MSN-DNP Program

Dear Prospective MSN-DNP Student

Welcome to the Master of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN-DNP) Program at California State University, Bakersfield. As the Founding Director of the DNP Program, I am delighted that you are considering advancing your education and joining our community of nursing leaders and scholars.

The MSN-DNP pathway is designed for master's-prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who are ready to expand their impact as clinical leaders. Whether you are a practicing APRN seeking to advance your career, strengthen your leadership skills, or remain competitive in today's evolving healthcare environment, this program provides the knowledge and tools to lead meaningful change. Through advanced study in evidence-based practice, implementation science, quality improvement, and systems leadership, you will be prepared to influence healthcare delivery, improve patient and population outcomes, and drive innovation within your organization and beyond.

I look forward to partnering with you as you take the next step in your professional journey and achieve the highest level of nursing practice.

Sincerely,
Heidi He, DNP, FNP-C, CHSE, CNE, PHN
Graduate Program Director

Program Information

The purpose of the MSN-DNP Program is to meet the emerging educational and scholarly standards for advanced nursing practice. This full-time 15-month, four-semester program is designed for master’s prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Nurse Anesthetists and Nurse Midwives, who are seeking the terminal degree in nursing discipline and to be prepared for autonomous clinical practice and interprofessional leadership at the highest level.  Students are accepted every fall semester.  Part-time schedule is also available.

Courses will be held as follows:

• Hybrid program with both synchronous and asynchronous courses
• A minimum of 500 clinical hours is required with evidence of national certification

Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at CSUB is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Upcoming CCNE Accreditation Visit - Fall 2026

The CSUB Department of Nursing is pleased to announce that a scheduled CCNE accreditation review will be conducted in person September 30-October 2, 2026. This review will evaluate the Master of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN-DNP) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) programs

As part of the CCNE accreditation process, the Department of Nursing invites local healthcare agency representatives, local healthcare consumers, nursing faculty members and administrators, current and prospective students, and alumni to provide written input into the deliberations of the CCNE evaluation team. Written third-party comments regarding our programs’ adherence to the CCNE's Standards for Accreditation may be submitted until September 9, 2026, at thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org.

The CCNE shares third-party comments only with evaluation team members, who consider comments which relate to accreditation standards. Please review the CCNE’s Standards for Accreditation of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Programs.

Virtual Information Sessions

These informational sessions are designed for students who are interested in apply for one of the DNP Programs for the Fall 2026 application cycle. The sessions will include an overview of admissions requirements, applications, and general information.

All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom - registration is required. After you register for a session, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the meeting.