BSN to DNP Executive Leadership

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate that prepares clinical scholars recognized for outstanding leadership and innovative evidence-based patient/population centered outcomes. The program focuses on interprofessional collaboration and developing competencies in practice, leadership, and quality improvement and safety that lead to enhanced outcomes important to patients, families, providers, and organizations.

The BSN to DNP curriculum is in line with the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties' (NONPF), the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) and American Organizations of Nurse Executives (AONE) commitment to move all entry-level nurse practitioner education to the DNP degree by 2025. The program is not an addition to master's studies, but rather an integration of the objectives and learning opportunities required for attainment of doctoral level core and population-focused competencies.

The Executive Leadership pathway was created to prepare students for management and administration roles in diverse health care settings. Graduates are prepared to strategically manage human, material, information, and fiscal resources to facilitate the delivery of safe, quality nursing and health care services. Role functions comprise management, administration, leadership, relationship building and advocating for the profession.

Residency requirements: Due to federal regulations from the Department of Education, the College of Nursing currently accepts applications for its online doctoral degree programs from residents of the states participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). A list of participating states can be found at: http://nc-sara.org/sara-states-institutions. Applicants are encouraged to check with their local State Boards of Nursing regarding any specific professional licensure requirements prior to applying or enrolling.

Program Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will be prepared to:

Integrate theories from nursing and support sciences to guide practice and role development
Use evidence-based and best practice literature to propose and initiate change.
Use political acumen to influence health care policy in the promotion of safe, ethical health care delivery.

Deliver a broad array of evidence-based, patient-centered nursing interventions to culturally diverse or at-risk individuals and populations in a specialized area of practice.
Demonstrate expertise in a specialized area of clinical, teaching, and management/administrative practice and/or initial competence in a functional role (advanced practice registered nurse [APRN], educator and administrator).
Employ leadership and management skills in decision making to improve nursing care delivery and the care environment.
Collaborate with the interprofessional teams to improve nursing care and health care services.
Contribute to knowledge dissemination through scholarly activities and communication.

Use critical synthesis to effectively manage resources and systems.
Demonstrate competency in information analysis, management, and technology consistent with role preparation.
Engage in lifelong learning and professional development.

Prerequisite Courses

Undergraduate Nursing Research
General Statistics

Admission Requirements

Application deadline - April 1st
Completion of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing from an accredited institution
Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for the last 60 hours
Current United States license to practice as a Registered Nurse in state where clinical rotations are completed
University admission and supplemental applications [Including submission of three reference letters, an essay, and a resume]
Potential interview with DNP faculty
Completion of all prerequisite courses prior to application deadline