California DNP Programs with Online Options
Samuel Merritt University (Oakland, CA)
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Post‑Master’s DNP (online) for nurses with an MSN—also offers BSN‑to‑DNP hybrid options.
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Fully asynchronous coursework with both full‑ and part‑time options to accommodate working professionals.
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Most coursework is online; clinical hours must be completed in person locally.
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WSCUC and CCNE accredited. 1,000 clinical/practicum hours required.
San Jose State University (Valley Foundation SON)
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MSN‑to‑DNP program mainly online with three on‑campus intensives (orientation, mid‑program, and final project).
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Typical duration: ~23 months (five semesters), cohort‑based starting each Fall.
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1,000 practicum hours; highlights flexibility for working RNs.
UC Irvine (University of California, Irvine)
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Offers both BSN‑to‑DNP (FNP) and MSN‑to‑DNP tracks.
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Primarily online (synchronous/asynchronous), with occasional on‑campus intensives.
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BSN‑to‑DNP takes ~3 years; MSN‑to‑DNP around 2 years if prior practicum hours applied.
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Accredited by CCNE.
Samuel Merritt University (again)
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Reinforcing: SMU is well-regarded in CA for employment outcomes—86% of employers prefer SMU grads.
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Online but requires completion of clinical/practicum hours—and they must be in‑person.
Loma Linda University
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Offers BSN‑to‑DNP and MSN‑to‑DNP in a hybrid format (part‑time option available).
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Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration is hybrid—includes required on‑campus labs, exams and seminar weeks.
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Program is intensive, with exam days and labs mandated in person each quarter.
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Year 1–4 tuition ranges (2025–26): ~$28,700 → ~$44,200 annually.
Azusa Pacific University
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DNP program is 100% online (must reside in CA and have RN + MSN/BSN–MSN).
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Tuition per unit: ~$1,160; includes clinical fees.
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International students on F‑1/J‑1 visas are not eligible at this time.
Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego)
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Offers BSN‑to‑DNP and MSN‑to‑DNP, delivered in primarily online/asynchronous format with optional on‑campus intensives.
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Tracks include leadership/management and CNS specialization.
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Accredited by CCNE and California BON.
Brandman University (Irvine)
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Hybrid MSN‑to‑DNP & BSN‑to‑DNP programs in Family or Psychiatric Mental Health NP.
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Flexible online coursework with some on‑campus intensives.
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Accredited by CCNE.
Western University of Health Sciences (Pomona)
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MSN‑to‑DNP (online) focused on Clinical Nursing Practice.
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Entire coursework online, with required clinical/practicum completed locally.
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CCNE accredited.
CSU Fresno & Cal State Campuses
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CSU Fresno + SJSU joint MSN‑to‑DNP (mostly online with some campus intensives).
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CSU Long Beach, CSU Los Angeles, and Fullerton offer hybrid post‑BSN or post‑MSN DNP tracks including nurse anesthesia and direct care leadership roles.
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In‑person intensives and clinical requirements vary by campus.
University of San Francisco (USF)
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Both BSN‑to‑DNP (FNP & PMHNP) and MSN‑to‑DNP programs; hybrid model with scheduled campus visits.
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Includes specialties like Executive Leadership and Population Health Leadership.
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Accredited by CCNE and applies AACN DNP standards.
UC Davis Nurse Anesthesia DNP
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Newly accredited (January 2025) program—DNP for CRNA with online coursework and required on‑campus simulation and clinical training.
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Full‑time, three‑year itinerary with 1–2 days/week in‑person simulation, intensives, and clinical rotations across CA.
Summary Comparison Table
| University & Location | Track & Format | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samuel Merritt (Oakland) | MSN‑to‑DNP Online / BSN‑to‑Hybrid | Fully online lectures; local clinical hours |
| San Jose State (San Jose) | MSN‑to‑DNP (online with intensives) | 3 campus visits across 23 months |
| UC Irvine (Irvine) | BSN→DNP & MSN→DNP (mostly online) | Occasional campus sessions, clinical hours |
| Loma Linda (Loma Linda) | BSN→DNP & MSN→DNP (hybrid) | Campus labs/exams each quarter; part‑time |
| Azusa Pacific (Azusa) | 100% Online (MSN→DNP) | Accessible within CA, no campus required |
| Point Loma Nazarene (San Diego) | Online (with optional intensives) | Asynchronous; optional on‑campus experiences |
| Brandman Univ (Irvine) | Hybrid DNP (Family/Mental Health) | Blended learning with intensives |
| Western Univ (Pomona) | MSN‑to‑DNP Online | Clinical completed locally |
| CSU Fresno / CSULB / CSULA / Fullerton | Hybrid (varies by campus) | Some in‑person intensives + clinical work |
| USF (San Francisco) | Hybrid BSN / MSN to DNP | Specialties + leadership tracks |
| UC Davis (Sacramento) | Hybrid DNP Nurse Anesthesia | On‑campus simulation 1–2 days/week |
Things to Consider
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Accreditation: Most are CCNE‑accredited; UC Davis CRNA track has COA accreditation effective Jan 2025.
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Clinical/practicum hours: Required in-person (around 1,000 hours). Online programs do not waive clinical requirements.
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On‑campus residence: Hybrid programs require campus presence for exams, labs, or intensives.
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Cost: Online options often cost less than full-time on-campus.
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Duration & Pace: Many online tracks (~2–3 years), with part‑time options at SMU or LLU.
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Reputation: Some concerns about use of lower‑tier online schools; reputable regional accreditation and outcomes matter.
Next Steps
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Choose a track: BSN→DNP or MSN→DNP?
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Decide whether you want fully online (e.g. Azusa Pacific, SMU) or hybrid (e.g. SJSU, UC Irvine).
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Review specialty options (FNP, PMHNP, leadership, nurse anesthesia, CNS).
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Compare tuition, time to completion, and admissions deadlines (many start in Fall).
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Confirm licensure requirements, especially if you plan to complete clinical hours in California.
