The ever-changing health care sector requires innovative leaders capable of solving pressing challenges. With Benedictine University’s online D.N.P. in Executive Leadership program, you can expand your expertise and fulfill your ambitions for fueling positive change in this sector.
Our online D.N.P. program imparts leadership skills for improving complex health care systems. While studying online and part time, you’ll receive the support and flexibility needed to thrive in your classes and career.
Our Online D.N.P. Program Is Rooted in Flexibility and Collaboration
Benedictine University’s online D.N.P. in Executive Leadership goes beyond the typical classroom experience. You’ll take flexible courses that allow you to study where you want, with cohort-based learning that emphasizes collaboration and personal connections. At the same time, you’ll receive personal support from experienced faculty members who provide valuable insights and help develop an individualized plan and approach for achieving your on-ground clinical hours.
We designed the curriculum for our Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to align with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, delivering the right education for success in nursing today. You’ll earn proficiency credit for the 85 clinical hours incorporated into the eight foundation courses. The program also includes practicum requirements, and 500 clinical hours you completed for your M.S.N. degree will count toward this program's requirement of 1,000 clinical hours. We offer clinical practicum placement support, with the option to complete this requirement where you currently work.
This online program culminates with a D.N.P. project, allowing you to focus on solutions for improving patient outcomes, addressing organizational challenges and developing strategic initiatives. Through this rewarding experience, you’ll build on everything you’ve learned by making meaningful contributions to the nursing field.
Course Highlights
- NRHL 7700 Advanced Knowledge for Innovative Nursing Practice
- NRHL 7704 Information Management and Health Care Technologies
- NRHL 7706 Leading a Culture of Quality and Safety
- NRHL 7722 Advocacy and Accountability for Person-Centered Care
Complete Your Journey to Become a Nurse Leader at Benedictine University
As the health care system grows in complexity, more nurses are pursuing D.N.P. degrees. In fact, the number of nurses graduating from these programs increased by 5% from 2022 to 2023.1 By completing Benedictine’s D.N.P. program online, you’ll develop advanced expertise while preparing for positions at the forefront of nursing. The program delivers qualifications for an array of executive-level roles, including positions that focus on improving patient care, population health and health care policy.
Careers to Pursue After Earning Your D.N.P. Degree Online
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Clinical Operations Director
- Director of Patient Care Services
- Director of Patient Safety
- Director of Population Health
Admission Requirements for the Online D.N.P. in Executive Leadership
Benedictine University offers a simple, supportive admissions process for students interested in completing an online D.N.P. in Nursing program. Request information to connect with a program manager who can help you begin your application and explore opportunities to receive credit for your past coursework and work/life experiences. For every 125 clinical hours completed during your M.S.N. program, students receive one semester hour of credit required for the Graduate Clinical Immersion Practicum.
The admission requirements include:
- Online Application Form: Apply now at no cost.
- Degree: Master of Science or higher degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Minimum GPA: At least a 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) calculated for the master’s and/or higher degree in nursing program coursework.
- Transcripts: Official sealed transcripts from the institution where the highest degree in nursing was conferred.
- Transfer Credits: Transfer up to six semester credit hours, pending approval from the graduate program director.
- Credit for Prior Work/Life Experience: Seek credit for up to three semester hours based on work/life experience to meet the planned clinical practice experience hours associated with NRHL 7000 Graduate Clinical Immersion Practicum, pending approval from the nursing and health chair or graduate program director. Students are required to submit appropriate documentation as part of the prior learning assessment.
- Supervised Clinical Practice Experience: Evidence of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice experiences at the graduate level, which will be verified by the director of the D.N.P. program.
- One semester hour of credit is awarded for every previously earned 125 hours of graduate-level supervised clinical practice experience.
- Students who do not have a minimum of 500 hours will work with the director of the D.N.P. program to complete the requirement through enrollment in NRHL 7000 Graduate Clinical Immersion Practicum.
- The 500 hours must be completed prior to enrollment in NRHL 8800 DNP Project Proposal and Development/Practicum.
- Additional Requirements
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Two letters of recommendation from persons who hold a doctoral degree (preferred) or M.S.N. degree and can address the academic, communication and professional skills of the applicant
- Completion of a purpose statement that reflects scholarly professional writing, prior leadership experience and the identification of a potential practice project (500 words)
- Proof of an unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the U.S.
- A minimum of two years of full-time work experience as a registered nurse in a health care setting
- An interview with the graduate program director or designated faculty
- Completion of the clinical practice verification form
What You’ll Learn in the D.N.P. Online Degree Program
Our online D.N.P. in Executive Leadership prepares you to become an innovative nurse leader. Our supportive faculty members instill next-level knowledge and skills during the online courses and clinical practicum experiences, and we’ll help you develop an individualized plan and approach for achieving your clinical hours. The program also provides opportunities to network with students in your cohort, helping you form connections that support your professional success.
Program Outcomes
- Integrate nursing knowledge and science and relevant science-based theories as the basis for the highest level of nursing practice.
- Critically appraise existing research to determine and implement the best evidence to advance the scholarship of nursing.
- Use systems thinking and current leadership practices to develop health care policy intended to promote a culture of safety and deliver quality, cost-effective care.
- Conduct informed decision-making based on relevant data and information technology to effectively communicate strategic initiatives that support nursing practice.
- Lead interprofessional partnerships and teams focused on the improvement of patient and population health outcomes in an ethical, legal and fiscally responsible manner.
- Prepare for a position of nursing leadership along the continuum of professional socialization through mentorship and development of others.
- Advocate for person-centered caring relationships in collaboration with clinical partners to enhance the health and well-being of persons.
- Engage in partnerships to support and improve equitable population health outcomes.
- Complete a systems-based D.N.P. practice project that demonstrates synthesis of coursework and clinical experiences that contribute to system effectiveness, innovation and evidence-based nursing practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to function independently in a nursing leadership role within a complex health care system.