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WesternU / College of Graduate Nursing / Doctor of Nursing Practice Leadership Program (DNP-Leadership)

Doctor of Nursing Practice Leadership Program (DNP-Leadership)

Designed for nurses with a MSN degree to advance to a Doctor of Nursing Practice with emphasis in system leadership (DNP-Leadership).

College of Graduate Nursing:

  • Culture of Humanism and Health Equity
  • First online MSN-FNP program in the nation (1997)
  • First entry level Masters of Nursing in California (2004)
CGN Student examine patient

Doctor of Nursing Practice

There is a critical need for clinicians to design, evaluate, and continuously improve the context within which care is delivered. Nurses prepared at the doctorate level are transformational leaders integrating evidence-based practice, organizational, economic, and leadership skills contributing to the science of improvement. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP-Leadership) degree prepares students to apply and evaluate clinical evidence, designing systems of care delivery that are locally acceptable, economically feasible, and have significant impact on determinants of health and outcomes.
a group of nursing students standing next to each other.

Will This Program Meet My Needs?

WesternU’s flexible hybrid/online learning program leading to a DNP will meet your needs if you are:

A post-graduate prepared nurse wishing to advance your terminal degree in nursing and professional career.

An advanced practice nurse wanting to earn a doctorate in nursing practice while working and keeping your family commitments.

A post-graduate prepared nurse who wants to develop expertise in population health in the care of vulnerable communities.

A post-graduate prepared nurse who desires the convenience of a flexible hybrid/online learning program.

We prepare our graduates to assume practice leadership roles in nursing and healthcare as doctorally prepared clinicians, systems leaders of clinical programs, policy, and practice, and faculty, among other roles.

Upcoming Events

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice – Leadership | Introductory Information Session

    Thursday, October 9 at 12:00 PM Pacific Standard Time

    MSN degreed nurses will be taught how to transform healthcare with a blend of practice, organizational, economic, and leadership skills. Students in this program will learn how to evaluate and apply clinical evidence and science to design systems of care delivery that are locally acceptable, economically feasible, and have significant impact on health care outcomes. During these sessions you will have an opportunity to participate in other College of Nursing Events in you looking to gain knowledge in multiple nursing pathways.

  • “Can I Really Do This?” Success Stories from Non-Traditional Students”

    Wednesday, October 15 at 5:30 PM Pacific Standard Time

    Are you considering pursuing a career in health care but are worried about whether you can handle the stress of graduate school? You’re invited to our webinar, where you’ll connect with WesternU alumni who will address the general concerns students have about pursuing higher education. Our alumni will discuss topics like: Have I waited too long to return to graduate school?, Is it too late to make a career change?, Am I going to be able to balance my family and the workload?, and other concerns students may have about returning to school to enter the health care field. We hope you’ll join us!

  • Funding Your Future: Navigating Financial Aid for Graduate Programs

    Wednesday, October 22 at 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time

    Do you have questions about applying for financial aid? Join our webinar to connect with a financial aid representative, as they share important deadline dates and different loan and scholarship opportunities created to assist you throughout your educational journey. You’ll also have a chance to ask them your questions during an open Q&A session. Your family and other members of your support system are welcome to join us! We’re excited to offer our financial aid webinar in both English and Spanish. Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot today!

  • WesternU Preview Day & Open House | California Campus

    Saturday, November 15 at 8:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

    Get to know WesternU, our programs, and our community. Choose your program of interest and join us on our Pomona, California campus to: – Hear directly from faculty members about program curriculum and highlights – Explore our classrooms, labs, hands-on learning spaces, and more – Connect with current students and learn about their experiences – Participate in hands-on, interactive workshops – Learn about navigating the admissions process and preparing to meet our application requirements – Gain insights into setting yourself up for admissions success