Program Overview

Executive Leadership DNP and Specialty Certificate

The Executive Leadership DNP track and post-DNP Executive Leadership Specialty (ELS) at Duke University School of Nursing empower experienced nurse executives to navigate the complexities of today's health care landscape. These executive leadership programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to confidently lead and transform health care organizations.

Program Overview

The Executive Leadership DNP and Specialty Certificate programs are designed for senior nurse executives who have been working 5-7 years in an executive role. The programs provide high-quality online courses and interactive on-campus intensives that foster engagement with faculty and colleagues, all of whom have extensive nurse leadership experience.

Curriculum

The executive leadership curriculum addresses critical health care challenges and challenges students to develop innovative solutions. The program can be completed in 21 months (five semesters) for the DNP or one year for the ELS.

Program Outcomes

By earning the Executive Leadership DNP or ELS, students will be prepared to make a lasting impact as a clinical scholar, patient advocate, and influential leader in health care.

Admissions

To qualify for the DNP program, students need a master's degree in health care leadership from a nationally accredited CCNE or ACEN program with at least five years' experience in nurse leadership. Candidates must also be currently licensed as a registered nurse.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Duke University School of Nursing offers a variety of financial aid options for DNP students, including merit-scholarships and federal loan opportunities.

Faculty

The faculty at Duke University School of Nursing are renowned scholars who are passionate about igniting a lifelong love of learning in their students. The faculty includes:

• Barbara Turner, PhD, RN, FAAN
• Hanzhang Xu, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN
• Sharron Docherty, PhD, PNP, FAAN
• Nancy Crego, PhD, RN, CCRN, CHSE, FAAN
• Margaret (Peggy) Bush, PhD, MBA, RPh
• Eleanor McConnell, PhD, MSN, RN, BC
• Virginia (Chris) Simmons, DNP, CRNA, CHSE-A, FAANA, FAAN
• Blanca Iris Padilla, PhD, MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
• Kathryn Kreider, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
• Eleanor Stevenson, PhD, RN, FAAN
• Mariam Kayle, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAAN
• Carolina Dimsdale, DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC, FAANP
• Donald (Chip) Bailey Jr., PhD, RN, FAAN
• Valerie Sabol, PhD, MBA, ACNP-BC, GNP-BC, ANEF, FAANP, FAAN
• Shari Rushton, DNP, MS, RN, CCM, CNE
• Tracey Yap, PhD, RN, CNE, WCC, FGSA, FAAN
• Mary Lou Affronti, DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
• Michael Cary, PhD, RN
• Debra Brandon, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN
• Susan Silva, PhD
• Hideyo Tsumura, PhD, DNP, RN, CRNA
• Irene Felsman, DNP, MPH, RN, C-GH
• Ragan Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP
• Kais Gadhoumi, PhD
• Anne Derouin, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, ANEF
• Julia Walker, PhD
• Malinda Teague, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC
• Kathryn Trotter, DNP, CNM, FNP-C, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN
• Qing Yang, PhD
• Alison Edie, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
• Staci Reynolds, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, CPHQ, FAAN
• Derrick Glymph, PhD, DNAP, CRNA, CHSE, CNE, COL (RET), FIAANA, FAANA, FAAN
• Kathleen Turner, DNP, RN
• AnnMarie Walton, PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
• Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
• Jill Brennan-Cook, DNP, RN, GERO-BC, CNE
• Allison Lewinski, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN
• Margaret (Midge) Bowers, DNP, FNP-BC,CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, FACC
• Bradi Granger, PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN
• Jessica Szydlowski, DNP, CRNA, MSN, ACNP
• Emily Funk, DNP, CRNA
• Michelle Webb, DNP, RN, CHPCA
• Rémi Hueckel, DNP, CPNP-AC, CHSE, FAANP

Career Opportunities

The demand for skilled nursing and health care leaders is booming, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting job opportunities for medical and health services managers to grow up to 28% by 2032. The BLS reports a median annual salary of $110,680 for medical and health services managers, with the highest 10% earning more than $216,750. The Executive Leadership DNP and Specialty Certificate programs at Duke University School of Nursing qualify students for lucrative opportunities at the top end of this range.

What Can You Do With a DNP Leadership Degree or Specialty?

Duke's Executive Leadership DNP and specialty equip nurse executives with advanced qualifications to excel in leadership roles in diverse health care settings. With a focus on nurse leadership, the program positions students for success by providing:

• Advanced leadership expertise: Deepen leadership skills through cutting-edge classes and apply what is learned to real-world settings.
• Interprofessional collaboration: Learn to work effectively with physicians, administrators, policymakers, and other health care professionals to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of care.
• A focus on quality improvement and patient safety: Use data analytics and evidence-based practices to implement changes that optimize patient outcomes and organizational performance.
• Preparation for challenging health care environments: Become an effective leader who can navigate challenges in an increasingly complex health care system. Duke's executive nurse leadership program prepares students to address issues such as health care disparities and population health management.