Doctor of Nursing Practice at SJSU
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an online, five-semester program designed to fit into the life of a full-time working nurse professional, allowing you to develop skills in implementation science, leadership, and change managment. From theory to hands-on implementation, you will graduate with the skills, the network, and the degree to empower you as a doctorally-educated nurse.
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Why study DNP at SJSU?
Dedicated Faculty
Heart of Silicon Valley - From Anywhere in CA
Policy Change In Action
Impactful Support
-- 2022 Graduate, Sukhjit Dhillon, RN, DNP
Our DNP Scholars work a broad range of projects, including:
- Simulation and Cognitive Rehearsal
- Telehealth Effectiveness
- Infection Prevention Strategies
- Trauma-Informed Care
What DNP Students Say About The Program
"As a prospective DNP student, there are many DNP programs to choose from both in the Bay Area and nationally. However, choosing The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at SJSU was straightforward for me as I wanted to be trained close to home at the doctoral level, specifically at a top nursing program led by nurse scientists and nurse leaders. As I approach[ed] my oral defense date, I [felt] ready, supported and closer to my goal."
Silvie E Arabia, DNP, MPH, PHN, RN
2025, 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
2024, Doctor of Nursing Practice
"I chose SJSU for my DNP program because it already felt like home. Having completed both my bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing at SJSU, I was confident in the faculty's support and the quality of education I would receive. Additionally, it would a tremendous honor and source of pride to be part of the first cohort of SJSU's inaugural DNP program... SJSU opened doors to leadership roles that I had previously only envisioned. Professionally, it gave me the tools and confidence to step into executive positions. Personally, it reinforced my belief in lifelong learning and growth, showing me that leadership is about continuous learning, improvement and service to others."
Rey Rosario, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CPHQ, LSSBB
2021, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Want to Learn More?
- Information sessions take place approximately every two weeks in Fall and Spring semester
- Sessions are led by faculty members who teach and lead in the DNP program
- Visit our list for available dates/times to connect
DNP Graduates at Work
With a doctorate in nursing, Nurses have the ability to work across various careers and disciplines, and to influence many more. Doctors of Nursing Practice cultivate the high-altitude view needed to drive policy change, to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and the everyday lives of our communities, and to be a nurse's voice in the spaces decision are made.
Snapshot of Career Pathways
- Nurse Executive
- Nurse Scientist
- Professional Development Specialist
- Practice Owner and Manager
- Faculty member in College and University programs
- Nursing School or Program Director
Where are DNP Graduates Getting Jobs?
- Stanford Health Care
- Dignity Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- El Camino Health
- Lucille Packard Children's Hospital
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Administration
- County and city health organizations throughout CA
- Community health organizations
- Private Practice
Visit the Career Center to view all the resources available to help you explore career pathways and opportunities to engage with employers.
Admission Requirements
The Doctor of Nursing Practice admits students for the Fall semester only and admits a cohort of 15-24.
Deadlines
The application opens on October 1 and closes May 31, unless otherwise stated on the Graduate Admissions Deadline webpage. We try to make decisions promptly, so you can anticipate hearing from us within four weeks of submitting your application.
Application Process
SJSU follows a two-step graduate admissions process:
Step 1
Apply through Cal State Apply.
Step 2:
Cal State Apply applications are reviewed by the program, and applicants who meet minimum admission criteria will be contacted for an interview. Once the interview has taken place and a decision has been made, those accepted will be sent an acceptance letter with next-step instructions -- including confirming your Intent to Attend, producing your Doctoral Project Brief (template provided).
Applications to scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs should be made as soon as possible after acceptance has been received.
Eligibility Requirements
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the program or need assistance, please email our team at doctornursingpractice@sjsu.edu.
Funding Resources
- Scholarships distributed by The Valley Foundation School of Nursing, the parent school
of the Doctor of Nursing Practice, include;
- The Charlene J. Castelli Memorial Scholarship, which was created to support a student enrolled at SJSU pursuing a nursing degree who is returning to college or starting a career late in life, who has financial need but who doesn't qualify for federal financial aid.
- The Karen and Michael Lesyna Scholarship, was created to support students involved with culturally diverse organizations recognized by the unversity, such as; African-American/Black Student Success Center and/or one of their organizations, the Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center and/or one of their organizations, or one of the Recognized Student Associations.
- The Conrad V. & Judy Schmitt Nursing Endowment, was created to support students who are single parents with demonstrated financial need, enrolled full-time in the nursing program.
- And many, many more.
- Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program: the CDIP's goal is to increase the number of faculty with the qualifications, motivation, and skills needed to teach the diverse students of the CSU - to achieve that, financial support, mentorship by CSU faculty, professional development, and grant resources are provided. It is the largest program of its kind in the U.S.
- SJSU's Financial Aid office
- FAFSA: All SJSU students, including DNP students, should fill out the FAFSA; this may make you eligible for California state funding, without further applications needed
- Employer support: many health and medical employers offer financial support for their team members pursuing education - reach out and ask
- More funding opportunities: all applicants, upon scheduling their interview, will also get a list from the DNP team of additional potential support sources
- For more information about tuition and fees, see the Bursar's website.
Program Courses
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a 33 unit program. To complete the program, students must take 11 core courses, 4 practicum courses, and 3 culminating experience courses make up the curriculum. Descriptions of all of the courses are available on the SJSU Catalog. Program courses are subject to change.
Program Learning Outcomes
The DNP program at SJSU allows you to build a breadth of skills; leadership, change driving, and implementation expertise. Moving through a cohort-structured program, as a DNP scholars you will work toward a list of 10 program learning outcomes, which are detailed in the SJSU catalog.
After graduating, you will be able to examine current healthcare practices, policies, and education from a broad theoretical and practical perspective, and formulate clinical, administrative, and leadership strategies to improve the quality of healthcare throughout your community.
Faculty Spotlight
Amy Hu is a dedicated nurse leader and educator with expertise in evidence-based practice, simulation, and transition-to-practice programs. Passionate about quality care, she champions lifelong learning and the professional development of nurses.
Amy Hu, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN
Dominique Teaford is a nursing leader active in public health advocacy, policy development, and nursing education. She reviews for the Public Health Nursing Journal and leads a local Perinatal Mental Health Coalition.
Dominique Teaford, DNP, RN, PHN, PMH-C
Lisa Walker-Vischer is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 40 years of experience. Committed to lifelong learning, she brings expertise in nursing leadership, education, evidence-based practice, and pediatric care. As an instructor, she is student-centered and dedicated to student success.
Lisa Walker-Vischer DNP, RN, CNS, CCRN
Ruth Rosenblum has been an Advanced Practice RN for 30+ years. She has held many dynamic positions during this time; she was the medical provider for Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC)'s High Risk Infant Follow-up Program; through 2020 she maintained a Child Neurology practice at SCVMC; and she helped TVFSON begin its DNP program as Co-coordinator in 2019. She maintains an interest in pediatric headache management via the use of mobile healthcare technology, as well as in innovation and evidence-based practice in nursing and health care.
Ruth Rosenblum, DNP, MS, RN, PNP-BC, CNS
Robin Whitney is a nurse educator and researcher with a clinical background in pediatric and medical-surgical acute care. Her research focuses on quality of life for individuals with serious illness and their family caregivers. Dr. Whitney is an affiliate faculty member with the UC Davis Family Caregiving Institute, and an editorial board member for BMC Nursing.
Robin L. Whitney, PhD, RN
Student Spotlight
Priya Pandya-Orozco, DNP, RN, PHN, CIC, LTC-CIP | 2023 Alumni
Pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice was driven by my passion for advancing patient safety and improving healthcare outcomes through evidence-based infection prevention strategies. My commitment to public health and my desire to lead systemic changes in infection control motivated me to deepen my expertise, bridging the gap between clinical practice and healthcare leadership. Since graduating, I have been honored with a promotion to Director of Infection Prevention for all facilities within the Santa Clara Valley Hospital and Healthcare System (SCVHHS), where I oversee infection control initiatives, ensuring best practices are implemented across the system. My education at SJSU provided me with the leadership skills and strategic decision-making abilities necessary to drive meaningful change in healthcare. By continuing my journey within SCVHHS, my doctorate positioned me as a strong candidate for promotion, allowing me to apply my DNP training directly to my organization’s goals to reduce healthcare associated infections and increase patient safety. The program's emphasis on leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice equipped me to step into this role confidently, reinforcing my commitment to protecting patients and staff through effective infection prevention leadership.
Jennifer Mahoney, DNP, RN | 2025 Alumni
When I started researching doctoral nursing programs a few years ago, I was not very familiar with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. I had been interested in returning to school to pursue doctoral education for a while, and with my employer in a transition period, the timing was right. Looking into the various programs offered, I spent a lot of time comparing costs, location, and curricula and realized that the SJSU program was the program that best met my needs and matched my goals. Attending an information session about the SJSU DNP program confirmed this. -- I have loved the experience I have had in this program. I have felt supported and encouraged while learning new skills, technology, and methods of working. The faculty have been very responsive and have provided helpful feedback, and I have felt surprisingly connected with my fellow students despite most of our interactions being virtual. -- SJSU has provided excellent resources such as the writing center, a librarian familiar with our program and research goals, and access to media and technology. My classes are tailored specifically to my research goals and the program's goals such that our assignments can usually be applied to portions of our doctoral projects. This is very helpful since we are all working while in school and have no time to waste. I have found the topics discussed in our classes are timely and relevant and I have learned so much from my professors, classmates, and my DNP journey.
Dionne Margallo, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, RNC-NIC | 2022 Alumni
With my current NPDS role, I felt I needed to advance my knowledge and skills in evidence-based practice. A good friend, also a faculty at SJSU, highly recommended the DNP program. Aside from my interest in educational advancement, the local convenience and tuition affordability solidified my reason to attend SJSU. Attaining my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree has been one of the best decisions l have made in my life both personally and professionally. It gave me the confidence to ask the difficult questions. I am a better advocate for the nursing field because I can speak to the evidence or know to seek evidence when asked. Most importantly, it widened my views on many important issues that affect the world today including health and social inequities.
About the program
The DNP program at SJSU welcomes all nursing specialties. Our faculty have a breadth of experience in pratice and scholarship, across a variety of specialties, benefitting students as they work with Advisors and Project Chairs.
Our program philosophy is meeting students where they are. This is made possible by our online modality, which allows students to complete their doctoral degree within two years.
