Non-APRN to DNP Pathway

The Non-APRN to DNP Pathway is a five-semester post-master’s doctoral program for MSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced leadership roles in healthcare systems, administration, education, policy, informatics, and financial management.

The program prepares graduates to implement system-level improvements and advance evidence-based practice across care settings.

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 Summer

Curriculum

The following course sequence is required for this curriculum.

Admission Requirements

If your enrollment date was prior to August 4, 2021, you must provide the AANP and or ANCC Verification of Certification.

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from a CCNE or NLN CNEA-accredited college or university.
• Active and unencumbered RN license in California and in the state where clinical hours will be completed.
• RN Licenses must be obtained prior to DNP program orientation.
• Two Letters of Recommendation (academic or professional).
• Official Transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities).
• Current Resume/CV
• Personal Goal Statement (Template) 
• Interview with DNP Program Director

Application Instructions

Apply through NursingCAS.
Application fee: $75

Select the APRN-to-DNP Pathway when completing your application.

Tuition

Tuition

• $9,800 per term, includes textbooks and course materials

Scholarship opportunities are available for Fall 2026 or until funds are exhausted. Early applications are 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):

• World Education Services (WES)
• Josef Silny & Associates (JSA)
• Global Credential Evaluators (GCE)
• International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
• Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI)
• American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers, International Education Service (AACRAO IES)

The Office of International Affairs  can assist with immigration (I-20 form, F-1 visa, SEVIS, etc.). You may 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. 

CDU is legally authorized to offer post-secondary education and award degrees in California, where it is approved and regulated by the following agencies: 

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (CCNE)

For students or other stakeholders wishing to file a complaint or contact these agencies, please refer to the following: 

• WASC Complaint Process
• CCNE Complaint Process

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