerontology; and Health Policy and Public Health. Students should know which of these tracks they wish to pursue upon applying to the program, as it will inform your application requirements (see below for more information).
Applicants to UCSF are required to have GPAs of 3.0 or higher from their BSN in order to qualify for admission. They also must hold active Registered Nurse licenses in the state of California. Those interested in pursuing acute care specializations (in Adult-Gerontology or Pediatric Care) are expected to have two years of practice experience or more under their belt upon starting the program.
University of San Diego
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Location: San Diego
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): Varies by concentration (see link below)
- Format(s): In-person
Ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the country, the Hahn School of Nursing and Science at University of San Diego offers an excellent BSN-DNP program that takes three years to complete on a full-time schedule and four to five years to complete on a part-time schedule. This is an on-campus program with classes occurring a minimum of two days a week, plus additional weekly practicum hours at a clinic or other healthcare organization. Some courses may be offered in a hybrid format.
Students in USD’s BSN-DNP program have four concentrations to choose from at the outset of the application process: Dual Adult-Gerontology/Family Nurse Practitioner, Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. These respective tracks will qualify students to sit for certification for the varying licenses available to nurses in their area of specialization. Tuitions for these concentrations vary, so it’s a good idea to consult the school’s tuition listings for an accurate sense of your anticipated academic expenses.
In order to apply to this program, students must have a 3.0 GPA from their undergraduate study as well as an unencumbered, active RN license. Those applying to nurse practitioner tracks are expected to have completed a minimum of one year of acute care RN work experience before the commencement of the program.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Executive
- Location: San Marcos
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $18,594 (approx)
- Format(s): Hybrid (FNP concentration), online (Nurse Executive concentration)
University of St. Augustine offers two DNP programs for BSN-prepared nurses with two different focus areas: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Executive. The former program is a hybrid program with primarily virtual courses, with one on-campus intensive. The latter can be taken fully online, with the option of enrolling in additional virtual immersion courses. These full-time programs take three to four years to complete.
Those in the FNP program are expected to complete 1,035 practicum hours at the clinic or healthcare organization of their choosing, in a role related to Family Nursing. This will provide the training to equip students with the skills to provide primary care from people of all ages and backgrounds, with the possibility of developing an area of clinical specialization. Students in the Nurse Executive program are expected to complete 1,000 hours of field practicum.
In order to apply to USA’s nursing programs, students must hold BSN degrees as well as active RN licenses in the state of California. They are also required to have completed 2,000 hours of RN experience by the time of their first practicum, ensuring they have the professional experience needed to jump into an advanced nursing role.
Western University
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Location: Pomona
- Estimated cost of tuition (per year, in-state): $24,528
- Format(s): Hybrid
Website: FNP | Psychiatric
Western University is a pioneer of online learning for nursing education, having first developed virtual programs in 1997. It offers two DNP programs for BSN-prepared nurses: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). These are hybrid programs that include campus-based seminar courses alongside flexible virtual courses (both synchronous and asynchronous), allowing students to continue to work as RNs while in school.
Because these two academic tracks feature different curricula, candidates should know at the outset of the application process which certificate they intend to pursue. Both programs feature clinical practicum requirements alongside course work to build specialized training in the focus area of students’ choosing.
Both of these programs are open to students who hold Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees and active, unencumbered RN certificates in the state of California. Those who have 1800 hours of RN experience will be on the traditional academic track at WU, while those who do not yet have 1800 hours of work experience will have the opportunity to account for those hours in the first year of their program.
Tuition data is taken from program websites and the NCES College Navigator database, accessed September 2024.
FAQs
Do I need to hold an MSN to pursue a DNP?
No. Thanks to BSN and DNP programs, it’s possible to bypass the MSN requirement and go straight to your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The coursework in these programs will cover much of the material included in an MSN program, ensuring that you will gain all the expertise you need to excel with the high-level responsibilities of a DNP-prepared nurse.
What if I already hold an MSN?
If you already hold an MSN, you are not eligible for a BSN to DNP program. Instead, you are qualified for a traditional DNP degree, also known as an MSN to DNP degree or a post-master’s DNP. This will be a considerably shorter program than a BSN to DNP program, as it will not need to include master’s coursework in the curriculum.
Are there online BSN to DNP programs in California?
Yes! Thanks to the arrival of remote learning, there are opportunities for students to complete their BSN to DNP programs online in California. These programs can go far in making education more accessible to all, allowing students to pursue their degrees without relocating to be closer to campus and sparing them the hassle of daily commutes to attend classes. That said, students should keep in mind that even online BSN to DNP programs involve a significant amount of in-person training at a hospital or clinic, meaning you shouldn’t expect to spend most of your class time at home.
How long does a BSN to DNP program take?
When completed on a full-time schedule, a BSN to DNP program typically takes three to four years to complete. On a part-time schedule, it is likely to take closer to five or six years to complete.
Do I need any professional experience as a nurse to apply to BSN to DNP programs?
In many if not most cases, yes. It is advised to complete a year of on-the-ground experience as an RN before applying to BSN to DNP programs, as many schools require this in addition to a BSN degree.