University of San Diego Nurse Practitioner Programs
The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science at the University of San Diego has been the core of nursing excellence for over 40 years on USD’s beautiful campus. USD offers the only nursing school in Southern California dedicated exclusively to graduate education. This unique focus helps the school create exceptional programs designed for advanced nursing practice.
The school maintains an intimate learning environment with 675 graduate students and 68 faculty members. Small class sizes encourage personal connections between faculty and students that lead to collective success. The student-faculty ratio for master’s programs is 4.4:1, which gives students individual attention throughout their educational experience.
USD Nursing’s reputation stands strong. The school ranks among the top graduate nursing schools nationwide and places in the top 10% of graduate nursing programs by US News and World Report. The school earned selection as one of just 14 institutions for the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation PhD Nurse Scholars program.
Students receive both compassionate care and rigorous academics at USD Nursing. Modern technology combines smoothly with innovative teaching methods. Faculty members, as scholars and clinicians, value their students’ talents and experiences while providing mentorship and support.
USD’s nursing program makes a significant difference beyond campus. Their alumni represent 43% of Southern California’s nursing faculty, with many leading as Deans or Directors of Schools of Nursing. Faculty and students also work on International Clinical Research Missions. These missions blend clinical research with culturally competent healthcare services in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, India, Cambodia, Vietnam and Africa.
USD Nursing creates diverse nursing professionals – from nurse scientists and educators to executives and clinical scholars. The program also prepares advanced practice registered nurses, informaticists, and advanced clinical generalist nurses. This complete approach helps graduates lead in healthcare settings of all types. The program shows both educational excellence and practical efficiency with 95% of students finishing their degrees on time.
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs Available
The University of San Diego has several paths to help you become a nurse practitioner. These programs match your career goals and education level. You’ll get specialized clinical skills and prepare for certification in your chosen specialty.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program enhances your baccalaureate nursing degree with advanced coursework. BSN-prepared nurses who want to advance their clinical expertise will find this pathway valuable. You can complete the MSN program in 2-3 years while balancing your studies with clinical practice.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program creates clinical leaders with advanced nursing expertise. You can finish the BSN to DNP track in 78 to 83 units full-time or part-time. Registered nurses with bachelor’s or master’s degrees can use this doctoral path to become nurse practitioners with clinical leadership expertise.
Both programs let you specialize in:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): You’ll learn to manage health problems for individuals and families of all ages in primary-care settings
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: You’ll focus on mental health assessment and treatment
- Dual Adult-Gerontology/Family Nurse Practitioner: You’ll combine family care with geriatric expertise
- Dual Pediatric/Family Nurse Practitioner: You’ll gain skills in general family care and pediatric practice
- Emergency Care: You’ll receive advanced training as an FNP in emergency settings
- Health Systems Leadership: You’ll learn organizational and systems leadership
- Nursing Informatics and Data Science: You’ll develop expertise in healthcare technologies and analytics
Program graduates can apply for state certification as Nurse Practitioners in California. They can also get national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
MSN-educated nurses can switch specialties through Post-Graduate Certificate programs. These programs typically take about a year to complete.
Flexible Learning Formats
The University of San Diego understands that nurse practitioners must balance their work with education. Their nursing programs come with various learning formats that fit different schedules.
Students can choose full-time and part-time enrollment options in both MSN and DNP programs, with faculty support throughout their educational trip. The BSN to DNP pathway lets full-time students complete their degree in three years. Part-time students can finish in four to five years. Students can pick a pace that works best with their life situation.
Each program offers different ways to learn:
- BSN to DNP Format: Students attend campus classes at least two days per week, with extra days for clinical or practicum experiences. Some courses blend online and in-person learning through a hybrid format.
- MSN to DNP Format: Working professionals can take advantage of this hybrid program that mixes online and classroom learning. The program requires on-campus sessions just two weekends each semester. Students complete their remaining coursework online.
USD nursing programs work well with clinical nurse schedules by offering concentrated classes one full day or two half days weekly. This smart scheduling helps students arrange their work shifts and personal life around their studies.
USD’s peaceful San Diego campus encourages learning and professional development. The faculty creates courses that stay manageable throughout the year, keeping in mind their students’ job commitments.
The program’s success shows in how many nurses earn advanced degrees while working full-time at USD. This balance comes from careful program planning that considers working professionals’ needs as they advance their nursing careers.
Admissions & Prerequisites
Your journey to becoming a nurse practitioner at University of San Diego starts with the admissions process. Each program has requirements that help identify candidates who will excel in advanced nursing practice.
The MSN Nurse Practitioner programs start in fall, with deadlines of May 1 for international applicants and June 30 for domestic candidates. The BSN to DNP program accepts students once a year, with applications due March 1 for fall admission.
Candidates must have a BSN degree from an accredited institution and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. A valid, unencumbered California RN license must be active when applying. Most tracks prefer candidates with one year of acute-care RN work experience. The Emergency Care FNP program, to name just one example, requires specific experience in emergency nursing, disaster management, or military service.
Students need these items to apply:
- Online application with $55 application fee
- Statement of purpose (500 words maximum)
- Resume or CV highlighting relevant qualifications
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from your BSN-granting institution
Qualified candidates who pass the first review will receive an interview invitation as part of the selection process.
International students must meet additional requirements. These include submitting a course-by-course degree evaluation from World Education Services (WES) and proving English proficiency through TOEFL (minimum 83 internet-based), IELTS (minimum band score 7), or Duolingo English Test.
Accepted students must provide proof of specified immunizations, screening tests, a recent physical examination report, and BLS certification. This complete admissions process will give students the academic foundation and practical experience they need for advanced nursing study.
What Sets the NP Programs Apart at University of San Diego
USD’s Nurse Practitioner programs excel in clinical preparation and research opportunities. The Beyster Institute for Nursing Research makes a big difference with its 30,000-square-foot facility. This modern facility includes simulation laboratories, research spaces, and conference areas built for nursing breakthroughs.
Clinical education is the core of USD’s approach. Students work with over 1,000 preceptors and learn at 300 clinical sites throughout Southern California. This vast network gives students exposure to diverse patients during their learning experience. The program’s focus on clinical training has shown amazing results. The national certification pass rate for NP graduates approaches 100%, which is substantially higher than national averages.
USD’s dedication to interprofessional education sets it apart. Students cooperate with peers from other healthcare disciplines. This prepares them for team-based healthcare delivery in modern medical settings.
Faculty members bring valuable expertise to enhance student learning. Unlike research-focused schools, USD professors maintain active clinical practices while teaching. They bring real-life insights directly to their students.
USD emphasizes evidence-based practice through faculty-student research projects that tackle pressing healthcare challenges. Students can contribute to nursing knowledge and develop essential research skills for their future careers.
The combination of top-notch facilities, clinical opportunities, interprofessional learning, experienced faculty, and research creates a powerful educational setting for future nurse practitioners.