Advance Your Practice with the APRN to DNP Pathway
The APRN to DNP Pathway is a post-master’s doctoral program for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who want to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The program prepares APRNs for leadership in clinical practice, health systems, quality improvement, and policy.
Role and Qualifications
This pathway follows an executive format designed for working professionals.
Courses are delivered across three online weekend sessions
Each weekend includes three hours of synchronous instruction and twelve hours of asynchronous learning
Two required on-campus sessions: Immersion Weekend at program start and final DNP Project presentation weekend
Clinical courses are immersion practicum experiences in faculty-approved, in-person, precepted settings
Students are admitted as a cohort each Spring and Fall
Curriculum
The following course sequence is required for this curriculum.
Semester 3
Semester 4
Semester
Course No.
Course Title
Units
Clinical Hours
Semester 1
DNP 701
Doctor of Nursing Practice Roles and Theory Development
4
–
DNP 729
Health Care Organizational System Leadership and Financial Management
4
–
Total Semester Units/Hours
8
–
Semester 2
DNP 707
Data Analysis for Evidence Based Practice
4
–
DNP 711
Quality Improvement and Management for Research and Practice (QIP 1)
1 (4)
180
Total Semester Units/Hours
5 (4)
180
Semester 3
DNP 703
Information Systems for Quality Improvement of Patient Care
3
–
DNP 725
Interprofessional Research and Practice
3
–
DNP 728
Seminar in Evidence-Based Quality Improvement for Scholarship and Practice (QIP 2)
1 (6)
270
Total Semester Units/Hours
7 (6)
270
Semester 4
DNP 731
Health Care Policy and Advocacy
3
–
DNP 735
Clinical Preventions and Interventions for Population Health
3
–
DNP 739
DNP Project Residency
3 (2)
90
Total Semester Units/Hours
9 (2)
90
Program Curriculum Total Units/Hours
29 (12) Units
540 Clinical Hours
Note: You will need to register for the next semester’s classes by the designated date. If you have a technical issue in registering using the portal. Use the add/drop form and send it to registrar@cdrewu.edu. Once registered, you should see your next classes populated in your Blackboard access.
Admission Requirements
Master of Science in Nursing from a CCNE or NLN CNEA-accredited institution
Active and unencumbered RN license in California and in the state where clinical hours will be completed
Current certification in an Advanced Practice Nursing specialty
Two letters of recommendation
Official transcripts from all previous institutions
Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. In each case, additional supplemental items may be required.
Select the APRN-to-DNP Pathway when completing your application.
Tuition
Understanding the Cost of Your DNP Education
Planning your APRN to DNP education at Charles R. Drew University means understanding the full picture of tuition and related expenses.
The total cost of attendance includes:
Tuition (Flat-rate: $9,800 per term)
INCLUDES: Books, Course Materials
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FALL 2026 or until funds are exhausted. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Actual costs vary based on individual circumstances such as housing choices, financial aid packages, and accepted student loans.
International Student Applicants
International applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program should be prepared to meet all admissions requirements outlined above.
Coursework completed outside the US must be evaluated for US course equivalency from one of the following services (course-by-course evaluation required):
If you need assistance with immigration (I-20 form, F-1 visa, SEVIS, etc.), our Office of International Affairs will be able to assist you. You can contact CDU’s Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Director, Office of International Affairs Dr. Lejeune Lockett lejeunelockett@cdrewu.edu or (323) 357-3458.
Notice of Regulatory Status in Texas
Charles R. Drew University is not regulated in Texas under Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code.
Our institution is legally authorized to offer post-secondary education and award degrees in California, where we are approved and regulated by the following agencies:
Take a closer look at our campus through the CDU Virtual Tour. Explore academic spaces, student resources, and learning environments designed to support your success.
