Doctor of Nursing Practice, D.N.P. (Nurse Executive Leadership Concentration)

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the DNP curriculum, the new graduate will be able to:

1. Integrate science from nursing and other disciplines to identify, develop, and evaluate practice change initiatives that improve individual and population health.
2. Demonstrate leadership within healthcare systems to adopt strategies to improve quality and safety.
3. Incorporate knowledge of evidence-based practice into advanced decision-making through the evaluation and translation of evidence into practice.
4. Analyze, apply and integrate appropriate information and technology that will improve and transform care at the individual and population level.
5. Critically analyze health policy to develop and implement health care reform that advocates for social justice and equity.
6. Engage in advanced decision-making within an inter-professional environment that results in culturally aware, ethical, and comprehensive systems of care.
7. Demonstrate high levels of skills in health promotion and disease prevention strategies for individuals, populations and systems.

Admission Requirements

• One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.
• Three professional letters of recommendation to substantiate practice and leadership capabilities (one each from a former nurse faculty member and a current or former employer preferred).
• Recommender will submit a survey through the online application tool.
• In addition to the brief survey, a traditional letter is required to be uploaded by the recommender.
• Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution. (Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Management preferred but applicants with an MS in a nursing specialty other than leadership will also be considered). Applicants with a BSN degree and a master’s in a non-nursing, health-related field (MBA, MPH, MHA, MMHC, etc.) are also eligible to apply for the DNP Executive Leadership Track.
• RN License: current unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license in the state in which practice will occur.
• GPA: GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher on all previous graduate coursework as documented by official transcripts with evidence of completion of graduate level.
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume: include verification of practicum hours completed during previous graduate degree. In order to complete the DNP program, all students are expected to have 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours. If students do not have verified 500 practice hours in their prior master’s program, the student will need to complete additional hours to meet graduation requirements. (Preference given to applicants with 2 or more years of post-master’s leadership.)
• Include on CV/resume: successful completion of graduate statistics and nursing research courses prior to joining the program.
• Essay: written essay addressing the applicant’s advanced practice expertise, career goals, how earning the DNP will promote these goals, and description of DNP project topics area limited to 600 words.
• Interview: interview with the School of Nursing faculty may be required to determine congruence between student practice interests, career goals and faculty expertise.
• Computer access: applicants must have access to a computer capable of supporting electronic mail, a web browser, a word processing programs and multi-media presentations.
• International applicants must present evidence of professional standing in their home countries. This requirement excludes U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents.
• Differential Tuition: differential tuition applies to this program.

Degree requirements (36 total credit hours post-masters)

The program of study for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) includes 12 courses. Students must fulfill the requirements for the program as they work closely with advisors to plan their course of study. The focus of the DNP Nurse Executive Leadership Concentration is leadership in nursing practice. Skills will be developed for translating research to impact practice and population of outcomes at an in-depth level. Emphasis is placed on managing information systems, using appropriate technology for health care delivery, assessing and managing health risks, enhancing inter-professional communication, and designing and developing health care systems. Successful completion of all courses in the curriculum is required for graduation.

• NSG 670 - Executive Leadership in Complex Health Systems Credit Hours: 3
• NSG 672 - Legal and Ethical Environment for Executive Leaders Credit Hours: 3
• NSG 673 - Advanced Finance and Economics Credit Hours: 3
• NSG 674 - Quality, Safety and Outcomes for the Nurse Executive Credit Hours: 3
• NSG 675 - Population Health and Policy Credit Hours: 3
• NSGL 681 - Residency in Advanced Nursing Practice Credit Hours: 3
• NSG 683 - Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice Credit Hours: 3
• NSG 685 - Theoretical Approaches to Evidence-Based Practice Credit Hours: 3
• NSG 686 - Methodologic Approaches to Evidence-Based Practice Credit Hours: 3
• NSG 692 - Health Care Information Systems and Technology Credit Hours: 3
• NSG 699 - DNP Project Credit Hours: 1 To 4

Exit Requirements

All DNP students must:

1. Complete and pass a written and oral comprehensive examination of the DNP Project.
2. A DNP student must have a grade of B or better in each required course. If a student earns a C, he/she must repeat the course must earn a B or better to progress. A student will only be allowed to repeat one course during the program. A student with 2 or more C’s will be dismissed from the program. A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
3. Complete a total of 1,000 post baccalaureate practice hours.