The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for nurses with a master's degree, the DNP program equips advanced practice nurses with the skills necessary to translate nursing research into high-quality clinical practice. This program emphasizes applying evidence-based knowledge to improve healthcare systems, enhance the quality and safety of care, and achieve better patient outcomes.

Obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice may help position you for leadership roles in clinical practice and in academia. Many administrative, management, and executive level roles in nursing education and clinical setting are held by individuals with a DNP degree. The positions DNP program graduates could potentially qualify for include: Nursing Faculty, Nursing Deans, Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Nursing, and Healthcare Administrator.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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