Loma Linda University (LLU) offers one Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track: the BS to DNP – Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Concentration.
Program highlights include:
- Hyperflex format — primarily online with only 1–2 required on-campus days per quarter (typically around week 5)
- clinical sites assigned by LLU within a 90-mile radius of Loma Linda
- students do not self-source placements
- full-time and part-time enrollment options available to accommodate working nurses
The BS to DNP is an 11-quarter program combining online core coursework with hybrid clinical training and a workplace-based DNP scholarly project.
Program Track Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition & Fees | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BS to DNP – AGPCNP | ~$119,476 total (tuition & fees only) | 3 years, 9 months full-time (15 quarters) |
LLU’s Hyperflex model gives students the flexibility to attend select core sessions in person or online, while clinical and lab courses require on-site participation. As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, LLU integrates faith-based and whole-person care philosophy throughout the curriculum.
BS to DNP – Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
The BS to DNP – AGPCNP at Loma Linda University has an estimated total tuition and fees of ~$119,476 across four academic years, and is designed to be completed in 3 years and 9 months (15 quarters) on a full-time basis, with part-time options available.
DNP Curriculum
The program totals 119 quarter units (80 semester units) across four tiers: DNP Core, Concentration, Clinical, and DNP Project. Core courses are delivered in Hyperflex format with 1–2 on-campus sessions per quarter. The DNP scholarly project can be completed in the student’s own workplace, allowing direct translation of evidence-based research into current practice.
DNP Core Courses (49 units)
- NGRD 650 – Advanced Role Development and Collaboration (4 units)
- NGRD 651 – Theoretical Foundations for Evidence-Based Practice (4 units)
- NGRD 652 – Health-Care Systems Leadership (4 units)
- NGRD 653 – Health Systems Policy Development and Advocacy (4 units)
- NGRD 654 – Social Determinants of Health / Service Learning (4 units)
- NGRD 655 – Health Systems Finance (4 units)
- NGRD 656 – Outcomes Assessment for Strategic Planning (4 units)
- NGRD 657 – Intermediate Statistics (4 units)
- NGRD 658 – Nursing Research and Translational Science (4 units)
- NGRD 659 – Professional Writing for Nurse Leaders (4 units)
- RELE 564 – Ethics and Health Disparities (3 units)
- RELR 525 – Health Care and the Dynamics of Christian Leadership (3 units)
- RELT 557 – Theology of Human Suffering (3 units)
Concentration Courses (14 units)
NGAG 509 – Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: Skills Laboratory (1 Credit)
This skills laboratory develops hands-on clinical techniques used in adult-gerontology primary care. Students practice diagnostic procedures and primary care interventions while strengthening practical clinical skills.
NGRD 621 – Pharmacology in Advanced Practice I (2 Credits)
This course introduces pharmacologic principles used in advanced nursing practice. Students examine pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics while reviewing common drug classifications and legal considerations related to prescribing.
NGRD 622 – Pharmacology in Advanced Practice II (3 Credits)
This course expands pharmacology knowledge with focus on major drug classes used in clinical care. Students study therapeutic uses, medication selection, and treatment considerations for common medical conditions.
NGRD 624 – Advanced Health Assessment (4 Credits)
This course develops advanced assessment skills needed for comprehensive patient evaluation. Students learn to perform detailed health histories and physical examinations while applying holistic care principles and culturally responsive health promotion strategies.
NGRD 625 – Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology (4 Credits)
This course examines physiologic processes and disease mechanisms across the lifespan. Students analyze common pathological conditions and apply pathophysiology concepts to clinical decision-making and patient care management.
Clinical Courses
NGAG 500 – Gerontological Health and Wellness (2 Credits)
This course introduces health promotion and disease management for older adults. Students examine strategies for caring for frail and aging populations with acute and chronic health conditions.
NGAG 501 – Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner I (5 Credits)
This course introduces the professional role and clinical responsibilities of the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. Students focus on health promotion, wellness care, and management of common acute conditions in adolescents and adults.
NGAG 502 – Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner II (6 Credits)
This course focuses on reproductive and gender-related health across the adolescent and adult lifespan. Students develop skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical management of reproductive health conditions.
NGAG 503 – Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner III (8 Credits)
This course expands clinical knowledge for managing chronic conditions in adult populations. Students study evidence-based strategies that support long-term disease management and health maintenance.
NGAG 504 – Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner IV (8 Credits)
This course focuses on diagnosing and managing complex acute and chronic conditions in adults. Students apply advanced clinical reasoning and treatment strategies in primary care settings.
NGAG 505 – Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner V: Practicum (8 Credits)
This final practicum integrates knowledge and clinical skills gained throughout the program. Students complete advanced clinical training in primary care while preparing for nurse practitioner certification and independent practice.
DNP Project Courses (19 units)
- NGRD 667 – Introduction to the DNP Inquiry Proposal Project (3 units; 30 practice hours)
- NGRD 669A – DNP Practice Inquiry Project A (4 units; 120 practice hours)
- NGRD 669B – DNP Practice Inquiry Project B (4 units; 120 practice hours)
- NGRD 669C – DNP Practice Inquiry Project C (2 units; 80 practice hours)
- NGRD 669D – DNP Practice Inquiry Project D (2 units; 60 practice hours)
- NGRD 669E – DNP Practice Inquiry Project E (2 units; 60 practice hours)
- NGRD 669F – DNP Practice Inquiry Project F (2 units; 120 practice hours)
View the course catalog for more curriculum details.
DNP Clinicals
The program requires 600 direct clinical hours in the AGPCNP concentration plus 510 DNP doctoral leadership practicum hours — totaling approximately 1,110 supervised practice hours. All clinical rotations are assigned by LLU within a 90-mile radius of Loma Linda; students do not self-source placements. A professional portfolio documenting all 510 doctoral practice hours is required prior to graduation.
- 600 direct clinical hours across NGAG 501–505
- 30 skills lab hours in NGAG 509
- 510 DNP doctoral leadership practicum hours (NGRD 667 + 669A–F)
- ~1,110 total supervised practice hours
- All clinical sites assigned by LLU within 90 miles of Loma Linda campus
- Clinical/lab/simulation courses are hybrid — in-person attendance required
- DNP Project may be conducted at the student’s current workplace
- Professional portfolio documenting 510 doctoral hours required before graduation
DNP Admissions & Prerequisites
- BSN (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited program with minimum 3.0 GPA (cumulative and in nursing coursework)
- Active, unencumbered U.S. RN license; California RN license required before classes begin and maintained throughout
- Minimum 1 year of full-time RN experience required before entering clinical courses; experience in the desired concentration area is strongly advised for competitive applications
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR/BLS) certification
- Two electronic recommendations required: one from a recent nurse manager or director; second may be a nursing peer or spiritual advisor
- Selected applicants will complete an Emotional Intelligence Interview with the program coordinator and a faculty member (in person or via Zoom)
- Apply via NursingCAS portal; $70 NursingCAS application fee + $50 secondary application fee
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions sent directly to NursingCAS
- Application deadlines: Autumn — April 1 (quarter begins September); Winter — August 1 (quarter begins January)
- MS to DNP pathway also available for students who already hold an MS in Nursing
Tuition
LLU publishes tuition and fees by academic year rather than by unit. Estimated tuition and fees for the 2026–2027 academic year are as follows:
- Year 1 (9 months enrolled): $23,092
- Year 2 (12 months enrolled): $26,104
- Year 3 (12 months enrolled): $32,128
- Year 4 (12 months enrolled): $38,152
- Estimated Total Tuition & Fees: ~$119,476
Cost Per Credit Calculation
Inputs:
- Total program units: 119 quarter units (80 semester units)
- Total tuition & fees: ~$119,476
Calculation:
- $119,476 ÷ 119 quarter units = ~$1,004/quarter unit
- $119,476 ÷ 80 semester credits = ~$1,493/semester credit
More tuition details are available here.
Accreditation
Loma Linda University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The BS, MS, and DNP nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and all programs are approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing.
Upon completing the AGPCNP concentration, graduates are eligible for California NP certification through the CA BRN and for national board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).