DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE PROGRAM

WELCOME!

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused doctoral degree, similar to a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Medicine (MD), or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), in contrast to a research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The purpose of the DNP is to develop advanced competencies for increasingly complex practice, teaching, and leadership roles in nursing, and provide an advanced educational credential for those in practice. The changing demands of this nation's complex healthcare environment require the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure quality patient outcomes.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends that the DNP be the terminal degree for nursing practice. In addition to meeting requirements of the Essentials of Doctoral Nursing Practice outlined by AACN, students complete coursework in teaching strategies, curriculum development, and may elect to complete a nursing education practicum to prepare for faculty roles.

The mission of the DNP program is to prepare promising nursing leaders, advanced practice clinicians, and nursing faculty with high leadership potential to critically examine current healthcare practices and policies from a broad theoretical and practical perspective and formulate clinical, administrative, and instructional effective leadership approaches that can improve the quality of healthcare for all populations.

Our vision is to be an exceptional advanced nursing degree program that prepares nurses at a doctoral level to lead healthcare change. DNP graduates serve as nursing faculty, as advanced healthcare stewards, and work collaboratively with other disciplines to improve healthcare systems. 

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DNP Information Session

Interested in applying to the DNP Program or simply want to learn more about it?

Join one of our Admission Information Sessions! Offered throughout the application period, these Zoom sessions with the Program Director give you a chance to get answers to your questions—whether about the application process or the program in general.

Choose a date for your Information Session

 

Fall 2027 DNP Applications Now Open

The application window for Fall 2027 admission to the DNP Program is now open.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview and may receive an admission decision within 2–4 weeks following completion of the application and interview process.

Early application is strongly encouraged.

For questions about the DNP Program or admission criteria, please contact:

Dr. Nisha Nair, DNP Program Director
nishanair@mail.fresnostate.edu 

 

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Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the California State University, Fresno is accrediated by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

 

     

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and approved by the California State University, Office of the Chancellor. 

Cohort 7 - Class of 2028

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