Known for its beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and laid-back vibe, San Diego is a scenic Southern Californian city that offers something for everyone.
If you’re aspiring to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), it may be interesting to know that DNP salaries in California tend to be higher than the national average, thanks to the state’s higher cost of living and strong demand for advanced practice nurses.
In San Diego, the average DNP earns around $142,000 annually.
In the following article, we’ll get to know the beautiful city of San Diego, explore the area’s healthcare infrastructure and available DNP programs, and touch on things like tuition costs, accessibility from popular neighborhood North Park, and BSN to DNP degree opportunities.
You’ll also get a nuanced reflection on which of San Diego’s available DNP programs may be the best option for you, based on your unique financial, professional, and academic situation.
Welcome to San Diego, California
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the iconic shores of La Jolla, exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or roaming the world-famous San Diego Zoo, San Diego is a fantastic place to visit or call home.
San Diego is a city with diverse neighborhoods, a vibrant culinary scene, and rich cultural heritage. As you explore, you’ll find a blend of old and new—from the historic missions that date back to California’s early days to the modern, bustling downtown with its trendy eateries and shopping districts. The city’s proximity to Mexico adds to its unique flavor, offering a mix of cultures that is evident in everything from the architecture to the cuisine.
Healthcare Highlights of San Diego
San Diego’s healthcare system is anchored by several large hospitals and medical centers.
UC San Diego Health is a leading academic health system that includes the UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest and the Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla, facilities known for cutting-edge research and specialized care in areas such as cancer treatment, cardiovascular health, and neuroscience. The system is also a hub for medical education and research, consistently ranking among the top hospitals in the nation for its specialties.
Another key player in the region is Scripps Health, a nonprofit healthcare system that operates several hospitals, including Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Scripps Mercy Hospital. Scripps is known for its comprehensive services and specialties, including heart care, orthopedics, and oncology.
Additionally, Sharp HealthCare is another major provider in San Diego, offering a network of hospitals and specialty facilities. Sharp HealthCare is recognized for its patient-centered approach and has received multiple awards for excellence in various medical fields, including emergency care, rehabilitation, and women’s health.
San Diego’s healthcare system is also notable for its focus on biotechnology and life sciences, with numerous biotech companies and research institutions in the area contributing to advancements in medicine and healthcare technology. This strong emphasis on research and innovation helps ensure that San Diego residents have access to some of the most advanced treatments and medical care available.
Which DNP Programs are Near North Park, San Diego?
North Park is a trendy, centrally located neighborhood in San Diego, a convenient location for students or professionals who want to pursue higher education without straying far from home.
This happening neighborhood is just a 10-20 minute drive to top institutions like the University of San Diego (USD) and San Diego State University (SDSU), universities that can be a great fit for aspiring DNPs.
DNP Programs in San Diego
There are two main Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs available in San Diego, California: one at the University of San Diego, and one at San Diego State University.
The University of San Diego (USD) offers a well-regarded DNP program with the possibility of pursuing a variety of specializations, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Executive Nurse Leader.
Another great option is San Diego State University (SDSU), which facilitates a DNP program through a partnership with other CSU campuses.
We’ll explore both of these DNP programs in more detail below.
University of San Diego
Overview:
- Online or In-Person: Primarily in-person.
- Tuition: Approximately $1,535 per unit, but total costs may vary.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Available. Contact USD’s Financial Aid office for more information.
- Degrees Offered: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN); and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), with specializations available.
The University of San Diego’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science is a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on clinical practice, research, and leadership in nursing. The school offers a range of nursing degrees, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) for those who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The DNP program is focused on preparing nurses for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles, emphasizing evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and ethical decision-making.
For aspiring nurses who are looking to develop skills in a particular area of medical care, the program offers various specializations, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Executive Nurse Leader. While not all DNPs need to have a specialization, the added skill set provided by such training can lead to more professional opportunities, and in some cases, higher salaries.
BSN to DNP Program at the University of San Diego
The BSN to DNP program at the University of San Diego (USD) is a pathway designed for nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and wish to advance directly to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), without having to obtain a master’s degree first.
The program is designed with flexibility in mind, combining online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, which is ideal for working professionals. This hybrid format allows students to gain advanced knowledge and skills in a way that fits their schedules, particularly if they’re already working as nurses.
The rigorous curriculum of this program includes a blend of advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy, leadership training, and evidence-based practice, and culminates with a DNP capstone project that addresses a real-world healthcare challenge. With this ambitious project, nurses have the opportunity to apply their skills in a practical setting and make a tangible impact on patient care at the same time.
USD’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science
The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science at the University of San Diego (USD) is a well-known institution that offers nursing students access to cutting-edge resources, a strong network of healthcare partnerships, and a curriculum that integrates both advanced clinical practice and leadership training.
The school is particularly known for its state-of-the-art simulation center, which provides nursing students with hands-on experience in a controlled, realistic environment. These simulations allow students to practice and refine their clinical skills before applying them in real-world settings, ensuring they are well-prepared for the complexities of modern healthcare.
In addition to its facilities, the Hahn School of Nursing benefits from its strong ties to the San Diego healthcare community: the school has established partnerships with top local hospitals and clinics, such as Rady Children’s Hospital and Sharp HealthCare, giving students access to a wide range of clinical placement opportunities during their studies and after graduation.
Moreover, the school’s emphasis on research and evidence-based practice is supported by its dedicated research centers, such as the Beyster Institute for Nursing Research, which focuses on aging and end-of-life care. This emphasis on research, combined with the school’s commitment to ethical and compassionate care, ensures that graduates are not only skilled practitioners but also leaders in advancing the field of nursing.
San Diego State University
Overview:
- Online or In-Person: Primarily in-person, with some hybrid options available.
- Tuition: N/A
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Available. Consult the university website for more information.
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); MSN, with concentrations in Advanced Practice Nursing and Nursing Leadership; DNP.
San Diego State University (SDSU) offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program as part of a partnership with other CSU campuses, including California State University, Fullerton and California State University, Long Beach.
The curriculum includes a range of advanced courses covering topics like healthcare policy, nursing leadership, advanced clinical skills, and research methods. Students are also required to complete a DNP project, often called a capstone, that addresses a significant healthcare challenge, allowing them to apply their learning in a real-world context. This project is an essential component of the program, demonstrating the student’s ability to lead and innovate in their field.
The DNP program at SDSU costs approximately $7,635 per semester, depending on the number of units taken. In other words, SDSU is a relatively affordable option for a high-quality doctoral education.
DNP at San Diego State University vs. USD: Which Is The Better Choice?
In general, California State universities (or Cal State universities) have lower tuition than private institutions like USD.
As part of the Cal State system, SDSU is the more affordable option for students.
SDSU’s DNP program is also part of a consortium with other CSU campuses, providing access to a broader network of resources and faculty expertise.
On the other hand, the University of San Diego is often considered more prestigious, particularly in the field of nursing.
USD’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science is known for its strong emphasis on research, clinical practice, and ethical leadership, which can be a significant advantage for students looking to engage in high-level nursing roles or academia. USD offers extensive resources, including state-of-the-art facilities and smaller class sizes, which can lead to more personalized attention and mentoring from faculty.
However, the tuition at USD is significantly higher, which might be a deterrent for some students unless they secure substantial financial aid or scholarships.
To summarize: SDSU is the more affordable and flexible option, making it a great fit for working professionals. However, USD’s prestige, resources, and focus on research might make it the better choice for students looking for a more traditional, research-oriented academic environment, and who are able to invest more financially in their education.
The Average DNP Salary in San Diego, CA
In San Diego, the average salary for a nurse with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is approximately $142,000 per year. Advanced practice nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Administrators, typically see salaries in this range due to their high level of expertise and the leadership roles they often occupy in healthcare settings.
For those considering a DNP program, it’s important to also weigh the potential return on investment, as the advanced roles available to DNP-prepared nurses are among the highest paying in the nursing field.
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.