The Doctor of Nursing Practice program exists to promote foundational competencies that are core to all advanced nurse practice in an ever-changing and globally reaching healthcare environment. Academic, practicum, and interpersonal preparation are characterized by increased depth in organizational and systems' leadership within a culture of integrity and personal accountability. Standards of ethical behavior and decision-making are essential foundations that guide individuals to distinguish ethical principles and to understand the consequences and implications beyond personal and organizational self-interest. By pursing more effective and innovative methodologies through which students utilize administrative expertise with the ability to analyze problems, structure and facilitate development, and find and implement solutions, WCU graduates can make a positive impact on society.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the Doctor of Nursing Practice must meet the following admissions requirements:
1. Complete an online application for admission.
2. Have a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized to the United States Department of Education.
3. Certification as an advanced practice nurse (if applicable).
4. Official transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities).
- Graduate research methods course taken within the past seven (7) years with a grade of C+ or better. Applicants who have not taken a graduate research methods course may take NURS 540 and earn a minimum of C+ to receive credit (must be taken prior to 700 level courses).
- Completion of an introductory course in Statistics with a grade of "C" or better. Equivalent to MATH 211 (Applied Statistics). Applicants who have not taken an introductory statistics course may take MATH 211 at WCU prior to graduate research course and/or prior to 700 level courses.
5. Have a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students with a GPA below a 3.0,. may be admissible through the conditional admission policy found in the University catalog.
6. Provide a current unencumbered license as a registered nurse required in the state in which practice will occur.
- A minimum of one year of full-time RN experience required.
7. Current Curriculum Vitae.
8. Submission of two (2) letters of recommendation from most recent employer (supervisor) and/or from a professor who can address the applicant's clinical expertise and academic preparation for the program. All recommendations must be current, typed on letterhead, and signed.
9. Program applicant Personal Statement of at least 500 words.
10. West Coast University requires proof of English Proficiency. Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.
11. West Coast University offers conditional admission to DNP applicants who are academically qualified, but have not met all the conditions for admission.
12. Virtual interview will be conducted as part of the admission process.
- Recommendation for admission following an interview with the Admissions Committee. Past academic performance and professional activity will be evaluated, e.g., community, organizational, and volunteer service, and creative professional accomplishments. These qualifications will be evaluated using a rubric in order to determine the applicant’s level of qualification.
Prerequisite Progression Requirements
As a prerequisite, students in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) are required the following grades in order to progress in the program. (See Curriculum)
DNP Progression Requirements
GPA Requirement
A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 is required for all 700 level courses for graduation. Students are also required to meet all requirements under the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Academic Warning
Students must maintain a CGPA of at least 3.00. Students falling below a 3.00 CGPA will be placed on Academic Warning. Students on Academic Warning will have one semester to raise their CGPA to 3.0 or above, failure to raise their CGPA above a 3.00 will result in dismissal. Students may only be placed on Academic Warning once in the DNP program.
Clinical Requirements
Students will complete 1000 post-baccalaureate practice hours; Students will complete experiential hours that support the focus of the DNP. The DNP student will identify a practice problem and a site that will support application-oriented learning for implementation of the DNP project. These sites will require approval by the Clinical Practice Coordinator and the student’s nursing faculty advisor must approve the project. Each student will have a preceptor, a healthcare leader at the project site where the student will be completing practice hours and their DNP project.
Program Information and Disclosures
RN License Disclosure
RNs who are not licensed in California, will be required to apply for a California RN license if their clinical practicum is to be completed in California. RNs wishing to complete their clinical practicum in their state of residence (where they resided when they enrolled at WCU for their current program of study) must identify a clinical site in their state of residence with which the university can execute a clinical affiliation agreement. The RN license must be active and unobstructed.
DNP - Online
Graduate Nursing Core
| NURS 710 | Scientific Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 715 | Translation of Research and Analytical Methods | 3 |
| NURS 720 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| NURS 725 | Leadership I Organizational | 3 |
| NURS 730 | Informatics in Nursing and Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 735 | Health Status Outcomes: The Individual and Family | 3 |
| NURS 740 | Clinical Prevention and Population Health | 3 |
| NURS 745 | Leadership II: Leadership in Complex Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| NURS 750 | Social Ethics and Health Policy | 3 |
| NURS 755 | Economics and Decision Making | 3 |
| NURS 760 | Advanced Nursing Practice I | 2 |
| NURS 761 | Advanced Nursing Practice II | 2 |
| NURS 762 | Advanced Nursing Practice III | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |