Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Earn your online Doctor of Nursing Practice from California's first nursing program
Mount Saint Mary’s University is home to the first Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in the state of California, and our new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)* program contributes to the Mount’s proud and enduring legacy in nursing excellence.
Our two-year, 37-unit online DNP program is designed to prepare indirect, advanced practice nurses for leadership roles within healthcare organizations and academic settings. With a commitment to academic rigor and nursing excellence, our program provides nurses with the skills, knowledge, and practice opportunities they need to expand health care access and improve patient outcomes. 国产传媒’s online DNP program prepares students in advanced nursing theory, educational principles, leadership practices, and modern specializations while instilling a spirit to serve others.
If you are an emerging nurse leader ready to take the next step, we encourage you to connect with us to explore how our DNP program can propel you to the next level.
*WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC) accreditation is pending.
Online DNP program highlights
Flexibility & support- 2-year completion time
- 37 units
- Online, asynchronous didactic & theory courses
- In-person residency
- 2 DNP speciality tracks
Study on your time with a flexible online format
All didactic and theory courses are completed fully online, asynchronously. Students and faculty interact in discussion threads for stimulating conversations examining multi-faceted issues. Any required meetings, such as advisement or student tutoring, are held in a virtual environment.
Most courses in 国产传媒’s DNP program are delivered in 8鈥憌eek sessions, with two sessions offered within each 16鈥憌eek semester. Courses that require advanced synthesis, iterative scholarly development, and applied learning are offered as full 16鈥憌eek semesters to ensure adequate time for doctoral鈥憀evel rigor and integration. Students who wish to complete the DNP in two years will progress through 12 sessions across 6 semesters to fulfill all program requirements.
Residency and project courses are face-to-face at a site determined by the student and clinical placement team. This hybrid format allows students to balance work, life, and their academic endeavors while completing the DNP program.
Whatever your goals, our online DNP program will provide you with the flexibility and support you need to ensure you graduate in a successful and timely manner.
Not ready for a Doctor of Nursing Practice yet? Explore 国产传媒's undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
Choose from two DNP specialty tracks
The online DNP program builds on the Mount’s strengths of providing advanced nursing degrees and high-quality graduates who can serve their communities in a highly demanding profession. The Doctor of Nursing Practice offers two tracks: Nurse Educator and Organizational Leadership.
Online DNP program outcomes
Preparing successful nurses in California国产传媒’s DNP program in California prepares nurses in advanced nursing theory and provides them with experience in specialized nursing roles within the changing patterns of healthcare. Graduates can assume leadership roles in interprofessional health groups, participate in nursing research, or lead clinical projects.
The online DNP experience
The majority of foundational courses for the online DNP program are delivered in 8-week accelerated terms, allowing students to complete the program in a condensed timeframe while maintaining academic rigor. Other courses that require deeper conceptual development or important skills and practice building care are delivered over a full 16-week semester. DNP courses include asynchronous discussions with peer interaction, keeping students engaged throughout the week. Depending on course objectives, additional activities, such as collaborative papers, case studies, or peer reviews, may also be required. Timely submission is necessary to receive credit for any assignments.
DNP residency requirements
- All DNP students must complete 1,000 total residency hours
- Up to 500 hours may be transferred from a previous graduate-level MSN program
- Residency hours must take place in California, but can be completed locally or near a student's home
- Students have access to the department's extensive clinical affiliations throughout the Los Angeles area
- Additional residency locations may be reviewed with practicum faculty and the clinical placement team
DNP final project
The DNP Scholarly Capstone Project at Mount Saint Mary’s University represents the culmination of the student’s doctoral education and serves as a demonstration of advanced nursing practice competencies. The project is grounded in evidence-based practice connected to didactic courses and residencies, and it is designed to address significant issues within the practice setting.
DNP students must pass the comprehensive exam before progressing to the final project. The comprehensive exam is administered during the final four weeks of the semester prior to enrollment in residency and final project courses. Final project committees consist of three members: two nursing faculty and one 国产传媒 faculty member from outside the department. This interdisciplinary structure strengthens academic rigor and broadens scholarly perspective. Successful completion and defense of the DNP Final Project demonstrate each graduate’s contribution to nursing knowledge and applied practice. Together, these requirements cultivate a doctoral鈥憀evel culture by immersing students in the expectations of academic and healthcare leadership.
Your workplace, your lab
Students are encouraged to bring their work experience to class and apply what they learn in real time. For example, you will explore concepts pertinent to your organization’s operation and look for opportunities to incorporate them.
Frequently asked questions about 国产传媒’s DNP
Take your next step
Sign up for an upcoming event or information session; meet with your admission counselor; explore our program pages. Then, when you're ready to apply, check out our application requirements and deadlines and get started! Apply now
Integration of the Liberal Arts
Our DNP program incorporates the to expose students to complex cultural issues, encourage innovation in the field, and enhance learning through relevant academic and professional courses of study. Incorporation of AACN Essentials, Level 2, adds innovation in conducting research. Our DNP students graduate with knowledge and skills in information sciences, health literacy, communication, and ethics.
In addition, the DNP curriculum presents various theories, including ethical frameworks that support adherence to one’s ethical and moral values to ensure safety and quality for the clients. Knowledge and skills from information sciences, health communication and health literacy are utilized by master’s-prepared nurses in their practice.
Faculty
Our DNP faculty have demonstrated nursing competencies, leadership abilities, and earned a nursing focused, terminal degree. Our faculty also maintain a strong online presence through virtual office hours, advising, and student mentoring to ensure students are integrated into the Nursing Department and the greater 国产传媒 community. We believe frequent formative feedback will support students’ academic and professional growth. We invite you to explore their areas of interest and contact them for further information.