Study on Your Schedule
At WCU, you have the flexibility to complete your DNP program at the speed that is right for your schedule! We offer two program pace options:
10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year
Earn your BSN in as few as 39 months at the Accelerated program pace
Miami, Texas, LA, Orange County, & Ontario
Industry-current DNP education with a focus on executive leadership within large healthcare organizations and systems
Specialized training on strategic leadership and project management in complex healthcare settings
DNP research project allowing for on-site application, along with a team to help with your site placement
Curriculum aligning with the latest recommendations of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
If you are a nurse who has a passion for leadership and the pursuit of ethical, effective, and innovative ways to serve patient communities, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program may be right for you.*
Our DNP program builds on your clinical experience and teaches strategic leadership and project management in complex healthcare environments, helping to prepare you for executive leadership roles in healthcare organizations. With a focus on promoting safety and quality in healthcare, you will learn how to develop innovative strategies for directing and leading change. You will also explore the influence of policy and ethical decision-making in healthcare delivery.
Students in the program will complete a DNP project that teaches students how to analyze problems, structure and facilitate development, and find and implement solutions. The project will require 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours, which will be completed under the guidance of a site mentor or healthcare leader.
WCU’s DNP program requires 30 credits, allowing for speed to completion. We offer flexible, online coursework and the choice of two program paces (Accelerated and Working Professional) to accommodate your schedule.
*The WCU DNP program helps prepare graduates for a terminal degree focused on clinical practice leadership and does not prepare advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) for roles as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, or certified nurse anesthetists.
At WCU, you can choose a program pace that works for your schedule. Whether you want to go full-speed in your studies or complete your program at a slower pace to balance school with your other responsibilities, we have an option for you.
Here are the available paces for the BSN program:
Accelerated Pace
Evening & Weekend Pace*
Working Professional Pace*
*Only available at the Miami campus
At WCU, you have the flexibility to complete your DNP program at the speed that is right for your schedule! We offer two program pace options:
Accelerated
(20 Months)
Our Accelerated DNP program pace is a great option for working nurses who want a streamlined path for completing their doctoral degrees. You can earn your degree in 20 months at the Accelerated pace.
Working Professional
(24 Months)
We also offer an alternate program pace for students who need to complete their degree at a slower pace due to work or at-home responsibilities. You can earn your degree in 24 months at the Working Professional pace.
Flexibility of an Online DNP Program
With mobile-accessible coursework, 24-hour access to our online library, and around-the-clock technical support, you can decide where and when (within your weekly deadlines) to complete your WCU coursework. You can work your study time between shifts and around your at-home responsibilities, making it easier to reach your educational goals. Enjoy the flexibility that comes with a virtual classroom!
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The DNP program accepts students during the Spring I, Summer I, and Fall I terms, with the calendar year typically consisting of six terms. For more information about our term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice program costs at West Coast University.
We offer several DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.
For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
| Degree Type | Doctorate (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) | Doctorate (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | 30 |
| Program Length(full time) | 5 trimesters | 5 trimesters |
| Tuition Cost(per credit) | $1,074 | $1,074 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $32,220 | $32,220 |
| STRF1 | $87.50 | $0 |
| Technology Fee ($500 per semester)2 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $35,120 | $35,120 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $35,207.50 | $35,120 |
Indirect Costs
| 8 Month Academic Year4 | ||||
| Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
| with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
| Federal Student Loan Fee | $220 | $220 | $220 | $220 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $2,384 | $7,936 | $2,496 | $8,328 |
| Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 | $1,728 | $1,728 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 | $5,656 | $5,656 |
| Total | $9,644 | $15,196 | $10,100 | $15,932 |
1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.
4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.
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WCU graduates are given tools to influence healthcare policy at institutional, state, and/or federal levels, and they are trained to lead, whether that means leading interprofessional teams or by helping guide organizational decision-making.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice is a degree designed for highly motivated and dedicated students who want to use evidence-based clinical approaches to positively impact patient outcomes and impact workplace practices.
Below are the program learning outcomes for our online DNP program.
WCU’s Career Services department provides DNP students and graduates with ongoing assistance through professional and career development guidance and workshops.3 Whether you need help building a stronger resume, narrowing down your job search, or preparing for an interview, you have a team that is ready to support you.
We will also provide you with other forms of support while you are a student at WCU, including clinical placement assistance as well as your own assigned Student Success advisor, admissions and financial aid advisors, no-cost tutoring, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and more.
Completing your clinical practicum is an exciting part of your degree, but it can also feel overwhelming for many students. Fortunately, our Clinical Placements team is here to support you every step of the way.
We offer assistance from helping you find an ideal preceptor and clinical site in your local area to providing advice along the way so you can enhance your practice experience. Receiving guidance is easy – all you have to do is jump on a coaching call with your assigned coordinator of clinical relations.
WCU has partnerships and connections with various healthcare providers, so we are well-equipped to help our students with their placement needs.
Dean/Director, DNP, RN to BSN, AGPC-NP & Graduate Specialty Programs
Dr. George Peraza-Smith is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). He obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Case Western Reserve University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Mast of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nursing administration from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has both a gerontological nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate from the University of South Florida and an adult nurse practitioner post-doctoral certificate from Brandman University.
Dr. Peraza-Smith is board-certified as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), a gerontological nurse practitioner, an APRN gerontological specialist, and a certified nurse educator. He is the immediate past president of the Florida Nurses Association and the immediate past inaugural president of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC) for which he remains a trustee on the board. The GNCC offers an APRN gerontological specialist certification to distinguish APRNs who possess expert knowledge, experience, and skill in managing the complex health needs of older adults.
Dr. Peraza-Smith has been teaching in MSN and DNP online and hybrid programs for over 10 years. He has held academic leadership positions such as Professor, Program Director, Department Chair, and Associate Dean. Dr. Peraza-Smith resides in Zephyrhills, Florida with his husband and two children.
At WCU, our goal is to build both the skills and confidence required in the nursing field. Practice using high-fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients. Coupled with hands-on clinical experiences, our simulations give students the opportunity to master foundational skills and graduate with confidence.
Our BSN students experience a range of patient care situations from routine to emergency. During simulation sessions, each student independently practices the functions of a registered nurse. The simulation labs at West Coast University use a full range of scenarios at all levels of the core nursing program:
WCU is dedicated to building long-term clinical relationships and hospital affiliations that offer students a world of options and meaningful clinical experiences.
We have coordinators of clinical relations who support students by facilitating clinical site and preceptor selection, helping streamline approvals, and assisting with compliance tracking. Our Clinical Placements team also provides coaching calls for students who need guidance on how to make their clinicals a success.
Helping BSN Students Prepare for Licensure
Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a critical milestone for all nurses. That’s why WCU helps prepare you every step of the way.
As a BSN student, you have access to:
“WCU helped prepare us for the NCLEX by providing an adequate test environment, providing us with opportunities to take proctored tests that simulate the NCLEX and to test our nursing knowledge in those tests.”
– Stephanie P., BSN ’21*
“West Coast prepares you unlike any other school I have seen for the NCLEX.”
– Leslie G., BSN ’18*
WCU graduates get to enjoy support from our Career Services team.2 Starting when you’re a student, through graduation, and beyond, you’ll have access to individualized career advice, professional development workshops on topics like resume writing and interview preparation, help finding job leads, assistance connecting with industry recruiters, and more.
Once you receive your licensure as a registered nurse, you will have various options to choose from for your career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a registered nurse usually works with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Additionally, they may be charged with overseeing licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.
The largest employers of registered nurses (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) are:
The Career Services team can help you find job opportunities that meet your goals!
Dr. Piazza has been working in the university since 2009. Her past roles included Faculty; Campus Associate Dean of Nursing, Academics; Campus Dean of Nursing; and Associate Dean, College of Nursing. Most recently, she has been appointed to the position of Dean, College of Nursing.
She has a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of San Diego, a Master of Education from Cambridge College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles.
With a commitment to community service, Dr. Piazza is a Commissioner for the Sister Cities Commission of Anaheim. And has previously served as Commissioner, Orange County Human Relations, and Board Member for the School Nurses of California Foundation.
No, there is no waitlist to start the online DNP program.
Our DNP program is designed to be flexible for working nurses who want to advance their educations on their own schedules. Even though we set deadlines for assignments, you do have flexibility for when you will complete your work, whether that’s in the middle of the day or the middle of the night, weekdays or weekends. Online coursework gives you the freedom to complete your DNP degree around your schedule!
WCU's Doctor of Nursing Practice online program makes it possible to earn your doctorate degree in nursing in as few as 20 months at the Accelerated pace or 24 months at the Working Professional pace.
WCU's Doctor of Nursing Practice program consists of online coursework and on-site experiential learning. Students are encouraged to work with a DNP-prepared nurse as a preceptor to guide the research process.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the most advanced academic degree that can be earned in the nursing field while a nurse practitioner (NP) is an occupation title. To become a nurse practitioner, you must be licensed as a registered nurse (RN), have a bachelor’s degree, complete an NP-focused master’s program or doctoral nursing program, and pass a national nurse practitioner board certification exam.2
The DNP degree at WCU degree does not prepare you for nurse practitioner certification. Rather, many prospective and existing nurse practitioners pursue DNP degrees in order to advance their education, develop leadership skills, and improve on their service to patients in their communities.
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available for those who qualify. A few of the grants and scholarships that are available at WCU include the Alumni Pathway Grant (covering as much as 20% of tuition), the WCU Health Services Grant (covering as much as 10% of tuition), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (covering as much as 15% of tuition). For more information and eligibility criteria, please see the online division scholarships and grants page of our catalog.
WCU can evaluate your previous experience for acceptance. Transfer of clinical hours for prospective students is on a case-by-case basis. Your admissions advisor can help evaluate how many of graduate clinical credits qualify for transfer, if any.
Our DNP program helps you build the skills needed to lead healthcare teams, manage projects, and promote safer and more efficient healthcare delivery at the organizational level. You’ll benefit from a combination of both didactic online learning and on-site experiential learning, which you will complete through a translational DNP research project carried out at a partner practice site.
We have updated our program to reflect the latest recommendations for best practices in DNP education by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). We incorporated AACN’s recommendations into our program curriculum, adding instruction and coursework related to subject matter such as policy and legislation issues, finance and business, social media training, and more.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The West Coast University Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Program (System) holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-909-2487.
1 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses,” October 2022
2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “What Registered Nurses Do,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022
4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “Work Environment,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022
*The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Additional Resources:
2a Military Training or Experience