Nurse Practitioner at PLNU
Point Loma Nazarene University’s School of Nursing takes a unique approach to healthcare education. Their graduates achieved an impressive 98.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate in 2023. These results show the program’s excellence in preparing future nurses.
PLNU sees nursing as more than just technical training—it’s a sacred calling. Students learn to care for patients during their most vulnerable moments with both clinical expertise and spiritual understanding. The School of Nursing creates a vibrant Christian environment where students become skilled at evidence-based practices while developing deep compassion for holistic patient care.
PLNU has several educational paths to help you reach your career goals:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Post-Graduate Certificate programs
The program builds on five core values: caring faithfully, leading faithfully, communicating faithfully, following faithfully, and inquiring faithfully. These values are the foundations of a curriculum that creates nurses who excel in both technical skills and compassionate care.
The nursing program holds dual recognition. The California Board of Registered Nursing has approved it, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has given national accreditation. This means graduates can take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and apply for public health nursing certification.
Students start getting hands-on clinical experience with state-of-the-art technology from their first semester. BSN students receive nearly 900 hours of clinical experience—something unique to PLNU. This extensive practical training prepares students well for real-world nursing.
PLNU faculty members are both teachers and mentors. They know each student personally and help them create a healthy work-life balance—a challenge many nurses face.
PLNU’s School of Nursing prepares competent, responsible practitioners who lead and serve in professional nursing. The program gives students a strong foundation for growth and specialization, whether they want to become nurse practitioners or explore other advanced roles.
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs Available
Point Loma Nazarene University has created multiple paths to become a nurse practitioner. These options align with different educational backgrounds and career goals, showing PLNU’s dedication to supporting future advanced practice nurses.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at PLNU features three unique tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Healthcare Leadership, and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Each track serves a specific purpose – FNPs deliver primary care throughout a patient’s life, CNSs focus on specialized clinical care for specific groups, and Healthcare Leadership prepares nurses to guide teams and departments.
Students interested in the FNP specialty can choose from several entry points:
- BSN to DNP with FNP: Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can complete this 76-unit program in 10 semesters (about 3.3 years).
- MSN to DNP with FNP: Nurses holding a Master of Science in Nursing need 55-65 units based on their gap analysis, typically finishing in 10 semesters.
- Post-Graduate Certificate FNP: This path lets you earn an FNP certificate in 7 semesters through online asynchronous learning.
- RN to FNP Option: ADN or diploma-prepared Registered Nurses can take 11 units of transition courses before starting the MSN program.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist track includes three population-focused options: Adult-Gerontology CNS, Pediatric CNS, and Adult-Gerontology CNS with women’s health specialty.
PLNU’s nurse practitioner programs stand out because of their flexible format. Students can take courses online asynchronously with optional live sessions and in-person clinical experiences. This setup helps working professionals advance their careers while keeping their current jobs.
Program graduates can take national certification examinations. FNP graduates qualify for certification through both the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
PLNU’s program options give you the credentials and expertise you need to succeed in today’s evolving healthcare world.
Flexible Learning Formats
PLNU’s nurse practitioner programs offer flexibility to busy healthcare professionals. The thoughtfully designed learning format helps you advance your nursing career while maintaining your current lifestyle.
Students can complete their nurse practitioner education through a fully online asynchronous format. You have the autonomy to finish coursework according to your professional and personal commitments. This structure allows you to keep your current nursing position while advancing your education—a vital advantage when you cannot step away from clinical practice.
The program creates a personal connection through small class sizes, despite being distance-learning focused. Classes typically have 15-20 students, which promotes meaningful discussions and stronger bonds with faculty and peers. You will progress with a supportive cohort and build valuable relationships that last beyond graduation.
The learning experience has several key components:
- Fully online asynchronous coursework with optional synchronous sessions
- Two on-campus intensive weekends to collaborate in person
- In-person clinical experiences arranged near your location
- Supportive cohort model that provides continued encouragement
“The flexibility of the online program was what really drew my attention to Point Loma Nazarene University. I can travel wherever, do my homework on the airplane, and it’s just so much better for my schedule,” shares one student.
BSN-prepared nurses can complete the DNP with FNP track in 10 semesters (approximately 3.3 years). MSN-prepared nurses finish their DNP with FNP certification in 9-10 semesters, depending on their prior coursework. The post-graduate FNP certificate takes as few as 7 semesters.
PLNU recognizes the challenges of managing professional duties while pursuing advanced education. The program structure values your time while providing thorough preparation for nurse practitioner certification. This balanced approach makes PLNU’s nurse practitioner programs an excellent choice for working nurses in San Diego and beyond who want to advance their careers while maintaining their current positions.
Admissions & Prerequisites
Getting into Point Loma Nazarene University’s nurse practitioner program requires you to meet specific criteria. PLNU takes a comprehensive approach to review applications. They look at your complete profile instead of just focusing on grades.
You must have an active RN license and proven nursing experience. The program requires you to be currently employed as an RN or have at least one year of full-time nursing practice in the last five years. This clinical experience must be completed before you start any clinical coursework.
Academic qualifications include:
- A minimum 3.2 GPA for MSN/DNP programs (you might qualify with 3.0-3.199 under the Exceptions Policy)
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Two professional references from supervisors or mentors who have seen your work in academic settings
- A personal essay (250 words) that shows your graduate-level writing skills and professional goals
The application starts with an online submission and includes a $50 non-refundable fee. PLNU alumni, military personnel, and PLNU employees don’t need to pay this fee. After you submit all materials, you’ll meet with the School of Nursing selection committee.
International students whose native language isn’t English need to prove their English skills through TOEFL scores. They must score at least 550 on paper-based or 80 on internet-based tests.
Once accepted, you’ll need several additional items. These include a Healthcare Provider CPR certificate from the American Heart Association, immunization records, TB screening, HIPAA certification, and an Infection Control Module. You must also pass a background check and drug screening. Failing either test may prevent you from completing the program.
PLNU offers special pathway options if you don’t have a BSN degree. These options work with your educational background while maintaining high standards.
What Sets the NP Programs Apart at Point Loma Nazarene University
PLNU’s Nurse Practitioner programs offer much more than academic training. The Christian foundation shapes the curriculum with values-based education that prepares you to care for patients with an all-encompassing approach, not just physically.
Students benefit from small class sizes where instructors know their names and aspirations. This customized environment helps faculty members invest in your success as you progress from RN to FNP.
The program excels by combining faith-based views with evidence-based practice. Students develop clinical expertise while exploring healthcare ethics through a spiritual lens. This combination gives you the tools to handle both medical issues and fundamental human needs.
Strong partnerships with San Diego healthcare facilities create excellent clinical placement opportunities. These connections help students secure jobs after graduation, which gives PLNU nurse practitioner graduates a significant advantage.
There’s another reason the program stands out – its focus on servant leadership. Students learn to become skilled clinicians and healthcare leaders dedicated to community service and advocacy.
You’ll end up joining a community that values excellence, compassion, and integrity when you choose PLNU’s nurse practitioner program. These qualities directly enhance patient care throughout your career.