Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration (DNP-FNP)

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The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration is the first program of its kind offered by a University of California campus. The program is designed for both BSN and MSN-prepared nurses to achieve a doctoral degree with an FNP concentration in a compact and comprehensive three-year program.

As rigorous as it is rewarding, the DNP-FNP program prepares you for family practice and interprofessional leadership at the highest level.

Program Details

The DNP-FNP curriculum provides comprehensive education in primary care across the lifespan, organizational and systems leadership, research and analytical methods, health policy, interprofessional practice, and population health. This multi-faceted approach prepares you for the growing complexities of the evolving healthcare landscape. Practice expertise is embedded throughout the program; you will complete a total of 720 direct patient care hours in a variety of ambulatory care settings.

Many of UCI’s nurse practitioner professors in the DNP program are part of our unique UCI Nursing Faculty Practice Team, providing healthcare for patients across Orange County and UCI Health clinics. This offers opportunities for students to rotate with UCI faculty in a variety of settings, including UCI’s federally qualified health centers.

Throughout the program, you’ll develop your abilities to apply your knowledge and expertise in the DNP Scholarly Project – a quality improvement, evidence-based practice, or health policy project of original work that establishes you as a UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing clinical scholar.

Program Duration

The DNP-FNP program is a three-year hybrid commitment in which you’ll engage in asynchronous and synchronous educational activities.

On campus intensives are designed to develop students’ competencies as a doctoral scholar and clinician. Three on campus intensives focused on scholarly project development are placed at the beginning, middle, and end of the program. Beginning in year two, students will come to campus quarterly to develop their FNP clinical skills.

Career Impact

By earning your DNP-FNP, you’ll be prepared as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) at the highest level of the nursing profession. After passing the national Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) board certification examination, you’ll be well-qualified to practice as a FNP at a variety of ambulatory practice sites serving patients of all ages.

FNPs provide primary healthcare, preventive care, urgent and episodic care, and chronic disease management. You’ll not only become a healthcare provider, but you’ll also have the skills and knowledge to lead quality improvement and practice initiatives, as well as contribute to the profession as a nurse educator.

The DNP degree allows you the flexibility to pursue your professional nursing career goals, whatever path you choose.

Application Deadline

February 18, 2025