--- title: Doctoral Program in Nursing | MSMU Los Angeles description: Interested in furthering your career in Nursing? Learn about Mount Saint Mary’s University LA’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). image: https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/nursing-3.jpg --- [![Logo MSMU](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/Logo%20MSMU.svg "Logo MSMU")](https://www.msmu.edu/) - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [Request Info](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/request-info/?utm_source=ddexplore) Menu - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [![Request Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb) Search [Home](https://www.msmu.edu/) / [Graduate Admission](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/graduate-admission/) # DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP) [Request More Information](https://explore.msmu.edu/doctor-of-nursing-practice#RMI) ## Join the Mount's New Doctor of Nursing Practice Our 2-year, 37-unit online DNP program prepares you for elite leadership and educator roles. ![Computer Monitor Icon@2x](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20144%20x%20144/Computer%20Monitor%20Icon@2x.png?width=100&height=100&name=Computer%20Monitor%20Icon@2x.png "Computer Monitor Icon@2x") Mode of Study --- Asynchronous Online ![Schedule Icon@2x](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20178%20x%20178/Schedule%20Icon@2x.png?width=100&height=100&name=Schedule%20Icon@2x.png "Schedule Icon@2x") Specialty Tracks --- Nurse Educator Organizational Leadership ![pm-icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/200x200%20Icons/pm-icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=pm-icon.png "pm-icon") Timeframe --- 2 Years (37 Units) [Request More Information](https://explore.msmu.edu/doctor-of-nursing-practice#RMI) ## THE DNP EXPERIENCE As a pioneer in Nursing Excellence, the Mount offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program that is flexible, affordable and encourages you to bring your real-world experience into the classroom. Apply concepts pertinent to your current organization in real-time, turning your professional environment into a center for doctoral innovation. ![AdobeStock\_565569535](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_565569535.jpeg?width=2000&height=1285&name=AdobeStock_565569535.jpeg "AdobeStock_565569535") ### BENEFITS Students in the program will benefit from the following components: - **Accelerated Learning:** Most foundational courses are delivered in 8-week terms. - **1,000 Residency Hours:** Up to 500 hours may be transferred from your MSN. - **Scholarly Capstone:** Address a significant issue within your practice setting through a final project that demonstrates doctoral-level mastery. ### OUTCOMES Graduates emerge as leaders in interprofessional health groups, ready to: - Apply advanced theories to complex health challenges - Lead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives - Influence healthcare policy at state and federal levels - Integrate ethics, information science, and health literacy into systems-level care ![AdobeStock\_767599569](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_767599569.jpeg?width=2000&height=1334&name=AdobeStock_767599569.jpeg "AdobeStock_767599569") ## PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS ![thrive-icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Graduate%20Programs/Graduate%20Landing%20Pages/Images/thrive-icon.png "thrive-icon") ### Career Growth Transition from clinical practice to high-level organizational influence. Whether you choose the Nurse Educator or Organizational Leadership track, our DNP curriculum is mapped to the AACN Essentials Level 2. You’ll graduate prepared to lead interprofessional teams, influence health policy, and drive innovation in both academic and clinical environments. ![serving hands icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Graduate%20Programs/Graduate%20Landing%20Pages/Images/serving%20hands%20icon.png "serving hands icon") ### Mission Rooted in our legacy as California’s first nursing program, the MSMU DNP integrates the liberal arts to address complex social issues. You will gain the ethical frameworks and health literacy skills needed to champion health equity, advocate for vulnerable populations, and advance healthcare accessibility. ![world-icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Graduate%20Programs/Graduate%20Landing%20Pages/Images/world-icon.png "world-icon") ### Flexible Online Format Our online DNP program provides the flexibility and support you need to balance your career and academic goals. Complete all didactic and theory courses fully online, while engaging with faculty and peers through virtual advice, tutoring, and stimulating discussion threads.  [Request More Information](https://explore.msmu.edu/doctor-of-nursing-practice#RMI) ## SPECIALTY TRACKS We offer two specialized tracks for advanced impact. Our curriculum aligns with AACN Level 2 competencies, preparing you for leadership at the highest level. ![AdobeStock\_762270497](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_762270497.jpeg?width=2000&height=1333&name=AdobeStock_762270497.jpeg "AdobeStock_762270497") ### DNP IN NURSING EDUCATION Graduates of the DNP Nurse Educator track will demonstrate competencies that align with the National League for Nursing (NLN) Nurse Educator Framework, emphasizing systems-level leadership within academic settings and skills in:  - Strategic curricular design and evaluation - Accreditation preparedness and alignment - Educational research - Effective use of educational technologies across both university and clinical environments. ### DNP IN LEADERSHIP DNP in Organizational Leadership students will demonstrate competencies aligned with the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), with emphasis on: - Systems-level leadership - Strategic planning - Legislative advocacy - Research translation - Strategic engagement ![AdobeStock\_1193621692](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_1193621692.jpeg?width=2000&height=1334&name=AdobeStock_1193621692.jpeg "AdobeStock_1193621692") ## FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about obtaining a DNP degree. If you still have questions, or would like to speak with an admission advisor, we encourage you to reach out by completing the form below.  ### What does a doctor of nursing practice do? DNP-prepared nurses lead healthcare organizations, step into nursing education, drive quality improvement initiatives, and influence health policy at the institutional, state, and federal levels. The role varies by specialty: some DNP graduates lead academic programs, while others take on executive or administrative roles within health systems. ### What can I do with a DNP degree? DNP degree programs open doors to leadership roles in both clinical and academic settings, including nurse educator, program director, chief nursing officer, and healthcare administrator. At MSMU, graduates choose between two specialty tracks, Nurse Educator and Organizational Leadership, to align their degree with their career goals. ### How long is a DNP program? Admission to a DNP program typically requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and active RN licensure. From there, students complete advanced coursework, clinical residency hours, and a scholarly capstone project, all of which are built into MSMU's two-year online program. ### How much does a doctor of nursing practice make? Doctor of nursing practice salaries vary by role, setting, and region, but the degree typically positions graduates for higher earning potential than master's-prepared nurses. Leadership and administrative roles in healthcare organizations tend to command the most competitive compensation. ### START YOUR SUCCESS STORY ## Get in touch with the Mount ![AdobeStock\_570503324](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_570503324.jpeg?width=2000&height=1334&name=AdobeStock_570503324.jpeg "AdobeStock_570503324") ## Connect with the Mount today! ![Information Icon@2x](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Information%20Icon@2x.png) ### [Explore Our DNP Degree](https://www.msmu.edu/departments/nursing/doctor-of-nursing-practice/) ![Explore Icon@2x](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Explore%20Icon@2x.png) ### [Explore Specialty Tracks](https://www.msmu.edu/departments/nursing/doctor-of-nursing-practice/#d.en.381831) ![Application Icon@2x](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Application%20Icon@2x.png) ### [Start an Application](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/graduate-admission/the-application-process/) ![Aid Icon@2x](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Aid%20Icon@2x.png) ### [Discover Financial Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/graduate-programs/academics/financial-aid/) ![MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA.png?width=246&name=MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA.png "MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA") [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/2427c2c8-6355-4826-ab87-f827663fc641.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/2427c2c8-6355-4826-ab87-f827663fc641) [![Request Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/62894ca9-2748-4120-adca-395f88962c42.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/62894ca9-2748-4120-adca-395f88962c42) [![Plan a Visit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/7d765942-974f-48c0-808d-47b1f425de9f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/7d765942-974f-48c0-808d-47b1f425de9f) WEST LA ### Chalon Campus 12001 Chalon Road Los Angeles, CA 90049 310.954.4000 DOWNTOWN LA ### Doheny Campus 10 Chester Place Los Angeles, CA 90007 310.954.4000 - [Academic Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/) - [Academic Calendar](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/registrar/academic-calendars/) - [Careers at The Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/human-resources/employment/) - [Information Technology Resources](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/information-technology/) - [Accreditation](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/accreditation/) - [Academic Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/) - [Academic Calendar](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/registrar/academic-calendars/) - [Careers at The Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/human-resources/employment/) - [Information Technology Resources](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/information-technology/) - [Accreditation](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/accreditation/) - - - - [Website Feedback](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/website-feedback/) - [Campus Safety](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/campus-security/) - [Title IX](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/title-ix/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/privacy-policy/) - [Institutional Complaint Process](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/financial-aid/institution-complaint-process/) - [Non-Discrimination Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/support-resources/title-ix/prohibiting-unlawful-harassment-and-discrimination/) - [Website Feedback](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/website-feedback/) - [Campus Safety](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/campus-security/) - [Title IX](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/title-ix/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/privacy-policy/) - [Institutional Complaint Process](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/financial-aid/institution-complaint-process/) - [Non-Discrimination Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/support-resources/title-ix/prohibiting-unlawful-harassment-and-discrimination/)