Overview
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty educates future health care leaders in clinical care, research, and policy. We are committed to training providers who are dedicated to increasing health equity.
Our specialty combines rigorous theoretical and clinical coursework with hands-on experience. Students learn to provide excellent community-based, primary care to a wide range of patient populations with complex health care needs. Our graduates work across the lifespan with diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings. We train FNPs to advocate for and empower individual patients and their families.
Now accepting applications for fall 2026. Start an application. Apply by Feb. 15, 2026.
Certifications and Licenses
- California Board of Registered Nursing, Nurse Practitioner certificate
- California Board of Registered Nursing, Nurse Practitioner Furnishing certificate
- National DEA license
- Graduates are eligible to take the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) national board certification exams for Family Nurse Practitioners.
Curriculum
Current students can visit the DNP Student Hub on the Collaborative Learning Environment site to access the curriculum (MyAccess credentials required).
For individuals applying for admission for fall 2026, the sample curriculum for the BSN Entry to DNP — Advanced Nursing Focus pathway can be viewed on our Curriculum webpage.
Faculty
Julie Poepoe, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, associate professor - BSN Entry to DNP Specialty Coordinator
Alicia Bacchus, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, assistant professor
Kimberly Baltzell, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor
Elizabeth Castillo, DNP, MPH, FNP, associate professor
Carrie Evans, DNP, FNP-BC, assistant professor
Elizabeth Gatewood, DNP, FNP-C, FAAN, professor
Bridget Gramkowski, DNP, RN, PNP-PC, associate professor
Jose Gutierrez, PhD, assistant professor
Jennifer Huggans-Zapeta, MS, RN, FNP, assistant professor
Mary Anne Israel, DNP, RN, PNP, assistant professor
Angel Kuo, EdD, MSN, PNP, professor
Andrea Kuster, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, associate professor
Carolina Noya, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, professor
Jerry John Ouner, PhD, RN, FAAN, assistant professor
Alicia Punsalan, assistant professor, DNP, FNP-BC
Kristen Sligar, DNP, RN, FNP, professor
Lisa Thompson, PhD, RN, FNP, professor
Contact Us
Specialty Coordinator: Julie Poepoe, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
[email protected]