Additional Admissions Requirements

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found in the admissions section of the University Catalog.  In addition, each candidate must meet the following requirements for this program:​​​

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• 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
  • Applicants with a master’s degree in another discipline may be evaluated for admission on an individual basis. (This is not valid for the AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP option)
• Prerequisites (completed with a “B-” or better)
  • Research
  • Advanced Pathophysiology (for AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP option)
  • Advanced Physical Assessment (for AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP option)
  • Advanced Pharmacology (for AGACNP, FNP, or PMNNP option)
  • Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Physical Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology must be completed within the last five years
• An active, unencumbered California Registered Nursing (RN) License
• Certification as an advanced practice nurse (preferred, if applicable)
• Verification of MSN-level supervised practicum hours
• Complete a successful interview with the College of Nursing
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae, including: work experience; educational, leadership, and professional organization activities; and scholarly activities
• Required clearances (upon admission):
  • CPR Certification
  • Background Check Clearance
  • Health Clearance
  • Drug Testing
  • Proof of Health Insurance
  • Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance
• In place of a statement of purpose, a 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

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 Concentrations (12-33 units)

Students may, in addition to the core requirements, complete an optional concentration in one of the following: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner; Family Nurse Practitioner; Nurse Educator; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner