Frequently Asked Questions
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is relevant because it prepares nurses for advanced practice roles, enabling them to take on leadership positions within healthcare systems, advocate for policy changes, improve patient care through evidence-based practices, and significantly impact the quality of healthcare delivery at a population level, essentially positioning them as highly skilled clinicians with expertise in leadership and system improvement.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has recommended that the DNP be required for entry into practice for advanced practice nursing as of 2025. The AACN's recommendation is based on the need for more experienced and comprehensive patient care from specialty nurses. However, there is still no definitive answer on when the DNP will be required. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) are working to transition to the DNP degree.
Differences between other programs and the degree program offered by Cal State LA include the following:
- Inclusion of curriculum for preparation for faculty role, including courses in curriculum development and teaching methods, as well as an elective opportunity for practice teaching;
- A broader selection of advanced practice practicum courses; and
- A three-semester integrative clinical scholarship series, embedded in clinical practice as required by the accrediting body CCNE, to complete the scholarly project of the clinical doctorate.
- Access to onsite clinical/academic faculty with 10+ years experience in successfully completing various DNP projects.
The DNP program is a hybrid program, with a mix of in-person and synchronous Zoom class sessions. Students will complete a total of 1,000 clinical hours in a practicum experience normally completed at the student’s workplace as part of the capstone.
Note: Advanced practice nurses may be eligible for a credit up to 500 hours.
The DNP program is a five (5) semester program scheduled as fall, spring, summer, fall, and spring.
Clinical hours are required, specific to your DNP role, and are usually completed at your place of employment. Total practicum hours required: 1000 (500 may be transferred in if the applicant is a nationally certified as a 1) Nurse Practitioner, 2) Clinical Nurse Specialist, 3) Nurse Anesthetist, or 4) Nurse Midwife.
The scholarly doctoral project, the culminating experience, includes a three-semester Integrative Clinical Scholarship experience, embedded in a clinical setting; examples include an evidence- based practice project, translational research, program evaluation, consulting project or a quality improvement project. Students will accrue approximately 400 clinical hours during the doctoral project. Each student will work with a faculty team leader and doctoral committee.
The program is designed so that the student can work full-time and, with permission of current employer, the doctoral project may be completed within the students’ work setting. However, this is a rigorous and demanding doctoral curriculum and many students may find it appropriate to cut back on hours or take release time during some portions of their doctoral studies.
Students are required to be available for classes all day on Fridays, for the entirety of the program.
Current tuition and fees can be found on the One Stop Website.
Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Doctoral students are eligible for financial aid. Students must complete the FAFSA application. For further information, please visit the Financial Aid website.
Scholarships/Grants available for DNP students:
- CSU DNP Tuition Grant: Provided by the CSU Chancellor's Office; the grant reduces tuition for eligible students with financial need. To be eligible, students must complete a FAFSA each year.
- Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP ): CDIP prepares promising doctoral students for CSU faculty positions by providing financial support, mentorship by CSU faculty and professional development and grant resources.
- Resources to apply for other scholarship and grant opportunities will be provided to admitted students.
Between 12 to 18 students will be admitted. Cohorts begin only in the fall semester. Admitted students are expected to complete the degree within 5 consecutive semesters of admission.
Yes! California State University, Los Angeles, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, each degree program within the School of Nursing at Cal State LA is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Masters of Science degree in Nursing from an accredited (NLN or CCNE) program
- Minimum MSN GPA of 3.0
- Current, unrestricted license to practice nursing in California
- Indirect Care Track: A Master’s in Nursing with specialty in Leadership/Administration, Nursing Education, Community Health Nursing, or Nursing Informatics. MSN degrees with another focus will be considered.
NOTE: National certification is not required but recommended.
- Direct Care Track: A Masters degree in Nursing and national certification as a Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Midwife.
NOTE: National certification must be completed by July 1 prior to the beginning of
classes. Direct Care Applicants should possess national certification in their specialty
area. Applicants with more than one advanced practice specialty should have national
certification in the specialty in which they plan to complete their doctoral project.
- If selected after a review of the application, the applicant will receive a faculty panel interview and complete a proctored writing evaluation (scheduled by the faculty).
No, the GRE is not required.