The Doctor of Nursing Practice & Executive Leadership program at The College of St. Scholastica

I am excited to introduce The Doctor of Nursing Practice & Executive Leadership program at College of St. Scholastica. The program is a collaboration between the Department of Graduate Nursing and the Stender School of Business & Technology.

The program, which can be completed online in 16 months, is a unique opportunity for students to develop the capabilities necessary to respond to rapid change in the unpredictable healthcare environment. Graduates will become innovative leaders and change practitioners who know how to build collaboration across disciplines to improve healthcare outcomes for patients and populations.

The DNP is the highest clinical practice degree in nursing. The coursework in this program emphasizes systems thinking and organizational change principles, essential to effective leadership in the nursing profession. By exploring evidence-based practice, health policy, cultural competence, and information technology, DNP students become prepared to strengthen population health and eliminate health disparities. Through the Healthcare Executive Leadership component, DNP graduates become ready to guide organizational change through courses in planning and strategic innovation, conflict management, communication, finance, and healthcare administration.

This program accepts nurses from a variety of nursing disciplines and requires a commitment of four full-time semesters with the appropriate prerequisite coursework. Nurses that are already doctorate prepared may complete only the Healthcare Executive Leadership Program. This certificate consists of 12 credits which can be completed in 2 full-time or 4 part-time semesters. A part-time plan of study is also available for those desiring flexibility.

Consistent with the Benedictine tradition, we are proud to prepare socially conscious and morally responsible leaders who will address the health care needs of all, including vulnerable and underserved populations.

Please reach out to me at [email protected], or visit The DNP Program Website for more information!