Degree Requirements
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) program at the University of San Diego prepares advanced practice nurses to lead and improve patient care across complex health care systems. Through a progression of coursework and immersive clinical experiences, students develop expertise in direct patient care, nursing practice, and systems-level leadership while completing a scholarly project focused on improving health outcomes.
The curriculum integrates advanced pathophysiology, assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice with specialty CNS courses and over 700 hours of practicum experience, culminating in both MSN eligibility for certification and completion of the DNP degree . Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care, support nursing practice at the bedside, and lead meaningful change across health care organizations.
Courses
| Course Number & Title | Total Units | Theory | Clinical | Practicum Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester 1 | ||||
| APNC 620 Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 | 3 | ||
| ACNS 619 CNS Specialty Role and Practice Foundations | 3 | 3 | ||
| MSNC 611 Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | 3 | 3 | ||
| Total Fall Semester 1 | 9 | 9 | ||
| Spring Semester 1 | ||||
| ACNS 632 Adult-Gerontology I: CNS Practice in the Individual Patient Sphere | 3 | 3 | ||
| ACNS 632P Adult-Gerontology I: CNS Practice in the Individual Patient Sphere Practicum | 4 | 4 | 192 | |
| ACNS 621 Advanced Physical Assessment | 4 | 3 | 1 (lab) | |
| Total Spring Semester 1 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 192 |
| Summer Semester 1 | ||||
| DNPC 600 Orientation to the DNP Scholarly Project Series | 1 | 1 | ||
| ACNS 634 Adult Gerontology II: Practice in the Nurse Sphere | 3 | 3 | ||
| ACNS 634P Adult Gerontology II: Practice in the Nurse Sphere Practicum | 3 | 3 | 144 | |
| MSNC 640 Healthcare Information and Communication Management | 3 | 3 | ||
| Total Summer Semester 1 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 144 |
| Fall Semester 2 | ||||
| ACNS 636 Adult Gerontology III: CNS Practice in the Organizational/Systems Sphere | 3 | 3 | ||
| ACNS 636P Adult Gerontology III: CNS Practice in the Organizational/Systems Sphere Practicum | 4 | 4 | 192 | |
| ACNS 624 Advanced Pharmacology | 3 | 3 | ||
| DNPC 601 DNP Scholarly Project: Planning and Development | 1 | 1 | ||
| Total Fall Semester 2 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 192 |
| Spring Semester 2 | ||||
| ACNS 638 Adult Gerontology IV: Advanced Practice | 3 | 3 | ||
| ACNS 638P Adult Gerontology IV: Advanced Practicum | 5 | 5 | 240 | |
| MSNC 612 Population Health | 3 | 3 | ||
| DNPC 602 DNP Scholarly Project: Conceptualization and Planning Proposal | 1 | 1 | ||
| Total Spring Semester 2 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 240 |
| Graduate with MSN, eligible for board certification | 53 | 36 | 17 | 768 |
| Summer Semester 2 | ||||
| DNPC 650 Data Analysis and Evaluation | 3 | 3 | ||
| DNPC 613 Advanced Applications of EBP | 3 | 3 | ||
| DNPC 603 DNP Scholarly Project: Implementation | 1 | 1 | ||
| Total Summer Semester 2 | 7 | 7 | ||
| Fall Semester 3 | ||||
| DNPC 631 Role of the Nurse with a Doctor of Nursing Practice | 2 | 2 | ||
| DNPC 604 DNP Scholarly Project: Evaluation | 2 | 2 | ||
| DNPC 671 Quality & Advocacy in Healthcare Systems I | 1 | 1 | ||
| Elective | 1-3 | 1-3 | ||
| Total Fall Semester 3 | 6-8 | 6-8 | ||
| Spring Semester 3 | ||||
| DNPC 651 Health Policy and Advocacy in Nursing Practice | 2 | 2 | ||
| DNPC 605 DNP Scholarly Project: Dissemination | 1 | 1 | ||
| DNPC 672 Quality & Advocacy in Healthcare Systems II | 2 | 2 | ||
| Elective | 1-3 | 1-3 | ||
| Total Spring Semester 3 | 6-8 | 6-8 | ||
| Graduate with DNP - Post-MSN Units | 21 | 21 | ||
| Total Program Units/Hours | 74 | 57 | 17 | 768 |
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