DNP- Executive Health Systems Leadership
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
| 2027-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
DNP- Executive Health Systems Leadership
Overview
A DNP in Executive Health Systems Leadership (EHSL) focuses on leadership development, specifically for nurses across complex health and educational organizations. The DNP in EHSL has been explicitly developed to disseminate knowledge of the inner workings of health care systems, helping nurses advance their careers in administration and leadership through achieving learning outcomes involving human resources, finance, governance, law, business, and policy change. Graduates of this DNP will be well-positioned to practice in a range of multifaceted clinical, organizational, and educational systems. They will also be able to influence changes in health care outcomes through evidence-based decision-making and system redesign. Graduates from our EHSL track are equipped to practice in a wide variety of roles and settings, including Chief Nursing Officer, Nurse Education/Policy, Executive Director, Nursing Managerial Positions, University/College Faculty.
Our EHSL students are prepared to:
- Serve in senior leadership roles
- Influence positive financial fitness in healthcare settings
- Increase patient safety
- Mitigate organizational risks
- Lead positive changes in workplace environments
- Strategic planning
- Lead evidence-based practice changes
- Lead policy change
- Improve healthcare outcomes
- Influence and create paths for workforce development
- Human Resource administration
Application Requirements
- MSN degree from a nationally accredited program with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; or a BSN with a master's degree in a relevant field with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Master's degrees will be evaluated on an individual basis for relevancy and accreditation.
- Submit proof of clinical hours completed for the MSN program.
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
- Unencumbered and unrestricted RN license.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Current CV or resume.
Expected Costs
- COMPLIO: $154
- Typhon: $90
- Books: $750
- Tuition for EHSL Track:
- In-State: $444.26 (per credit hour)
- Out of State: $1,075.66 (per credit hour)
Curriculum
The DNP Role
Our DNP program prepares students for progressive, executive nursing leadership roles. The DNP program's academic (didactic) curriculum and required clinical hours provide each student with a solid foundation to become a leader within the nursing profession. Each student will have the opportunity to work with faculty who are nationally recognized for their clinical practice and research. Additionally, students will gain experience within organizations with expert preceptors.
The Executive Health Systems Leadership DNP track is a fully online, part-time program for experienced nurses with an MSN or qualifying master's degree and/or a BSN. The program begins each Fall and Spring and spans six semesters (entry with MSN) and eight semesters (entry with BSN).
Program Structure
- Year One:
- DNP Roles in Healthcare
- Organizational Change
- Healthcare Communities
- Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
- Policy and Legal Complexities
- Practicum experience
- Year Two:
- Healthcare Finance
- Healthcare Economics and Entrepreneurship
- Population Health
- Continued practicum experience
- DNP Project Planning, Application, and Implementation
In addition, students will work with faculty to complete an Evidence-Based Quality Improvement DNP Project based on AACN's The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice in collaboration with a clinical agency or organization local to the student.