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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

  • August 2026 Experience WesternU

    Saturday, August 22 at 8:30 AM Pacific Standard Time

    Thinking about a career in healthcare but not sure which path is right for you? Experience WesternU is designed for prospective students and early-stage pre-health explorers who want to learn more about healthcare professions, educational pathways, and opportunities available at WesternU.

    Get to know WesternU, our programs, and our community. 

    During check-in, get your day started at our Health Professions/Resource Fairwhere you will be able to explore the diverse world of health professions and access resources available to you on your journey!

    The Health Professions/Resource Fair [8:30am-9:30am] will be right at the center of our university with several booths for you to visit including:

    • Health Professions Colleges/Programs – Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies, Graduate Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Optometry, Dental Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Health Administration, Medical Sciences Masters Programs
    • WesternU University Departments/Resources – Office of Admissions, Office of International Students and Scholars, Center of Disability and Health Policy, The Daumier (Campus Housing)
    • External Support for Prospective Student – Clinical experience/Direct Patient Care, Military Partners, Shadowing Opportunities, Standardized Test Preparation, Volunteering/Community Service Opportunities


    Next, Choose Your (3) Breakout Sessions
    [9:30am-12:15pm]:

    • Current Student Panel – Hear how students chose their profession and what their journey has been like.
    • Financial Aid & Funding Your Education – Learn about tuition, scholarships, financial planning, and paying for professional school.
    • Exploring Healthcare Careers – Compare professions, discover career pathways, and learn about salary expectations, job outlooks, and educational requirements.
    • Program-Specific Interactive Sessions – Participate in hands-on experiences and learn directly from faculty and students within individual healthcare programs.


    Why Attend?

    • Explore a variety of healthcare careers in one place.
    • Learn the differences between professions such as medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, optometry, healthcare Administration, Medical Sciences and more.
    • Hear firsthand from current students and healthcare educators.
    • Gain clarity and confidence as you begin your pre-health journey.
    • Discover which healthcare path may be the best fit for your interests and goals.

    Whether you’re just beginning to explore healthcare careers or looking to narrow your options, Experience WesternU will help you take the next step toward your future.