Educating future generations of nurses… Discovering new knowledge about health care… Innovating through nursing practice… Serving people and communities…

Educating Minds and Hearts to Change the World

Welcome to the

University of San Francisco School of Nursing

- where prospective students are invited to join our community of scholars and clinicians.  Building on the University’s mission and tradition, our distinctive programs transform students into nursing leaders who change the face of health care.

What’s New

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

The School of Nursing is excited to announce the start of the first DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) in the Bay Area. The DNP program appeals to nurses with a MS or BS degree in Nursing who are interested in a practice-focused doctorate.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the professional organization for higher education in nursing, has recommended that by 2015 all nursing specialty preparation should occur at the doctoral level. The DNP is a practice-focused doctorate. Graduates are prepared as nurse practitioners (direct advanced practice) and healthcare system leaders (indirect advanced practice). Nurses with either the BSN or those who have already earned the MSN can  pursue the degree. The program of study is designed to be responsive to the educational and practice preparation of the student. For students with a MSN, post-masters course work will complete the DNP degree.

The DNP Program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

MSN Program - Clinical Nurse Leader

The school has expanded its MSN program options. Students earn the master’s of science degree in nursing (MSN) with a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) focus. The CNL is an advanced generalist who provides optimal outcome based patient care, providing for continuity and optimizing staff’s ability to provide high quality care in a cost efficient manner. The MSN program at USF is accessible to nurses with a BSN, RNs with a baccalaureate degree in other disciplines, and RNs with an associate’s degree or diploma. In addition there is a master’s entry (ME-CNL) option for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in anther field and want to become an RN and develop the skills as a clinical nurse leader.

The Clinical Nurse Leader is a new nursing role that was developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in collaboration with an array of leaders from the practice environment. This role is designed for nurses with graduate level preparation to provide direct patient care and clinical leadership to ensure that patients benefit from the latest evidence-based innovations in care delivery. These nurses will provide unit-based leadership at the point of care delivery to help create an environment of clinical excellence.

(Besides the San Francisco Campus, the RN to MSN program is offered in the San Ramon campus starting fall 2007 and will be offered in Santa Rosa campus starting spring 2008. In addition to the San Franciscos campus, the BSN to MSN program will be offered in San Ramon campus starting spring 2008 and in Santa Rosa campus starting fall 2008.)

Upcoming Events

School of Nursing Graduate Information Meeting

Monday, May 19, 2008. 4:00 PM.. Lone Mountain Admission Presentation Room, Room 216. A nursing representative will present an overview and will answer questions about the graduate nursing programs and admissions requirements. For more information, please call (415) 422-3691 or email tai@usfca.edu. More information may also be found online at: http://www.usfca.edu/nursing/admissions/infomeetings.html. This event is open to the public.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Information Session and Class Simulation.

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Initiative in California: Improving the Healthcare System