Doctor of Nursing Practice (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.

DNP Core Curriculum (Effective Fall 2023; Subject to Change)

Read descriptions about the courses in the UCSF Course Catalog. 

Quarter Courses Number of Units
Quarter 1
  • N263 DNP Prologue (2u, synchronous)
  • 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
  • N263.14 Improving Health Outcomes Through Quality Improvement & Patient Safety (3u, online)
  • N263.15 Advanced Health Policy and Advocacy (3u, online)
  • N463.1* DNP Practicum (1-5u, variable sites)
 7-11u
Quarter 3
  • N263.13 Methods and Measurement for Translational Practice Inquiry (3u, online)
  • N263.16 Organization Systems and Healthcare Financial Management (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, synchronous)
  • N263B DNP Project II: Project Planning and Implementation (2u, online)
  • N463.1* DNP Practicum (3-5u, variable sites)
 6-8u
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, synchronous)
  • N263.21 Strategic Leadership for the DNP (2u, online)
  • N463.1* DNP Practicum (3-5u, variable sites)
 6-8u

Quarters 1, 5 and 7 immersions are synchronous (in-person or per Zoom at discretion of program).

Full-time study is six units per quarter; optional electives available in selected quarters. For more information, contact: [email protected]

* 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.