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. 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

The application period for the Fall 2026 DNP Program will begin on October 1, 2025. Applications are reviewed upon receipt. Qualifying applicants are scheduled for interviews and will receive an admission decision as soon as 2-4 weeks after application. If you have questions about the DNP Program or the application criteria, please email the DNP Director, Dr. Nisha Nair, 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 5 - Class of 2026

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