Earn your online DNP from a leader in doctoral nursing education.
Our DNP Executive Leadership specialization can empower you to provide the bold, innovative leadership today’s healthcare organizations need to thrive. Gain the systems thinking, knowledge, and confidence to implement and lead quality improvement initiatives across teams and organizations. Become a catalyst for an improved healthcare experience and better patient outcomes.
A DNP leadership online program can academically prepares nurses to pursue leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings.
Personalized Practicum Support
After you register for the Walden University Practicum Pledge™ (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure your site and preceptor to help you find a match. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your degree journey.
Program Details
Curriculum
Minimum Degree Requirements
- 45 quarter credits
- Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 cr.)
- Foundation course (5 cr.)
- Core courses (25 cr.)
- Field experience (up to 8 cr., for students with fewer than 600 documented practicum hours)
- Completion of DNP project (15 cr.)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Walden students have up to eight years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
Please refer to Walden’s catalog for more information about degree requirements.
The number of credits for completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a current, active RN license, a Master of Science in Nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a master’s degree in a business or non-nursing health related field, or an equivalent from an accredited school, and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.
The progress you make now pays you back. Receive tuition-free courses as you successfully complete courses in your program with the Believe & Achieve Scholarship.™
We believe you can achieve your goals, and we're here to support you along your journey.
Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
*See Tuition details for more information.
| Curriculum Components | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 30 quarter credits* (coursework credits will vary based on incoming practicum hours) | $905 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $27,150^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study | 15† quarter credits | $905 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $13,575 | |
| Program Fee | $175 per quarter | $1,050^ | ||
| $41,775+ | ||||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$4,525 $37,250†* | |||
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary, or for practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
*Completion of the DNP program requires a minimum of 1,000 post-BSN practicum hours, with at least 400 hours at the DNP level. Students who have fewer than 600 documented practicum hours upon admission will be required to complete up to 8 additional credits of field experience (1 credit hour has a 1:8 ratio of credit to practicum hours resulting in 80 practicum hours per 1 credit hour).
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt. and reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.
+Tuition and time to complete vary by student and may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 20 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
†*Represents DNP Traditional Track, 600 documented post-BSN clinical practicum hours upon admission, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe and Achieve Scholarship based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
Program Outcomes
Influence Change in Healthcare Delivery
In our DNP executive leadership specialization, you’ll gain a top-down clinical perspective of healthcare as well as the skills to serve as a high-impact nursing leader. Learn how to analyze and evaluate data from evidence-based research to create opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Prepare to guide strategic initiatives within your healthcare system and play a bigger role in transforming patient care.
Career Outlook
Today’s healthcare climate requires adaptable, committed leaders—and you’re ready to rise to the occasion. An online DNP Executive Leadership specialization can academically prepare you to meet new and emerging healthcare demands as a nurse executive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32% through 2030.2 Reach your leadership potential and make a positive, lasting impact for both nurses and patients.
A DNP – Executive Leadership degree can academically prepare you for roles such as:
- Chief nursing officer3
- Clinical director4
- Nursing manager4
- Nursing director4
A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree can academically prepare you for career opportunities in settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Offices of physicians
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Government agencies
- Outpatient care centers
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Meet Your Academic Team
Related Articles
1Additional requirements for Walden's Practicum Pledge™
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, SOC Code 11-9111. Retrieved September 2021. National long-term job growth projection may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee hob growth, and are subject to change.
3Source: O*Net Online. Summary Report for SOC Code 11-1011 Chief Executives. Sample of reported job titles include Chief Nursing Officer. Retrieved February 2021.
4Source: O*Net Online. Summary Report for SOC Code 11-9111 Medical and Health Services Managers. Sample of reported job titles include Clinical Director, Nursing Manager, Nursing Director. Retrieved February 2021.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Note on licensure
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program and DNP Executive Leadership specialization program are not licensure programs and will not prepare students for practice as licensed nurse practitioners.
Enrollment Restrictions by State
Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into any DNP Nurse Practitioner specializations: Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island.