Masters Degree to DNP

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.

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?

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.