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Mount Saint Mary’s University is proud to announce it has received final approval to offer its new online program. The milestone, granted by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), affirms that the program meets rigorous academic standards for quality, integrity and educational effectiveness at the doctoral level.

The approval marks a significant step in the University’s continued investment in healthcare education and reflects Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s longstanding commitment to preparing nursing professionals for leadership in clinical practice, healthcare systems and nursing education. The inaugural DNP cohort will begin classes in Fall 2026.

In 2025, Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ announced plans to expand its health sciences offerings in response to the nation’s growing demand for highly skilled healthcare professionals. The launch of the DNP program further strengthens the University’s role as a leader in nursing education and workforce development.

“For 100 years, Mount Saint Mary’s has served our community and evolved to meet its most pressing needs through academic excellence,” said Ann McElaney-Johnson, PhD, President of Mount Saint Mary’s University. “Our new Doctor of Nursing Practice program aims to cultivate leaders who will work to improve our healthcare systems to ensure they meet the needs of patients and clients across our community. We look forward to welcoming the inaugural DNP class to the Mount this Fall and are excited for their future.”

Mount Saint Mary’s has long been recognized for its leadership and excellence in nursing education. The University proudly holds the distinction of being California’s first institution to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with its inaugural class graduating in 1952. Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s nursing curriculum is grounded in the internationally recognized Roy Adaptation Model, developed at the University by Sister Callista Roy ‘63, CSJ, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor emerita and former chair of the Department of Nursing.

Designed for advanced practice nurses seeking leadership roles in healthcare organizations or academic settings, Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s online DNP program combines academic rigor with applied practice experiences that prepare graduates to improve patient outcomes and strengthen healthcare systems. The 37-unit program can be completed in two years, with an extended three-year pathway available for working professionals balancing career and personal commitments.

Students may choose from two specialized tracks — Nursing Education and Organizational Leadership — each designed to address critical workforce needs within healthcare and higher education. The Nursing Education track prepares future nurse educators to design innovative curriculum, lead academic programs and support diverse learners through evidence-based teaching practices and technology-enhanced instruction. The Organizational Leadership track focuses on strategic planning, systems thinking, quality improvement and transformational leadership within complex healthcare environments.

“Our goal is to prepare students to become the nursing leaders of tomorrow; professionals who are able to translate research into actionable strategies that elevate the standards of care across every environment,” said Stephanie Collazo, PhD, RN, CNS, Associate Professor and Interim Dean of Nursing at Mount Saint Mary’s. “Beyond their clinical expertise, our students will graduate with the skills needed to navigate today’s complex healthcare landscape and influence policy as well as serve as nursing educators for the next generation.”

The hybrid program combines asynchronous online coursework with in-person residency and clinical immersion experiences, providing students with flexibility while maintaining the high level of engagement and practical application required for doctoral-level nursing education. DNP projects are integrated throughout the final semesters of the program, allowing students to apply evidence-based strategies to real-world healthcare challenges.

A Program Designed to Address Critical Healthcare Needs

California continues to face , driven by an aging workforce, increased burnout and a shortage of nursing students to meet the surging demands of today’s healthcare environment. According to the , nursing vacancy rates among local hospitals exceed 30%, a dramatic increase from pre-pandemic levels.

Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s DNP program was intentionally designed to help address these urgent workforce challenges by preparing nurses for leadership positions in healthcare organizations, clinical education and academic settings. Graduates will be equipped to manage interprofessional teams, lead organizational initiatives, influence healthcare policy and educate the next generation of nurses.

In addition to the new DNP, Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ offers a comprehensive range of nursing programs, including the Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN).