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Online D.N.P. in Executive Leadership

DNP student speaking to professor

Become a Transformative Leader Focused on Improving Health Care

Flexible Online Courses

24 – 26 Months

36 – 40 Credit Hours

$1,050 per Credit

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Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition and more.

Grow as a Leader with Our Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

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 health care.

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.

Program Highlights

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Online D.N.P. Program Highlights

Curriculum

Our D.N.P. Online Program Is Rooted in Flexibility and Collaboration

12 Courses

8-Week Terms

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 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 125 clinical hours incorporated into the eight foundation courses. The program also includes practicum requirements, and the 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 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
Curriculum Details

Admissions Requirements

Apply to the Online D.N.P. in Executive Leadership at No Cost

Application Deadline August 04, 2025

Start Date August 25, 2025

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 an admissions counselor 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, you’ll receive one semester credit hour required for the Graduate Clinical Immersion Practicum.

Online Application FormApply Now
Degree and Minimum GPAMaster of Science or higher degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
TranscriptsOfficial sealed transcripts from the institution where the highest degree in nursing was conferred.
Transfer CreditsTransfer up to six credit hours, pending approval from the graduate program director.
Credit for Prior Work/Life ExperienceSeek 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 credit hour 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 D.N.P. 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
International Admission Requirements

Benedictine University’s online programs enable you to earn a degree from a respected American university without leaving home. With students and graduates from all 50 U.S. states and more than 16 countries, Benedictine provides you with abundant opportunities for networking as a student and after graduation through our alumni association and online directory of graduates.

Foreign Transcript EvaluationA three-year bachelor’s degree program must be deemed equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree program by Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), World Education Services (WES) or Educational Perspectives in order to qualify for admission to a graduate program.
English Language ProficiencyInternational students applying to graduate programs must meet one of the following requirements on a proficiency exam:
  • TOEFL Internet-Based Test: 79; with a writing sub-score minimum of 20.
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5; with a writing sub-score minimum of 6.

Get Support for Your Journey to an Online Degree

At Benedictine University, we’re dedicated to assisting you throughout the admissions process. From the time you apply to your first week of class, an admissions counselor will work closely with you to aid your success. Visit our Admissions Hub to learn the steps you’ll complete to begin your online program, along with opportunities for students with transfer credits and military experience.

Admissions

Tuition & Aid

Review the Tuition for Your D.N.P. Online Degree

Calculate your cost for attending BenU Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.  

With the online D.N.P. in Executive Leadership, you’ll invest in your future by developing competencies that set you up for success as a health care leader. To make the program more cost-effective, we offer discounts through partnership agreements with health care systems in our region. Additionally, our Alumni Scholarship awards 25% savings per credit hour to students who attained a bachelor’s or master’s degree from Benedictine.

Cost per Credit Hour$1,050
Total Number of Credit Hours36 – 40
Total Estimated Tuition$37,800 – $42,000
Additional Fees$125 tech fee per semester (the program includes six semesters)
Other Costs to Budget ForThe estimated tuition does not include factors like textbooks or other expenses, including costs that may be associated with your chosen placement site.

Proud to Support Our Military Students

Benedictine University is grateful for the service of the men and women of the U.S. military. We participate in the Yellow Ribbon program and offer a Military Scholarship to active-duty and veteran service members. Additionally, our admissions team can help you make the most of the education benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Learn About Tuition and Financial Aid

We strive to provide valuable returns as you progress through your online program and career. To make your program cost-effective, we can help you explore financial aid options, scholarships, military benefits and more. Plus, learn how tuition reimbursement programs help you save money while earning a career-aligned degree.

Tuition Details

Online DNP students reviewing information with professor

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 advanced roles, including chief nursing officer, director of patient care services and director of patient safety.

Explore Careers

Careers to Pursue After Earning Your D.N.P. Degree Online

Chief Nursing Officer $147,532 average annual salary2

Clinical Operations Director $103,152 average annual salary3

What You’ll Learn

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

Follow Our Faculty to the Forefront of In-Demand Fields

Benedictine University’s faculty members bring tremendous professional experience to the classroom. As distinguished instructors and industry leaders, they commit to publishing new findings and pioneering new possibilities in their fields. Thanks to our small student-to-faculty ratio, you will receive personal support throughout your online program.

Deb Jezuit

Deborah Jezuit, Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Nursing and Health and RN to B.S.N Director

Faculty Spotlight: Deborah Jezuit, Ph.D., RN

Dr. Jezuit has been a faculty member at BenU since 2010 as an adjunct and full time since 2014. She has more than 25 years of online, on-ground and clinical teaching expertise, and she has taught all levels of nursing students.

Dr. Jezuit has served as an ICU unit manager and ADN nursing program director. Her professional nursing practice background is in critical care nursing. Her scholarly work focuses on caring, ethics and end-of-life issues.

Education

Ph.D. in Nursing Ethics, Rush University

Professional Associations

  • American Nurses Association
  • National League for Nursing
  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing
  • Sigma Theta Tau

Faculty Spotlight: Alison Ridge, D.N.P., RN, CNE

Dr. Ridge has been on the faculty at BenU since 2012. She has extensive online, on-ground and clinical teaching expertise and has taught all levels of nursing students.

Her philosophy of teaching focuses on partnering with students to promote their success and that mutual learning occurs. Her professional nursing practice background includes care of adults and older adults with mental health issues. Additionally, she has expertise working in the community delivering health promotion programs. Her scholarly work focuses on caring in student and faculty interactions, supporting adjunct faculty and reflective practices of staff nurses to address human suffering.

Education

  • D.N.P. – Systems Leadership, Rush College of Nursing
  • M.S.N. – Psychiatric Nursing, Rush College of Nursing
  • Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

Professional Associations

  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association
  • Sigma Theta Tau
  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing
  • National League for Nursing
Alison Ridge

Alison Ridge, Professor, Graduate Program Director and Clinical Coordinator

Flexible Online Courses That Foster Success

Benedictine University strives to provide a highly engaging experience to online students. We deliver courses via an easy-to-use learning management system that incorporates innovative instruction and helps students remain productive. Thanks to the asynchronous format of our courses, you can study when and where you prefer while getting the flexibility needed to meet your personal and professional responsibilities.

  • Take online courses of the same quality as our on-campus programs
  • Benefit from curricula rooted in the latest research and continuous improvement
  • Network with your instructors and classmates around the world
Discover Benedictine Online

Sources

  1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. “AACN Fact Sheet – D.N.P..” Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/dnp-fact-sheet.
  2. Payscale. “Average Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Salary.” Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary.
  3. Payscale. “Average Director of Clinical Operations Salary.” Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director_of_Clinical_Operations/Salary.