Apply Now
Request Info
Menu
Apply Now
Request Info
    Home / Graduate Admission

    DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)

    Request More Information

     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

    Mode of Study

    Asynchronous Online

    Schedule Icon@2x

    Specialty Tracks

    Nurse Educator
    Organizational Leadership

    pm-icon

    Timeframe

    2 Years (37 Units)

    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.

    *WSCUC accreditation is pending

    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

    PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

    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

    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

    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. 

    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

    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

    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

    Connect with the Mount today!