California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) will launch a new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in fall 2026, expanding advanced nursing education opportunities and addressing a critical shortage of primary care providers across the Inland Empire.
The program is designed to prepare registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) for Family Nurse Practitioner certification and for the highest level of professional nursing practice. Applications are currently being accepted for the inaugural cohort, which will serve as a pilot year for the program.
“The vision behind CSUSB’s DNP program is to prepare practice-ready, doctoral-level family nurse practitioners who are equipped to lead, innovate and provide high-quality, holistic primary care,” said Renee Chastain, professor of nursing and founding director of the DNP program. “This is a rigorous BSN-to-DNP program designed to prepare registered nurses for family nurse practitioner (FNP) certification and to assume the highest levels of professional practice upon graduation.”
An FNP is an advanced practice nurse who provides primary care for patients of all ages, including diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications and managing ongoing health conditions. The DNP is the highest clinical degree in nursing, preparing nurse practitioners not only for advanced patient care, but also for leadership and improving health systems.
The program reflects the Department of Nursing’s holistic approach to wellness and aligns with CSUSB’s mission to support student success, innovation and regional vitality. Its curriculum emphasizes culturally responsive, evidence-based practice and prepares graduates for independent practice across diverse health care settings.
The decision to launch the program comes at a time when Riverside and San Bernardino counties continue to experience longstanding and significant health care access challenges.
“The Inland Empire has poor access to health care and health care professional shortages,” Chastain said. “The graduation of FNPs significantly enhances the quality of health care in communities struggling with limited access to care due to a shortage of providers.”
In addition to preparing clinicians for advanced practice, the program will support applied research and scholarly activities that contribute to improved patient and community outcomes.
“Students and faculty will generate evidence-based research and scholarly activities, contribute to the body of knowledge of nursing care, and improve patient and community outcomes,” Chastain said.
CSUSB selected the FNP specialty after reviewing regional workforce data and community needs assessments that consistently identified primary care as a critical gap.
“In 2023, Hanover Research projected significant growth in demand for nurse practitioners and specifically recommended a DNP program at CSUSB,” Chastain said. “The FNP role allows graduates to provide comprehensive, lifespan primary care in a wide range of settings, making it the most effective way to expand access, reduce health disparities and meet the region’s long-term health care needs.”
