An MS to DNP (Master of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice) program is designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and seek to attain the highest clinical practice degree in nursing. These programs emphasize leadership, systems thinking, and evidence-based practice at the doctoral level.

Advancing from MS to DNP is a transformational step that enhances a nurse’s capability to lead, earn more, and meaningfully influence the direction of healthcare in an evolving, complex system.

The DNP program trains master's-level nurses to apply research and improve healthcare quality and outcomes.

Admissions Deadlines

All admission requirements must be completed by the deadline.  Deadlines are as follows:

  • Fall – April 15 (quarter begins in September) 
  • Winter – October 1 (quarter begins in January)
  • Spring - January 29 (quarter begins in March)

Admissions Requirements

Education

  • Baccalaureate degree or equivalent in nursing from an accredited institution.
  • Completion of a master's degree in nursing with a clinical major from an accredited program or completion of a bachelor's degree in nursing and a master's in a closely related field.
    ​- Nursing degrees must be accredited by:
    - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
    - National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
    - Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Academic Performance 

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0, both cumulative and in nursing coursework.
  • Undergraduate and Graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (cumulative and in nursing courses)

Licensure

  • Current unencumbered United States RN license at the time of application.
  • California RN license must be obtained before the start of classes and maintained throughout the program.

Experience

  • Minimum of one year of full-time RN experience is required before matriculating into clinical courses (applies to most programs).

Certification

  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) certification.

Recommendations

Two electronic recommendations following:

  • Required: Recent nurse manager or director
    ​- Additional may be either of the following:
    - Nursing peer
    - Spiritual advisor

Interview Process (if granted by the Admissions Committee)

  • Completion of the Emotional Intelligence Interview Process, which includes a meeting (in person or via Zoom) with the program coordinator and another Graduate Nursing Program faculty member.

 

Admission Requirements for International Students

International applicants (non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. permanent residents) must meet all admission requirements for the chosen program. In addition, official international transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited evaluation service. A TOEFL score may also be required. Please visit www.llu.edu/apply/intltrans for more information.

Application Fee (NursingCAS and Secondary Application)

There are two fees associated with the application:

  • $70 for the initial NursingCAS application and a $50 secondary application fee.

Transcript Requirements

NursingCAS Applicants - Transcripts must be sent by the issuing institution(s) directly to NursingCAS. You must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions that you have attended. This includes all colleges, universities, military credit, and unaccredited schools. Transcripts provided in any other manner are considered unofficial and will not be accepted for admission.

Returning LLU Applicant - If transcripts were previously sent to Loma Linda University prior to your NursingCAS application, please contact [email protected] with your full name, application term, program name, and a brief message requesting assistance with the transcript process.

Possible Careers

Possible Careers

Nursing leadership offers diverse career paths that combine clinical expertise with management, education, and strategic roles. Here are the main options:

Hospital and Healthcare System Leadership

  • Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Chief Nursing Executive - oversees all nursing operations at the executive level
  • Nurse Manager or Director - manages specific units or departments
  • Assistant/Associate Nurse Manager - supports unit operations and staff coordination
  • Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) - coordinates care at the bedside level, improving outcomes

Specialized Leadership Roles

  • Nursing Supervisor - oversees multiple units during specific shifts
  • Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Officer - leads initiatives to enhance care standards
  • Infection Control Nurse - directs infection prevention programs
  • Case Management Director - oversees care coordination and resource utilization

Education and Development

  • Nurse Educator - teaches in hospitals, clinics, or academic settings
  • Staff Development Coordinator - designs and implements training programs
  • Clinical Instructor - supervises nursing students in clinical settings
  • Dean or Director of Nursing Programs - leads academic nursing departments

Consulting and Advisory

  • Healthcare Consultant - advises organizations on nursing operations and quality
  • Policy Advisor - influences healthcare legislation and regulations
  • Accreditation Specialist - guides organizations through certification processes

Emerging Areas

  • Informatics Nurse Leader - oversees clinical technology implementation
  • Population Health Manager - coordinates community health initiatives
  • Nurse Entrepreneur - develops healthcare businesses or services

Most leadership positions require a BSN at minimum, with many requiring an MSN or DNP. Certifications like Nurse Executive (NE-BC) or Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) can enhance credentials. Would you like to know more about any specific pathway?

Course Structure/Format

Take charge of your learning with Loma Linda’s Hyperflex model. Enjoy the freedom of online learning—without sacrificing the in-person experiences that make you a confident, practice-ready nurse practitioner. Study remotely when life demands it, then join us on campus to refine the hands-on clinical skills that set Loma Linda graduates apart.

All DNP programs are offered in our Hyperflex format, blending online instruction with scheduled live sessions for real-time connection and collaboration. During each 11-week quarter, you can attend in person or online for select core courses—usually around mid-quarter (week 5).

View a sample schedule ›

Certification Pathways

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are prepared for the following certification pathways:

AONL Certification:

  • Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
  • Certified Executive in Nursing Practice (CENP)

ANCC Nurse Executive Certifications:

  • Nurse Executive – Board Certified (NE-BC)
  • Nurse Executive, Advanced – Board Certified (NEA-BC)

Students who successfully complete the ANCC or AONL certification exams are not required to take NGNL 616A, 616B, or 616C.

Accreditations

Loma Linda University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The BS, MS, and DNP Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Nurse Anesthesia Concentration is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Advanced practice nurse graduates, Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), are certified by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing and eligible to apply for certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Corporation, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, as appropriate for the area of professional practice.The California State Board has approved all programs offered at the Loma Linda University School of Nursing. Many states may offer a compact license to individuals already licensed in California. If this opportunity is of interest to you, please contact your program director. Students who decide to pursue a license in another state should check with the applicable licensing authority in that state.

Our programs address and meet outcome expectations as articulated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master’s (AACN), and DNP Essentials.

Cost of Attendance

Investing in an MSN in Nursing Administration is a powerful step toward unlocking your full potential. While tuition rates per credit hour and additional expenses like fees, textbooks, and clinical practicum costs are part of the equation, these are truly investments in a rewarding career. A variety of financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance — are available to help make this opportunity more accessible. 

The long-term benefits are compelling: advanced nursing leadership roles often lead to expanded career opportunities and increased earning potential, making this degree a smart investment in your future. With careful planning and a proactive approach to exploring financial resources, you can confidently pursue this degree and look forward to a bright and impactful career ahead.

View Expected Cost of Attendance Here

Curriculum Plan

Completing the Post-Master's Degree to DNP program at Loma Linda University equips you with advanced clinical and leadership skills, opening doors to higher-level positions in healthcare. You can expect to enhance your ability to influence patient care outcomes, lead healthcare teams, and drive innovative practices. With a DNP from Loma Linda, you'll be prepared to take on pivotal roles that shape the future of healthcare, all while embodying our commitment to whole person care.

 

MS to DNP — (full-time)
Loma Linda University - School of Nursing

Hyperflex Model: Most courses are remote. Blue-highlighted courses require on-campus sessions.
 

Reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions. We are here ready to help you.
This sample matrix is for illustration only. For the official course list and schedule, please refer to the Loma Linda University Catalog.

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