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Degree Requirements

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, .

All required documentation must be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the full summer semester:

• Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher from an accredited MSN program.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education.
• Three letters of recommendation addressing applicant’s practice and ability for doctoral study.
• Current resume.
• Copy of unencumbered RN license.
• Completion of Graduate Studies Admission Application and fee.

1. Synthesize and appraise current scientific evidence and theories to enhance the practice of nursing and healthcare. 
2. Create leadership roles to advance clinical practice and health care delivery at the organizational and systems level and to improve health outcomes of individuals and populations. 
3. Utilize healthcare informatics and an evidenced-based approach in clinical scholarship to critically evaluate, design, and implement health care delivery for diverse populations, settings, and systems. 
4. Integrate knowledge of and evaluate current and emerging information systems and patient care technology, considering related ethical, regulatory, and legal issues, to improve care delivery and organizational systems. 
5. Develop and advocate for healthcare policy change in response to social, political, economic, and ethical issues in all healthcare arenas.
6. Engage in intra-professional collaboration to facilitate change, improve communication, enhance patient outcomes, improve desired health outcomes, and advance high quality, safe, patient centered care in complex healthcare delivery systems.
7. Translate epidemiological, bio statistical, occupational, environmental, and cultural principles into clinical prevention and population health. 
8. Reflect on clinical experiences and how the knowledge gained influences the future role of the nurse leader.

• Q: What is the focus of the DNP Nurse Executive program?
  A: The program prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, with a focus on executive decision-making, healthcare policy, business management, and clinical practice improvement.
• Q: What are the career options for students graduating with this degree?
  A: The DNP Nurse Executive program will open up new career options that may include: Health Care Executive, Chief Nursing Officer, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Project Director, Health Care Consultant, Professor, and Vice President of Nursing.
• Q: What topics are covered in the curriculum?
  A: The curriculum generally includes courses on leadership theory, healthcare finance, strategic management, quality improvement, healthcare policy, and evidence-based practice.
• Q: Can you complete the program on a part-time basis?
  A: Yes! Nearly all of our students are employed full-time as nurses. Our program offers flexible coursework built with working nurses in mind.
• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A: Coursework is offered 100% online asynchronously. Additionally, 1000 clinical hours are required. 500 are built into the curriculum and 500 are to be completed outside of coursework.
• Q: Can I count any of my clinical hours from my MSN towards my DNP Nurse Executive?
  A: Yes! Up to 500 hours of documented hours completed as part of the MSN degree program will be accepted and applied toward the DNP Executive Track 1000 total clinical hours requirement. The applicant would need to provide a letter from the MSN program certifying the number of hours completed as part of the MSN degree program.
• Q: If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
  A: Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information available here under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.