Doctor of Nursing Practice

About the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The Doctoral Degree in Nursing is the highest academic degree offered in the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing. The 40-credit program, which is completed through precepted clinical settings, provides a flexible, executive-education format in which the theoretical content of each course is taught in a one-weekend session, totaling three-weekend sessions per course. Each weekend session is online (3 hours synchronous followed by 12 hours asynchronous).

Students are required to be on campus, during the first-weekend session of the program (Immersion Weekend) and the last weekend session of the program (DNP Project presentations). The didactic portion is taught using both face-to-face and web-enhanced pedagogical approaches for student/faculty collaboration, faculty presentations, and clarification of theoretical content. All clinical courses are offered as immersion practicum experiences. 

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At a Glance

  • 40 credit hours 
  • One-year completion time 
  • Hybrid format  
  • Builds leadership and advocacy skills 

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Program Start Dates

Students are admitted to this program as a cohort in Spring and Fall. 

Fall Semester

Semester begins August
Applications due July 30th

Spring Semester

Semester begins January

Fall Semester

Applications due November 30th

doctor of nursing practice students celebrating during commencement

Why the DNP program?

Choosing CDU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers a transformative journey for advanced practice nurses aiming for leadership roles. Designed specifically for those holding a Master’s in Nursing with a Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialty, our program aligns with the ever-evolving demands of healthcare. 

Our flexible, executive-education format combines synchronous and asynchronous online classes with essential on-campus Immersion Weekends, creating a balanced blend for busy professionals. You’ll learn under the guidance of our expert faculty, leveraging real-world precepted clinical settings for hands-on experience. 

The program champions leadership and advocacy, equipping you to make policy-level changes and advocate for both the profession and patients. With 40 credits offered in a cohort-based model, you don’t just earn a degree—you become part of a collaborative community committed to elevating nursing practice and healthcare outcomes. 

students studying

Clinical Experiences

Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program complete clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including: 

  • Common Spirit 
  • Kaiser Permanente 
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital 
In my DNP program at Charles R. Drew University, the pursuit of a degree is merely a step in the journey. It's about igniting a beacon of positive change within the healthcare world. Let our unwavering determination light the way forward.”
Edwin E. Cabahug
Edwin E. Cabahug , Class of 2023

Career Options

Students who complete the Doctor of Nursing Practice program pursue careers such as: 

  • Nursing Administration and Management 
  • Healthcare Leadership 
  • Academia 

Questions? Contact Us.

Gail-Washington
Gail T. Washington, DNS, RN, FAAN
Dean, College of Nursing
Phone
Adrienne-Milbourne-t
Adrienne J. Milbourne-Thompson, MS
Retention Specialist
Phone

Upcoming Info Sessions

Accreditation

The Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by CCNE (Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education) and is approved by the California Board of Nursing.