BSN to DNP

What is required before an application is considered complete? We make it easy to progress through the admission process. Our admissions representatives work with you each step of the way, coordinating the application and registration processes with you.

BSN to DNP Pathway admission requirements must be met before an application is considered complete. In all cases, save copies of the documents you submit. Admissions requirements are:

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution
  
  An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
• Copy of current California RN license
• Two recommendations (preferably one academic and one professional recommendation, at least one of them from the applicant’s direct supervisor and/or a previous faculty member)
• Written statement of educational objectives, with a focus on translational research, EBP or QI, and career goals
• Current curriculum vitae or résumé
• Evidence of written creative work and/or scholarly papers
• At least eight months of work experience as an RN (for the APRN track)
• Undergraduate research course
• Undergraduate statistics course
• Interview and holistic criteria (including any preceptor experience, presentations, languages, and/or volunteer activities)

International students have a separate application procedure that precedes the standard admission process. View international requirements.

Note: This program is not recommended for students who lack proficiency in basic academic skills, especially collegiate-level English communication skills.

What to Expect

Once APU receives your application, application fee, and official transcripts, your paperwork will be reviewed to determine any transfer credit and you will be scheduled for an interview with School of Nursing faculty. After the interview, you will be notified of your admission status. You will need to turn in all required documents in order to be considered for admission, and make a $500 nonrefundable deposit that will be applied toward your tuition.

If you are applying for financial aid, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online for the corresponding academic year. Request financial aid transcripts from those institutions attended within the current calendar year—this is required by the U.S. Department of Education.

Qualified online program students will receive instructions for an invitation-only online registration process. Students will pay any outstanding fees prior to enrollment in courses, then complete enrollment paperwork online with a School of Nursing representative.

Some programs, including this one, begin as soon as there are enough students admitted to meet program course minimums.

See the table below for the tuition charges and fees that comprise your estimated total BSN to DNP Pathway cost. Admitted students will be required to submit a $500 nonrefundable deposit to hold their spot in the program. Check with your admissions representative for details.

Paying for Your Degree

APU offers a variety of ways to help you pay for your degree. From scholarships and grants to loans and company reimbursement, we’re committed to being sure that cost doesn’t keep you from reaching your education goals.

Learn more about the financial aid opportunities available to you.

• Scholarship, Grant, and Loan Options
• Nursing Tuition Discounts
• Nursing Scholarships
• Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
• Making Payments
• Apply for Aid

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

Where will I take classes?

BSN to DNP Pathway courses are held mostly online, but some classes may be in a blended and/or synchronous or asynchronous format.

Will APU help me find a clinical site?

Students are responsible for finding a clinical site and preceptor with the assistance of APU staff, faculty, and student placement coordinators. An affiliation agreement must be in place for each clinical site.

Are there any specific working experience requirements for students in the BSN to DNP Pathway?

The APRN-FNP track requires 8 months of experience working as a registered nurse. This may occur during the program if you are a new RN, and will need to be completed prior to entering the second year of courses. The Health Systems Leadership track does not have a specific work experience requirement.

Can I get an MSN degree conferred while I am in the BSN to DNP Pathway?

No. The MSN and DNP degrees are conferred at the end of the program.

Are there any courses I can take prior to being officially admitted to the BSN to DNP Pathway?

You can take GNRS 613 Graduate Statistics at APU without being admitted to the DNP program, but it is not eligible for financial aid unless you are officially admitted. You’ll need to fill out and submit the Nondegree Intent Form (PDF), and our admissions representative can help you with this.

Can I work while in the program?

Yes, and 8 months of working experience is required prior to the second year of courses for the APRN-FNP track.

Can I attend the program part time?

Yes, students may take this program part time or full time.

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or admissions@apu.edu, and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or international@apu.edu, and visit apu.edu/international/.

• Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
• The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Azusa Pacific University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 
• The traditional baccalaureate nursing program, upper-division transfer (2+2/LVN to BSN) programs, entry-level master’s program, and the nurse practitioner program are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.