Doctor of Nursing Practice

Embracing and evolving from the challenges of innovation, education, and leadership forges from a person’s perseverance and the spirit of exploration and reflection to face past, current, and future endeavors in the healthcare industry.

If I had to encapsulate my journey in The Valley Foundation School of Nursing DNP program at San Jose State University in three words, it was genuinely inspiring, transformational, and evolving. I hope my experience can inspire others in their journeys.

-- Janice Yao Valadez, RN, MS, DNP

 

Our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a 5-semester post-master's degree program designed to mesh with a full-time professional work schedule.

Quick Jump guide:

Eligibility and Prerequisites

Prospective students applying for admission to the DNP program must have the following: 

  • Active, unrestricted California RN licensure and (if applicable) an advanced practice national certification
  • Master's Degree in Nursing Science (MS or MSN). Or, a Master’s Degree in a health-related field (e.g. Public Health, Health Administration) with additional post-baccalaureate courses in nursing theories, research methods, trans-cultural nursing, and informatics.
    • Master’s degree must be completed/received no later than Aug 1st prior to admission
  • GPA of 3.0 or above, in pre-doctoral courses
  • Meet requirements of San José State University Graduate Admissions
  • Demonstrate sufficient preparation and practice experience as an APN, nurse manager, nurse administrator, executive, educator, or professional nurse. 
  • A personal written statement of purpose. Must be doubled-spaced and address the following: what you expect to accomplish in the DNP program and how the DNP program will advance your nursing career and practice. You may include your potential area of focus, which should be your primary area of focus for your DNP project.
  • U.S citizenship or U.S permanent residency

Application Deadline and Procedures

The DNP program admits students in the Fall semester only. Admitted students will progress through the program as a cohort.

Three Steps to Admission

Tuition: SJSU Bursar's Office

For up-to-date tuition information, visit the Bursar's Office website.

  1. Select the appropriate Semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer)
  2. Scroll down to the "Doctoral" section for the DNP (called "Nursing" on the Bursar's site) tuition and fee breakdown

For special cases and details, please reach out to the Bursar's Office team for assistance.

 

Funding Support

All accepted students are encouraged to explore scholarship and other opportunities for financial support. This list can serve as a tool to help begin a scholarship search; it should not be considered comprehensive - rather, a jumping off point to begin a search.

 

Applicant Resources