If you are a nurse desiring to expand into a leadership role and to help improve healthcare systems and experiences for patients, then you might consider earning a DNP in Leadership.
Unlike an accelerated RN to BSN online or on campus, which is designed for nurses new to the profession, this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway is designed for nurses looking for advancement in their clinical profession, with a pathway to executive administration and management.
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This program can also help prepare nurses to provide innovative direction to healthcare organizations to improve their overall effectiveness in nursing practice.
Online DNP in Leadership Programs
DNP in Executive Leadership programs online are designed to create leaders in nursing. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) differs from a PhD in Nursing, which is a research-focused doctoral degree.
A DNP ultimately focuses on nursing professionals who desire to advance into clinical nursing management and executive positions. Within a quality online DNP in Leadership program, students can develop and advance a number of skill sets in nursing practice, including:
- Strategic planning
- Information management
- Healthcare outcome analysis
- Negotiation
- Leadership
- Business
DNP in Leadership programs online can also cover how to use information technology to translate research into practice. Along with skills in leadership, this DNP may also focus heavily on quality improvement and analytical skills, enabling you to develop your ability to critically evaluate systems and teams.
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Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates may be equipped to apply their leadership skills in a number of ways. For instance, managers and executive leaders in the healthcare field may aim to:
- Improve the delivery of health management systems
- Advocate for nursing staff and teams
- Build effective teams and promote collaboration
- Evaluate current research and protocols and determine best applications
- Implement healthcare innovation and organizational policies
- Strategically utilize healthcare resources within policy bounds
Nurse leaders can have a range of duties and titles. Some may work as clinical or nursing directors, nurse managers, chief executives, and other medical and health services leaders. Others may work ask as clinical researchers or nurse faculty at postsecondary institutions.
Nursing Leadership and Management Careers & Salaries
Earning a DNP in Leadership online can help prepare nurses for a variety of leadership positions in healthcare. Experienced nurses can link clinical expertise with organizational improvement. Some nursing professionals go on to work in positions like clinical director, nursing manager, chief nursing officer, and more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median wages for some of the positions related to nursing leadership and management.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives — Healthcare and Social Assistance | $154,650 |
| Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners | $123,780 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Hospitals | $119,450 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Government | $117,000 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Outpatient Care Centers | $99,540 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Offices of Physicians | $98,230 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers — Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | $83,550 |
Of course, graduates with a Doctor of Nursing Practice may earn more or less depending on where they live, their specific position, and their type of facility. Overall employment of the above job titles is projected to grow 28% over the next ten years, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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Healthcare leadership positions are needed in a variety of healthcare innovation and nursing settings, such as hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, physicians offices, and more.
Leadership DNP Curriculum & Courses
Since DNP in Executive Leadership online programs are focused on creating leaders in nursing practice, they often feature clinical knowledge courses alongside leadership and systems management coursework.
While curriculums vary based on your school, there are also common course requirements, which may include:
- Research for Evidence Based Practice: This course aims to help you apply nursing theory and evidence into practice as well as to develop clinical questions.
- Healthcare Policy and Analysis: This course takes a deeper dive into healthcare policy in the US, with a focus on analysis in order to effect positive organizational change.
- Leadership in Nursing Administration: This nursing education course emphasizes the leadership skills and tools required to lead in a nursing administration or management position.
- Systems Management: This course can help you develop skills to effectively manage informative and organizational systems as well as professional teams.
- Epidemiology and Population Health: This course provides you with knowledge of disease frequency, health events, population health patterns, and the impact of the spread of disease in clinical and healthcare settings.
- Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology: This nursing education course overviews current and emerging healthcare technologies and systems that can transform the industry, along with their implementation.
- Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Nursing: In this course, you’re immersed in the theoretical, philosophical, and scientific foundations of nursing practice.
- Executive Leadership Practicum: This course emphasizes the development of organizational leadership and skills in project leadership.
- Strategic Fiscal Management: This course prepares you to develop strategic fiscal management policies, covering topics like budget preparation and financial execution systems.
- Contemporary Problems in Executive Leadership in Nursing: This course overviews the top concerns for nurse leaders, including emerging technologies, shifting demographics, and ethics-based issues.
In addition to coursework, DNP in Nurse Executive programs typically require field experience and a final project.
Admissions Requirements
The admission requirements for a DNP in Nurse Leadership program can vary depending on the school. Many programs have similar core requirements, though, which may include:
- Official graduate transcripts from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0, on average
- Professional and academic experience related to the field
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
Many programs also require applicants to hold an active RN license. A growing number of nursing schools no longer require graduate students to submit GRE or GMAT scores for admissions. You can check with your college to determine whether you’re required to include these in your application.
Accreditation
Determining whether your potential school is a regionally accredited college is an essential step to take before applying. Accreditation is, in essence, quality assurance that your university meets certain professional nursing education standards.
A school’s accreditation status is important since it can affect your ability to receive financial aid. Many employers also require job candidates to have earned their academic credentials from regionally accredited college. Regional accreditation is considered the most prestigious and widely recognized accreditation.
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You can find a list of regional accreditors and a database of accredited schools at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many students seek financial assistance to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership program. Luckily, there are many types of aid options available to qualifying students. Common forms of aid include federal aid, state aid, scholarships, grants, and employer programs.
An abundance of scholarships and grants exist for individuals depending on their need, location, and type of studies. You can try to find scholarship opportunities through your school as well as outside organizations. If you’re in need of a student loan, you can explore both federal and state loan options.
Some employers also offer financial aid programs to help workers further their nursing education. If you’re currently working, you can speak to your employer for more information. To begin the process of determining your eligibility for federal aid and other need-based aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Federal Student Aid website.
What Is a DNP in Leadership?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Leadership is a program designed to provide registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with the skills needed for effective leadership. Nursing leaders play a pivotal role in applying evidence-based knowledge to improve healthcare outcomes and establish health system and patient care models.
A DNP in Leadership can help equip students with advanced leadership tools in nursing practice — such as negotiation, strategy, team-building, and business skills — in order to guide systemic change in healthcare. Coursework in this nursing education program will often emphasize healthcare leadership at the executive level.
What Can You Do with a DNP in Leadership?
Earning a doctor of nursing practice in Nurse Leadership can help prepare registered nurses for leadership positions in healthcare facilities. Some graduates even pursue executive-level positions. There are a variety of healthcare leadership positions. For instance, some graduates may go on to become nursing directors, chief nursing officers, clinical directors, or nursing managers.
Other professionals with a DNP in Leadership become nursing faculty. They might work as postsecondary nursing instructors in colleges or universities. Becoming a healthcare lobbyist or clinical researcher are alternative paths that graduates may pursue.
How Long Does It Take to Get a DNP in Leadership Online?
Nurses who have already completed an MSN in Nurse Executive online or on campus, or a similar MSN program, can generally expect to complete a DNP in Leadership program online in 2 to 5 years of full-time study. Many DNP in Leadership programs require both clinical training hours and a final project similar to a thesis in order to complete the program, which can generally take 1 to 2 years.
Course credit hours can vary depending on your school and whether you already have an MSN. If you don’t have an MSN, there are bridge programs that include prerequisite coursework for a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Your time to completion can also depend on whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
Is a DNP in Nursing Leadership Worth It?
Yes, a DNP in Nursing Leadership is worth it for many students. The knowledge and skills gained in this DNP program can help prepare you for leadership positions in the dynamic, ever-changing field of healthcare.
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Nurses desiring to implement positive change in healthcare may find management and executive-level positions both rewarding and financially lucrative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers are expected to see 28% job growth over the next ten years, which is much faster than average.
Universities Offering Online DNP in Leadership Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arkansas State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration in Leadership. The program is fully online. It requires between 36 and 39 credit hours and can potentially be completed in just 1 year. There are multiple start dates offered throughout the year. Classes are offered in an accelerated format designed for busy schedules.
Arkansas State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Baylor University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration in Executive Nurse Leadership. U.S. News & World Report ranked the school in the top 10% for nursing doctorates. The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours. Courses are entirely online. The doctoral project can be completed locally. The curriculum consists of courses such as Resource Attainment and Allocation.
Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Boise State University offers a DNP in Leadership. Courses are offered entirely online, but students must attend four 2 day Leadership Immersions. The model is cohort-based, and students stay with their cohorts through the entirety of the program. All US students pay in-state tuition. Applicants must hold an MSN to qualify.
Boise State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Bradley University offers a DNP with a concentration in Nursing Leadership. The program is offered entirely online and has no residency requirements. Students can potentially finish the program in just 3 years. To graduate, students must complete 37 to 40 credits and 1,000 clinical hours. The curriculum consists of courses like Health Promotion in Populations.
Bradley University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duquesne University offers a DNP with a concentration in Executive Nurse Leadership. U.S. News & World Report named the school one of the best graduate nursing schools. The program is fully online and offers two start dates per year. Students can choose between the post-bachelor’s-to-DNP track or the MSN-to-DNP program.
Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
At Felician University, students can earn a DNP with a concentration in Executive Leadership or Advanced Practice. The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours and can potentially be completed in a little over 2 years. Courses are entirely online. Students are required to attend two intensives at the New Jersey campus during the program.
Felician University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Franklin University offers a DNP with a Leadership track for nurses who want to go into leadership roles. The program requires the completion of 38 credit hours, and students may transfer in up to 32% of their credits. Students can potentially finish the program in just 2 years. Courses are entirely online, and students are required to complete a practicum.
Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
George Washington University offers a DNP with a concentration in Executive Leadership. Students may choose a post-BSN track or a post-MSN track. Students can complete the program entirely online. Most classes are asynchronous, but there are some synchronous seminars. GWU designed the program with working nurses in mind.
George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Grand Canyon University offers a DNP with an Educational Leadership concentration. The program may be attended online or in the evenings on campus. To graduate, students must complete 48 hours, including a capstone program. Classes are 8 weeks long. The curriculum consists of courses such as Health Care Informatics and Emerging Areas of Human Health. Applicants must hold an MSN to qualify.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Illinois State University offers a DNP with a Leadership and Management concentration. The program is offered fully online. The program is designed specifically for BSN-to-DNP students, but students who opt out early may be able to transfer their credits to an MSN degree. The program’s professors also work in the field and understand the challenges involved.
Illinois State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Messiah University offers a DNP with a concentration in Nursing Leadership. Coursework is fully online, and courses are 6, 8, or 12 weeks long. To graduate, students must complete 34 credit hours and a clinical residency. Students can typically complete the program in 2 to 3 years.
Messiah University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University offers a DNP with a concentration in Executive Leadership. The program is offered fully online. Students can choose between a BSN-to-DNP or an MSN-to-DNP. Courses are 8 weeks long, and students take one course at a time. The program can typically be completed in 2 to 3 years.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pennsylvania State University offers a DNP with a concentration in Leadership. Students can earn a BSN-to-DNP or an MSN-to-DNP fully online. Students are required to interview in person at the beginning and end of the program. There are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. To graduate, students must complete a culminating project.
The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Post University offers a DNP with a specialization in Executive Leadership. The program is offered fully online and can potentially be completed in just 28 months. There are two start dates every month and no residency requirements. The curriculum consists of courses such as Leadership: Setting the Example and Contemporary Use of Health Information Technology.
Post University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
U.S. News & World Report named the University of Arizona the #31 school in the nation for its Doctor of Nursing Practice. The school offers a DNP with an Executive Health Systems Leadership concentration. To graduate, students must complete 50 credit hours and 1,000 hours of practicum. Students must also attend one resident intensive during the summer.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Michigan—Flint offers a DNP with a concentration in Executive Leadership. Coursework is entirely online. Students must also attend two residencies per semester with the School of Business. The program requires the completion of 30 to 34 credits. Students may pursue a dual degree for an MBA and a DNP as well. Start dates are in the fall and winter.
The University of Michigan – Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Missouri—Columbia offers a DNP with a concentration in Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care. Coursework is entirely online. Students are required to visit campus for 5 days before the program and again at the end. To graduate, students must complete 40 credit hours. Classes follow a semester schedule.
The University of Missouri – Columbia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Pennsylvania offers a DNP in Executive Leadership. The program is online but does require a few visits to campus for intensives. To graduate, students must complete 11 courses, which can potentially be done in just 2 years. The interdisciplinary program is coordinated through three different schools.
The University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Walden University offers a DNP in Executive Leadership. The program is fully online except for local practicum experiences. Walden helps students find local healthcare organizations to work with.
To graduate, students must complete 45 to 53 quarter credits, including a senior capstone project. Up to 23 qualifying credits from other institutions may be transferred in. Students are paired with doctoral degree coaches to help them through every step of the program.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Wilmington University offers a DNP with a concentration in Leadership. The program may be attended fully online or in a hybrid format with a weekend on campus per course. Courses are 7 or 15 weeks long and taken one at a time. The program can potentially be completed in just 28 months.
Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Getting Your DNP in Leadership Online
Earning a DNP in Nursing Leadership online can be a beneficial way for nursing professionals to advance their leadership skills and qualifications while maintaining their current responsibilities in nursing practice.
Online programs are known for their flexibility, and DNP programs are often designed for working professionals. Overall, this degree path can equip students to lead and implement innovations within nursing teams and departments as well as healthcare facilities and organizations.
If you are interested in becoming a leader among nurses, then why not start exploring DNP in Leadership programs from accredited nursing schools?
