Online Doctor of Nursing Practice: Job Outlook
Begin a D.N.P. Program That Propels You to Executive Leadership
Flexible online courses
Competency-based curriculum
Discover a path to nursing leadership positions and a higher salary with the Doctor of Nurse Practice (D.N.P.) in Executive Leadership from Benedictine University. This online program imparts expertise and skills for improving the operations of health care organizations nationwide.
Each course is rooted in essential competencies established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), delivering in-demand qualifications for taking your nursing career to the next level.
- Make valuable career connections by collaborating with members of your cohort
- Prepare for executive-level roles that focus on improving patient care, population health and health care policy
- Attain a credential that helps you stand out for job opportunities requiring a Doctor of Nursing Practice
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Doctor of Nursing Practice Job Opportunities
Chief Nursing Officer $147,532 average annual salary1
Clinical Operations Director $103,152 average annual salary2
Director of Patient Care Services $115,496 average annual salary3
Director of Patient Safety $97,557 average annual salary4
Transform Health Care as an Executive Nurse Leader
Acquire your D.N.P. in Executive Leadership online to position yourself for advanced nursing roles with impressive earning potential. In fact, the average Doctor of Nursing Practice salary in January 2025 was about 7.7% higher than M.S.N. salaries.5,6 Our curriculum equips students with the skills and knowledge that align with a wide range of job opportunities for Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates, including careers in executive leadership, nurse education and health care policy analysis.
- The number of D.N.P. graduates increased by 5% from 2022–2023.7
- Nearly one-third of nurse leaders are considering leaving their roles,8 creating demand for these positions.
- The average Doctor of Nursing Practice salary was $112,000 per year in January 2025.5
Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired
What You’ll Learn
- 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.
Skills You’ll Gain
- Analytical skills
- Civic engagement
- Critical and creative thinking
- Cultural competence
- Global awareness
- Information fluency
- Social responsibility
- Stewardship
Reach Your Full Professional Potential
Your relationship with Benedictine University doesn’t end when you graduate. Our goal is to promote your lifelong personal and professional development by providing you with a foundation for becoming a self-directed learner. From resume assistance to comprehensive career assessment tools, we offer many ways to define and pursue your professional aspirations.
Sources
- Payscale. “Average Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Salary.” Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Director of Clinical Operations Salary.” Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director_of_Clinical_Operations/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Director of Patient Care Services Salary.” Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director_of_Patient_Care_Services/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Director of Patient Safety Salary.” Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director_of_Patient_Safety/Salary.
- Payscale. “Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.” Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctor_of_Nursing_Practice_(DNP)/Salary.
- Payscale. “Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) Degree.” Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_in_Nursing_(M.S.N.)/Salary.
- 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.
- AMN Healthcare. “2024 Survey of Hospital Nurse Leaders.” Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.amnhealthcare.com/amn-insights/nursing/surveys/2024-survey-of-hospital-nurse-leaders/.