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School of Nursing

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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.

Our vision is to be an exceptional advanced nursing degree program that prepares nurses at a doctoral level to lead healthcare change, serve as nursing faculty, and advance healthcare throughout California's communities.


DNP Information Session

Have Questions about applying to the DNP Program or would like more information? The DNP Director, Dr. Nisha Nair, will be hosting info sessions throughout the application period for Fall 2024 admission. You will be able to have a zoom meeting with the director and ask the  questions that you still have after reading through the application information.

Please submit the form below to confirm a date for a zoom information session:
DNP Info Session form




Accreditation

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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). 

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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. 

 

Fresno State DNP Cohort 2 Students, graduating Spring 2024

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APPLY TO DNP! ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS INFORMATION PRESENTATION CURRICULUM INTENSIVE DATES    
CONTACT US DNP PROJECTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WEB RESOURCES   DNP HANDBOOKS