Admission Requirements

Doctor of Nursing Practice Admission Requirements

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found in the Admissions section of the University Catalog. Additional application requirements for the doctoral program in Nursing are:

1. Grade Point Average

• A minimum 3.3 GPA for unconditional admission and a minimum 3.0 GPA for conditional admission

2. Prerequisites: All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or higher

• Statistics
• Research
• Advanced Pathophysiology (required for FNP option)
• Advanced Pharmacology (required for FNP option)
• Advanced Physical Assessment (required for FNP option)

3. Completion of a Master’s Degree

• A master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation is required. (This is required for the FNP option).
• Applicants with a master’s degree in another discipline may be evaluated for admission on an individual basis. (This is not valid for the FNP option).

4. Current California Registered Nursing (RN) license
5. Clearances

• CPR Certification
• Background Check Clearance
• Health Clearance
• Drug Testing
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance

6. Three Recommendations completed on forms provided

• Must be from sources who can personally attest to the candidate’s potential for scholarly and professional success (academic or employer). Family members and friends may not complete recommendations.

7. Written essay of no more than 1000 words about a potential project that includes the following:

• Identify a problem that requires a system change relevant to emerging healthcare issues and need for this change
• Reason for interest in this topic as a potential project
• How problem is applicable to the DNP-prepared health care provider
• How having a doctoral education will be integrated into your personal professional goals
• Reasons for choosing California Baptist University

8. Current professional resume

• Must include work experience, professional activities, and scholarly activities

9. Successful Demonstration of Writing

• Examples of writing competence include publications or master’s degree research paper

10. Successful Interview with College of Nursing

Program Requirements (36-62 Units)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is an interdisciplinary, indirect care, practice-focused program which prepares graduates to function in an independent leadership role in the development of community based, interprofessional, and collaborative solutions to the problems facing under served and vulnerable populations. Graduates of the DNP program will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are important to the care of underserved and vulnerable populations in the community and across health care settings globally.

Optional Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (26 units)

• NUR 569 - Family Nurse Practitioner I
• NUR 569P - Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum I
• NUR 572 - Family Nurse Practitioner II
• NUR 572P - Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum II
• NUR 574 - Family Nurse Practitioner III
• NUR 574P - Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum III
• NUR 576 - Family Nurse Practitioner IV
• NUR 576P - Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum IV
• NUR 597 - Comprehensive Examination