7 Best Dual Nurse Practitioner Programs in California for 2026
Getting two nurse practitioner credentials at once is a great chance to boost your career while saving time on your education. These specialized programs in California let you earn dual certifications together instead of one at a time.
Planning your nursing career? UCLA’s School of Nursing launched its first Post BS-DNP Program in Fall 2025. This adds to California’s impressive list of DNP programs. On top of that, these dual NP programs give you several paths to choose from. UCLA offers four specialties: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care. The program’s graduates can get certified as Nurse Practitioners in California and receive national certification through ANCC or AANP.
These programs help you save time by completing two degrees in five years instead of six. This speeds up your path to advanced practice by a lot. Schools like UTHSC, Tennessee’s largest producer of doctoral students, offer dual FNP/PMHNP programs. These programs give you complete education that California just needs as it seeks more multi-specialized nurse practitioners.
1. UCLA Post BSN to DNP Dual PNP Program
UCLA’s Post BSN to DNP Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program is a top choice for nurses who want to advance their careers with specialized pediatric training. The program starts with its first cohort in Fall 2025. It gives graduates a unique dual certification pathway to work in both primary and acute care roles with children.
Program Overview
The Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track is one of four specialties in UCLA’s new Post BS-DNP program. This advanced practice pathway helps registered nurses care for patients from newborn through young adulthood (up to age 21). The dual certification gives graduates versatile skills in both wellness and illness care.
Primary Care PNP (PNP-PC) roles focus on preventive health services, patient education, and disease management. The Acute Care PNP (PNP-AC) component prepares you to work in high-intensity clinical settings with acute, critical, and complex chronic health needs. You’ll learn to use evidence-based practice guidelines and adapt treatments based on each child and family’s needs.
Admission Requirements
The program has several requirements you must meet:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program or equivalent international institution
- Active California registered nurse license
- Completion of prerequisite coursework:
- Statistics course (taken within 5 years of enrollment)
- Upper division nursing research course
- Physical assessment course
- Human physiology course (pathophysiology is not an acceptable substitute)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in prior coursework
UCLA recommends at least one year of RN experience, with two years in pediatric nursing preferred. Your application should show your professional background, leadership activities, and team experiences that relate to advanced practice roles.
Program Length & Format
The Dual PNP program takes three years of full-time study and needs 88 units across 20 courses. Students learn through classroom teaching and hands-on clinical practice. You’ll complete 600 primary care clinical hours (530 direct patient care hours plus 70 indirect hours) and 660 acute care clinical hours (600 direct plus 60 indirect).
Students get more than the required 1,000 clinical practicum hours. The program begins with a two-day immersion session before the first quarter to help students understand program requirements and campus resources.
Tuition & Fees
The program is a valuable investment in your future career. California residents pay increasing fees over three years:
- 2025-2026: $45,440
- 2026-2027: $48,692
- 2027-2028: $51,855
Non-residents pay an extra $12,245 per year:
- 2025-2026: $57,685
- 2026-2027: $60,937
- 2027-2028: $64,100
These fees include mandatory systemwide fees, professional degree supplemental tuition ($23,904-$25,548 annually), campus-based fees, UC health insurance ($6,632 annually), and summer fees when applicable.
Certification Outcomes
The program prepares you to take national certification exams in both primary and acute care pediatric nurse practitioner specialties. Employers increasingly want these certifications, and the curriculum ensures you’ll meet all eligibility requirements.
Students learn evidence-based practice, critical analysis, and how to adapt healthcare treatments to individual needs. Graduates can take leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings that serve pediatric populations.
Online Availability
The UCLA Dual PNP program runs mainly on campus. Students must attend a two-day in-person immersion before the first quarter. You’ll need to attend classes at UCLA’s Los Angeles campus.
The program teaches students to work in modern healthcare settings. You’ll learn to apply translational science to clinical practice, lead teams in various clinical settings, and provide excellent care in complex healthcare systems.
UCLA’s Dual PNP track is one of California’s newest DNP programs. It’s perfect for nurses who want to expand their practice while getting doctoral-level training. The program gives you clinical expertise, leadership skills, and academic knowledge to succeed in today’s healthcare environment.
2. University of San Francisco MPH/DNP Dual FNP Program
The University of San Francisco runs an innovative MPH/DNP Dual Family Nurse Practitioner program. This program combines advanced nursing practice with public health expertise. Nurses looking to boost their career opportunities in California’s competitive healthcare world will find this educational approach valuable.
Program Overview
The USF MPH/DNP Dual FNP program lets you earn two powerful credentials—a Master of Public Health and Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. You can complete this in five years instead of six. This optimized pathway helps you develop skills to assess community health needs and tackle health disparities through MPH coursework. At the same time, you’ll build advanced clinical expertise through the DNP curriculum.
USF’s Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you to provide detailed care throughout a patient’s life. You can work in home health, hospitals, offices, schools, community agencies, clinics, and private practices. The program focuses on independent practice and mutually beneficial alliances with other healthcare professionals. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies are key priorities.
Admission Requirements
The program needs you to:
- Submit a complete DNP application to the FNP program
- Complete the supplemental application for dual degree applicants
- Write a brief essay (about 250 words) explaining why you want the dual degree and how public health education will help you serve others
- Have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or equivalent degree from an accredited institution
- Keep a recommended minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Get one letter of recommendation showing your potential for graduate-level success
- Submit a professional résumé and statement of professional goals
- Have an unencumbered RN license
Program Length & Format
The dual degree program uses a hybrid educational model that balances flexibility with quality. MPH courses are fully online, while the DNP program mixes distance learning with in-person sessions.
DNP students attend Teaching Weekends on Fridays (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Faculty confirms specific in-person requirements. You can finish in five years instead of six. Classes run year-round during fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Clinical training needs at least 500 supervised, direct-patient care clinical hours for Nurse Practitioner certification. The program helps secure practicum placements, so you won’t need to find clinical sites yourself.
Online Availability
The program balances online and in-person learning well. MPH coursework happens entirely online, perfect for working professionals.
The DNP part uses a hybrid model with scheduled teaching weekends and distance learning. This setup lets you keep working while studying. Nurses across California can get dual np credentials without moving completely.
Students with previous coursework can transfer up to 12 credit hours from other accredited institutions if the courses match.
3. University of Tennessee Health Science Center Dual FNP/PMHNP
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center ranks among the best choices for nurse practitioners who want dual certification. Their complete FNP/PMHNP program benefits California residents seeking advanced credentials. UTHSC produces more doctoral graduates than any other institution in Tennessee and gives exceptional experience that transfers well to California’s healthcare environment.
Program Overview
The dual concentration in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner helps you get certification in both specialties after graduation. You’ll be able to diagnose and treat mental health conditions throughout life while providing complete family healthcare. The program goes beyond combining two disciplines and emphasizes practice that integrates mental and physical health.
Family Nurse Practitioner training gives you the skills to diagnose and treat patients of all ages with acute, chronic, and complex health problems. The Psychiatric-Mental Health component teaches you at least two different psychotherapy approaches with deep knowledge of psychopharmacology. Graduates become highly versatile professionals in today’s digital world.
Admission Requirements
The program has several requirements you must meet:
- You need to be a Registered Nurse with either a BSN or MSN degree
- Complete the standardized application through Nursing CAS
- Submit all application materials by May 1st
- Show you can meet Technical and Performance Standards, including:
- Perform systematic physical examinations
- Communicate findings effectively
- Build effective relationships with professionals and clients
- Analyze alterations in functional patterns accurately
- Use advanced nursing processes
Program Length & Format
Full-time DNP students typically finish in 2-3 years, based on whether they start with a BSN or MSN. You’ll need 73 credits to graduate. Part-time plans work for some concentrations but not for dual tracks like FNP/PMHNP.
Your clinical training will be extensive. Each credit equals 60 hours of clinical or laboratory experience plus about 30 hours of preparation, with a 4:1 clinical-to-lab hour ratio.
Tuition & Fees
Your costs depend on where you live. The 2025-2026 academic year costs about $11,280 annually for residents and $12,225 for non-residents. These rates might change since tuition updates happen each July.
Here’s what you’ll pay for:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing and food ($1,628 monthly)
- Books and supplies (including first-year laptop)
- Transportation ($332 monthly)
- Other expenses ($1,055 monthly plus $198 for parking)
Certification Outcomes
After graduating, you can take both national certification exams. The program prepares you specifically for certification as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
You’ll develop eight core skills: clinical reasoning, healthcare system leadership, evidence-based practice, health technology integration, health policy advocacy, interprofessional team leadership, population health concepts, and quality care design.
Online Availability
Most coursework happens online, except for in-person intensives and skills workshops. Working professionals get flexibility while developing hands-on skills through campus visits.
Think carefully about your time and career goals before applying. The dual concentration needs deep commitment. Working full-time during the program isn’t recommended because both classroom work and clinical training are demanding.
4. Rockhurst University Dual FNP/PMHNP Program
Rockhurst University offers a dual certification pathway that aligns with California’s growing need for versatile nurse practitioners. This program prepares you in two high-demand specialties at once. Your practice scope will be way beyond what single-track programs typically offer.
Program Overview
The online MSN Dual FNP-PMHNP track lets you blend two specialized nursing disciplines into one complete degree. You’ll learn to care for patients of all ages with various medical and mental health needs. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) part builds your expertise in health and wellness from pediatrics to older adults. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration teaches you to deliver mental health care to adults, children, and families.
The program runs through Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences with Jesuit values at its core. You’ll learn to care for the whole person through strong academics, varied clinical experiences, and reflective practice. You’ll build expertise in critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and healthcare leadership – skills vital for California’s complex healthcare landscape.
Admission Requirements
You’ll need these qualifications to apply:
- BSN degree from an accredited institution
- Active RN license
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Residency in one of 20 approved states
You must also show proof of immigration status for clinical placement purposes. The program keeps selective admission standards to help students succeed in this challenging curriculum.
Program Length & Format
The dual FNP-PMHNP program comes with two options: full-time (8 semesters) or part-time (11 semesters). You’ll complete 66 credits and 1,250 clinical hours – this is a big deal as it means that you’ll get more hands-on experience than single-specialty programs. The curriculum has core nursing practitioner courses plus specialty requirements for both FNP and PMHNP tracks. This prepares you for national certification in both specialties.
You can start the program at three points during the year – fall, spring, or summer. This setup helps you balance work while advancing your education.
Tuition & Fees
The complete dual FNP-PMHNP program costs $780 per credit hour plus $1,750 per practicum course. The total program investment comes to $57,300 plus fees. Saint Luke’s Healthcare System employees get a 20% tuition discount.
Financial aid options include Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), with Rockhurst’s code being 009782. Many students find the career advantages of dual certification worth the investment, especially given the strong job market for multi-certified practitioners.
Certification Outcomes
The program’s graduates shine on certification exams. They maintain a 100% first-time pass rate for FNP certification exams and a 92% first-time pass rate for PMHNP certification exams – both above national averages. These results showcase the program’s academic strength and thorough preparation.
After graduation, you can take board certification exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Having dual credentials opens up more practice options across California’s healthcare settings.
Online Availability
You’ll take all coursework online, except for brief required immersions in Kansas City, Missouri. This mix gives you convenience plus essential hands-on training. The program also helps you find appropriate clinical sites and preceptors based on your goals and location.
The clinical placement team will help secure sites near you in California, as long as you meet state authorization requirements. This support removes a common roadblock many students face during advanced nursing education.
5. University of Arizona DNP FNP + PMHNP Certificate
The University of Arizona offers California nurses a standout FNP + PMHNP Certificate option that combines two in-demand specializations. Nurses can practice in both primary care and mental health settings, which expands their career opportunities in California’s healthcare world of all types.
Program Overview
The DNP FNP + PMHNP dual specialty program prepares students to provide complete patient care throughout their lives. Students learn advanced skills in primary care and psychiatric mental health through a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes the mind-body connection. The program uses a hybrid format with online coursework and on-campus experiences.
The College of Nursing administers this respected program with full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). DNP students learn to generate and spread nursing practice knowledge. They also improve health outcomes through scientifically based advanced practice, participate in collaborative teams, and help revolutionize clinical practice.
Admission Requirements
Several key criteria determine qualification for admission:
- A BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- A current, unencumbered RN license throughout the program
- A complete application package with two recommendations, all transcripts, and a current resume/CV
BSN-to-DNP applicants don’t need an interview. International students must provide TOEFL scores (minimum 550 paper-based/79 internet-based) or IELTS scores (composite 7 with no subject area below 6).
Program Length & Format
The dual FNP/PMHNP specialty has 89 credits and needs 720 clinical hours for each specialty. Students complete at least 1,440 clinical specialty hours plus DNP project hours. Full-time students finish in 2.5 years, while part-time students take 3.5 years.
The curriculum starts with core DNP courses before moving to specialty-specific coursework. The FNP component needs 68 credit hours with 720 clinical hours. The PMHNP component requires 64 credit hours with 720 clinical hours. Students attend RISE (Required Immersive Summer Experience) twice and CPI (Clinical Practice Immersion) once during their studies.
Tuition & Fees
Published rates determine tuition costs per credit, which may change yearly. The total program cost varies between resident and non-resident students, not including additional fees.
Students can access various financial assistance options. The Behavioral Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) Program offers $28,352 scholarships to selected PMHNP DNP students who complete a 6-month clinical rotation in rural or medically underserved areas.
Certification Outcomes
Graduates can take national certification examinations in both FNP and PMHNP specialties. The program’s complete curriculum will give a solid foundation for these prestigious credentials. Students gain extensive hands-on experience through 720 clinical hours in each specialty, developing competence in both roles.
Online Availability
A hybrid educational model combines online didactic coursework, on-campus intensives, and in-person clinical placements. Students can choose full-time or part-time options during the pre-clinical portion. Part-time students must take at least 6 units per semester.
Students submit applications through NursingCAS and the University of Arizona Graduate College, selecting Arizona Online as their campus. This format offers flexibility while providing essential hands-on training for clinical excellence.
6. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals Dual Certificate
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals offers dual certification options through its post-graduate certificate programs. Nurses can expand their practice scope with these specialized programs. The dual FNP/PMHNP certificate stands out as a flexible path for advanced practice nurses who want to boost their qualifications.
Program Overview
The dual Family Nurse Practitioner/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate program gets you ready for certification in both specialties. You’ll need a master’s degree or higher in nursing to join this complete program. The program helps create clinicians who can handle care in both specialties and identify best practices in family care and psychiatric-mental health care.
Admission Requirements
These are the requirements to qualify:
- A master’s or higher degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Current certification and license as a nurse practitioner in your state
- One year of clinical experience (preferred)
The deadlines to apply are Fall: August 11th and Winter: December 15th.
Program Length & Format
Students complete the program in four semesters. You’ll need to find your own clinical sites and preceptors for practicum hours. The FNP part needs 30 credits with 540 clinical hours. The PMHNP component requires 39 credits with another 540 clinical hours.
Tuition & Fees
The 2026 tuition rate is $760 per credit. Given the dual program’s credit requirements, expect to invest around $54,720 plus about $900 in program fees. A university resource fee of $43 per credit applies, with a cap at 15 credits each semester.
Certification Outcomes
After finishing the program, you can take national certification exams for both specialties. The clinical hours you complete will meet the certification requirements for both FNP and PMHNP credentials.
Online Availability
The program uses a hybrid format and many courses are available online. You’ll need to visit the Utah campus occasionally. All clinical experiences must happen in person. California nurses who can travel for on-campus intensives will find this program suitable.
7. California State University Dual AGNP/FNP Program
California State University’s Dual AGNP/FNP Program offers an excellent path for nurses who want to earn both adult-gerontology and family practice credentials. This specialized track helps you build versatile clinical skills needed in modern healthcare.
Program Overview
The Adult-Gerontology/Family Nurse Practitioner concentration teaches you to deliver evidence-based, safe, quality patient-centered care in chronic, acute, and emergent settings of all types. You’ll gain specialized adult-gerontology training and develop skills for primary care practice throughout the entire lifespan. After graduating, you can take both Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification and Family Nurse Practitioner certification examinations.
Admission Requirements
You need these qualifications to apply:
- A completed nursing program application
- An active, unrestricted California RN license
- A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Completed prerequisites in statistics, microbiology, and chemistry with C grade or better
Program Length & Format
Most full-time students complete this program in 2.5 years. You’ll need 74-80 credit hours and 1,170 clinical hours. Starting Fall 2024, students must complete 780 hours in AGNP practicum and 780 hours in FNP practicum. Part-time options are available, but you must finish all requirements within six years.
Tuition & Fees
Each credit hour costs about $470. The total investment ranges from $34,780-$37,600 plus applicable fees because of the extensive credit requirements. The university offers several financial aid options.
Certification Outcomes
You can take both AGNP and FNP certification examinations through recognized national organizations after graduating. The program focuses on evidence-based practice and detailed patient care preparation. This lets graduates work in healthcare settings of all types with patients from diverse backgrounds.
Online Availability
The program features a hybrid format that blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. This approach gives you flexibility while ensuring you get the hands-on training needed for clinical competence in both specialties.
Make Your Choice Today
The right dual nurse practitioner program will transform your career path while making the most of your education investment. Seven outstanding programs in California and beyond offer distinct benefits based on your career goals and personal situation.
These dual certification pathways save you valuable time. You can earn two certifications together instead of spending six or more years getting them one after another. Most students complete their studies in just 2.5-5 years.
Your practice scope grows substantially with dual certification. UCLA lets you combine pediatric primary and acute care. USF integrates public health with family practice. You can also blend mental health with primary care skills. These programs prepare you to work in healthcare settings of all types.
Today’s job market rewards practitioners who have versatile skills. Graduates become highly competitive candidates who can handle both physical and mental health needs for patients of all types. This versatility is especially valuable in California’s diverse healthcare scene.
The financial aspects make sense too. The original investment runs from $35,000-$65,000 based on your program and residency status. You’ll start earning higher salaries sooner because of the faster timeline. Many programs also help offset costs with scholarship opportunities.
Programs come in different formats to fit your life and learning style. You can choose fully online courses with few campus visits or hybrid models that mix distance learning with in-person sessions. This lets you advance your education while keeping your current job.
Take time to review each program’s requirements, clinical hours, and certification outcomes before applying. Think about location, costs, reputation, and online options when you make your choice.
Dual nurse practitioner programs are shaping the future of advanced nursing education. They create versatile clinicians ready for California’s complex healthcare challenges. Your investment in these detailed educational paths will pay off throughout your career with better opportunities, stronger marketability, and improved patient care skills.