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• Christ-Centered Formation: Grow as a resilient, neighbor-loving leader who embraces diversity and cross-cultural experiences.
• Real-World Impact: Address issues like burnout, administrative gaps and patient safety through hands-on projects.
• Respected Reputation: Biola’s nursing graduates are already known by hospital leaders, preceptors and clinical educators for their excellence, compassion and integrity.
• Future-Ready Skills: Business, leadership and public health training equip you to lead at the highest level of practice or academia.

What will I study as a Doctor of Nursing Practice student?

Course highlights include:

As a Christian institution, Biola seeks to admit applicants whose backgrounds clearly demonstrate scholarly aptitude, a commitment to the historic Christian faith, personal character and integrity, and a positive service-oriented motivation toward their field of study. Biola does not discriminate on the basis of the applicant's race, color, sex, socio-economic status, disability, or national or ethnic origin.

Who should apply?

Biola’s DNP is designed for nurses who want to:

• Serve in academia, executive leadership or administration
• Prevent burnout and create thriving work environments
• Apply research to solve real-world clinical challenges
• Lead with compassion and integrity in complex health systems
• Equip and educate the next generation of nurses

1. Complete and submit the

2. Submit a non-refundable $65 application fee

3. Submit supplemental application materials through your online application portal:

Official Transcripts

• Submit all official transcripts from previous academic institutions.
  • Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • If enrolled at the time the application is filed, be sure to request transcripts of work finished to date and final transcripts upon completion of your course of study.
  • Transcripts will be considered official only when a) mailed directly from the institution to Biola, b) sent electronically through an approved vendor or c) physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Final approval for admission is contingent on receiving an official transcript.
    • Mail transcripts to:
      51�ԹϺ��� Office of Graduate Admissions
      13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639
• International Transcripts: All international transcripts should be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency like , or . Be sure to choose "course by course report" and have the evaluation agency send them directly to 51�ԹϺ��� via online portal or post (13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639) in order to be considered official.

Four Reference Letters

• BSN Entry: Two letters from nursing professionals, academic faculty or supervisors who can attest to your leadership abilities, academic potential and clinical competencies.
• MSN Entry: Two letters from professional or academic references who can speak to your leadership skills, clinical practice and potential for success in a DNP program.
• Spiritual mentor or leader recommendation
• Academic or professional recommendation
• Note: Additional instructions can be found in the online application.

Two Essays

• Christian testimony
• Statement of Purpose and Objectives:
  • BSN Entry: Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose: A written essay outlining your professional goals, reasons for pursuing a DNP, and how the leadership focus aligns with your career aspirations. Integration of a faith statement and it's influence in your practice should also be included here.
  • MSN Entry: An essay describing your leadership experience, professional goals, and how the DNP program aligns with your career trajectory. Incorporation of your faith into your practice should also be included.
• Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

Resume

• BSN Entry: A detailed CV or resume highlighting your educational background, clinical experience, leadership roles and professional accomplishments.
• MSN Entry: A CV or resume outlining your education, work experience, certifications, leadership roles and any scholarly activities. Clinical Experience: At least 1–2 years of clinical practice in healthcare setting/nursing leadership or advanced practice roles or healthcare settings.

DNP Project Proposal

• A draft proposal or idea for the DNP capstone or final project that focuses on leadership, healthcare policy or organizational change will be reviewed during faculty interview.

English Proficiency (required for non-native English speakers)

• Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown through one of the methods described below:
  • Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
    • TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
    • IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
    • Duolingo: minimum score of 125
  • A degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction.
    • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
    • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
    • Official catalog verification
    • Note: For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.

4. Interview with a nursing faculty member to assess your leadership potential and fit for the program

 

Things to Note

• Track your application status at any time. You do not have to complete the application in one sitting. You can complete a portion and finish at a later time. Your information will be saved. When you apply, to guarantee confidentiality, you will be asked to create a user name and a password, and will receive a personalized identification number. Track your application status by logging in to the .
• Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution.

The Biola Nursing Department is conducting a research study titled, "Examining BSN-prepared Nurses’ Motivations and Expectations in Pursuing a DNP Leadership Track Degree."

• The purpose of this study is to understand the motivations and expectations of registered nurses (RNs) with BSN or MSN degrees who are interested in an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a leadership focus. 
• By exploring both motivations and expectations, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into how advanced nursing education supports professional growth, leadership development and the future of nursing practice. 
• The findings will also help us better serve future DNP students by understanding their needs and supporting their success.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please review the informed consent form to participate in this study.