Post-Master's Entry to the DNP

Questions? Contact the DNP Program

Participants begin their program of study with a foundation in scientific and theoretical concepts supporting advanced nursing practice. The curriculum builds leadership and practice-based skill as students evaluate and apply evidence-based practice, explore methodology relevant to clinical practice inquiry, and evaluate organizational and systems impact on practice change, health policy, patient advocacy, quality improvement and safety across diverse populations and within inter-professional care teams.

Post-Master's Entry to the DNP Core Curriculum (Effective Fall 2024; Subject to Change)

Read descriptions about the courses in the UCSF Course Catalog. 

Quarter Courses Number of Units
Quarter 1
  • N263 DNP Prologue (2u, in person)
  • N263.11 Concepts and Contemporary Issues for the DNP (3u, online)
  • N263.12 Critical Appraisal of Evidence-Based Practice (3u, online) 
  • N463.1* DNP Practicum (1u, variable sites)
 9u
Quarter 2
  • N263.24 Organizational Systems and Economics for DNPs (2u, online)
  • N263.21 Strategic Leadership for the DNP (2u, online)
  • N463.1* DNP Practicum (2-5u, variable sites)
 6-9u
Quarter 3
  • N263.14 Improving Health Outcomes Through Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (3u, online)
  • N263.13 Methods and Measurement for Translational Practice (3u, online)
  • N463.1* DNP Practicum (1-5u, variable sites)
 7-11u
Quarter 4
  • N263.18 Advanced Concepts in Clinical Prevention and Population Health (3u, online)
  • N263A DNP Project I: Project Conceptualization and Planning (2u, online)
  • N463.1* DNP Practicum (1-5u, variable sites)
 6-10u
Quarter 5
  • N263.1 DNP Intersession (1u, in person)
  • N263B DNP Project II: Project Planning and Implementation (2u, online)
  • N263.23 Healthcare Finance for DNP Leaders (2u, online)
  • N463.1* DNP Practicum (1-5u, variable sites)
 6-10u
Quarter 6
  • N263C DNP Project III: Project Implementation and Evaluation (2u, online)
  • N263.19 Informatics for the Nurse Leader (2u, online)
  • N463.1* DNP Practicum (2-5u, variable sites)
 6-9u
Quarter 7
  • N263.2 DNP Epilogue (1u, in person)
  • N263.15 Advanced Health Policy and Advocacy (3u, online)
  • N463.1* DNP Practicum (2-5u, variable sites)
 6-9u
  Didactic Units: 36u; Practicum Units: 12-25.5u; Total Units: 53-61.5u  

* Students will enroll in the 463.1 practicum course for each quarter of their program of study. Individual quarter practicum units are determined by the total number of practice hours (i.e. one practicum unit = 30 practice hours) remaining to be completed in the program of study.

Optional electives available in select quarters.

This is subject to change and effective fall 2024.