Catherine De Leon, PhD, RN

Director of MEPN Program

• University of San Diego - PhD
  
• Gonzaga University - MSN
  
• San Diego State University - BS

Catherine De Leon, PhD, RN, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science at the University of San Diego. As the MEPN Program Coordinator, Dr. De Leon oversees the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing, providing leadership in curriculum implementation, student support, and clinical education. Her role ensures that pre-licensure nursing students receive exceptional preparation through comprehensive classroom learning, simulation, and clinical experiences.

She began her nursing career as a licensed vocational nurse in a surgical-trauma unit. As a registered nurse she has experience in the Emergency department and Interventional Radiology. Over the last 20 years, she has worked diligently to provide quality nursing care to the uninsured, underinsured, and underserved populations within her community.

Dr. De Leon holds a bachelor of science degree from San Diego State University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Gonzaga University, and a PhD in Nursing from the University of San Diego. For her dissertation, Dr. De Leon focused on the Interventional Radiology nurse’s experience of caring for patients undergoing procedures without the use of moderate sedation. Her research interests include procedural nursing, the adult and older adult population, health equity, military families, and simulation, 

Dr. De Leon is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the Western Institute of Nursing, the Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing, the San Diego National Association of Hispanic Nurses, and the Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego.

Office Hours

• MEPN 598
• MSNE 600I