“Though the preparation to become a highly qualified nurse is demanding, the practice of nursing is one of the most noble and rewarding callings that an individual can pursue.”
Karen Bradley, DNP Vice President for CBU Health; Dean, College of Nursing
Program Distinctives
Develop as a Leader
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at CBU is guided by nationally recognized core competencies and guidelines. Didactic and practice experiences are provided so the student can demonstrate integration of advanced nursing knowledge. 01
Reach Your Goals at Your Convenience
The program is designed for the working professional and features an onlineasynchronous class delivery for flexible learning. Students meet on campus 3–4 times throughout the duration of the program. While on campus, students have the opportunity for group engagement, collaboration and mentoring.
Work on Projects That Solve Real-World Challenges
Students start working on a DNP project in the first semester with their DNP team, which consists of a faculty advisor and organization mentor. Students have implemented projects such as creating a nurse-managed, heart-failure clinic at Riverside Medical Clinic, developing an online app with resources for nurses and leaders to address compassion fatigue, and collaborating with the Riverside Department of Public Health to empower public health nurses to be prepared as first responders in disasters. 03
Online with residency participation at key intervals throughout the program.
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Approved by California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
**Optional concentration program length and program cost not included. See page 9 for cost details per concentration.
We exist to educate competent, responsible, caring and professional nurses prepared from a biblical worldview to serve locally, nationally and globally; revering the human dignity of all persons created in the image of God.
Facility Highlight
We believe that nursing is a human science, and the essence of nursing is found in the relationship a nurse establishes with the patient, their family and the community. Integrating the latest science and technology, the College of Nursing combines innovative leadership and nursing theory in order to promote excellence globally.
The College of Nursing also features a special simulation room called the “Black Box Room” where nursing students experience an immersive simulation in public health, emergency and cross-cultural situations.
Faculty Spotlight
Lorraine
Shields,
DNP
Program Director, Doctor of Nursing Practice
My dad always takes credit for my becoming a nurse. He saw something in me and was always supportive throughout my education. I am thankful for that guidance because it set me on an amazing career journey.
When I finished school, I wanted to work with heart patients, but God had a different plan. He opened the opportunity for me to start my first job in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Neonatal has been my specialty field now for 43 years! I have been a bedside nurse, transport nurse, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Working with fragile neonates and their families has brought the most fulfilling moments of my nursing career. I have been so blessed to work with teams providing the best care possible to such vulnerable patients and to be in a position to support, educate, encourage, and celebrate with families through a very difficult journey. My experiences led to my doctoral work entitled “Development of an Evidence-Based Family-Centered Neonatal Discharge Pathway.”
My other passion is nursing excellence and professional development. I am committed to advancing the nursing profession and recognizing our vital contributions to patient outcomes and healthcare at the local, national, and global levels. Nurses provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients, families, and the public about various health conditions. Nurses provide advice and emotional support and also have opportunities to provide spiritual support to patients and their families during the most difficult times of their lives.
I truly believe that nursing is a calling. I am so thankful to my dad. He did not live to see me receive my doctoral degree, but I carried a picture of him during my hooding ceremony. I also am so thankful that God has had His hand on all my days. God has provided amazing opportunities and mentors that have supported my growth and love for the profession. He has led me to CBU, where I continue to “Live My Purpose.” I consider being called a nurse a great privilege and a blessing.
Degree Requirements
Clinical Hours Total for DNP
(MSN clinical hours may be transferred in on approval)
Core Courses
NUR 700 Nursing Science and Translational Research
NUR 705 Organizational Systems Leadership
NUR 710 Population Health
NUR 720 Systems Evaluation and Scholarship
NUR 725 Healthcare Finance
NUR 730 Transformational Technology
NUR 735 Statistics for Health Sciences
NUR 740 Health Policy and Advocacy
NUR 750 Innovation in Quality and Safety
Project/Practicum Courses
NUR 702 Project Planning I Practicum
NUR 712 Project Planning II Practicum
NUR 722 Project Planning III Practicum
NUR 790 Translational Research Residency I
NUR 791 Translational Research Residency II
NUR 792 Translational Research Final Project
hours
units
Admissions Requirements
Application for admission with a $45 application fee.
Completion of a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or the evaluated equivalency. Applicants with a master’s degree in another discipline may be evaluated for admission on an individual basis (not valid for AGACNP, FNP and PMHNP options).
Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
An active, unencumbered California Registered Nursing (RN) License.
Verification of MSN-level supervised practice hours.
Certification as an advanced practice nurse (preferred, if applicable).
Professional resume or curriculum vitae, including work experience, educational leadership, professional organization activities and scholarly activities.
Successful interview with the College of Nursing.
An applicant whose first language is not English and/or does not have a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction is required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a recent TOEFL or IELTS score.
Professional essay less than 1,000 words, written in APA format, discussing the following required elements:
• Your decision to pursue a doctoral degree in nursing, including the reasons for this pursuit, important life experiences that have led you to the field, and why you believe you would be a good fit for the CBU DNP program
• Some of the challenges you anticipate facing in a doctoral program in nursing, including how you expect to overcome these struggles
• Your identification of a problem that requires additional scholarship, clinical expertise, and/or leadership expertise to affect a system change relevant to emerging healthcare issues
• A potential doctoral-level project that would address the identified problem. You should also include the reason for your interest in this topic as a potential project and how doctoral education is necessary for you to address this problem.
• How you will integrate your doctoral education into your future personal and professional goals
• Your views on faith and how you can integrate Christian ethics and values as a doctorally-prepared nurse leader
• Reason for choosing California Baptist University
The following clearances are required upon admission:
• CPR Certification
• Background Check Clearance
• Health Clearance
Prerequisites*
• Research
• Advanced Pathophysiology**
• Drug Testing
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Proof of Professional Liability Insurance
• Advanced Pharmacology**
• Advanced Physical Assessment**
*Must be completed at the graduate level with a “B-” or higher and approved by the College of Nursing. Prerequisites can be completed at CBU.
** Required within the last five (5) years for Advanced Practice Options: AGACNP, FNP, PMHNP
How to Apply
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01 Send official college or university transcripts.
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Submit a Graduate Application at calbaptist.edu/gradapp.
Application Deadline
Priority
Standard May 15 August 1
Provide any supplemental documents required.
Ready to take the next step? Follow this QR code to start your application!