Education and Leadership Track
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The DNP Education/Leadership track is unique in that it is designed as a dual track to enhance skills and knowledge in nursing leadership and education. This degree will prepare nurses to take on advanced roles such as nurse educator, clinical faculty, or administrative positions in healthcare settings. Many leadership positions in nursing and healthcare increasingly require a doctoral degree. A DNP in Education/Leadership equips you with the academic qualifications necessary to pursue either of these roles. Nurses in leadership positions play a crucial role in shaping healthcare policies, improving patient outcomes, and advocating for quality care. A DNP with a focus on education and leadership prepares nurses to make significant contributions in these areas. Earning a DNP can open doors to higher-level positions with greater responsibility and influence within healthcare organizations. It can also lead to increased earning potential and professional recognition. DNP programs emphasize evidence-based practice and research skills, enabling nurses to contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge and the improvement of patient care outcomes. With healthcare evolving rapidly, there is a growing demand for nurse leaders and educators who can innovate, implement change, and address emerging challenges.
Semester 1
NUR 7100 Introduction to the DNP
NUR 7318 Curriculum Development
NUR 7214 Business of Healthcare
Semester 2
NUR 7305 Evidence-based Practice / Translational Science
NUR 7303 Cultural Disparities
Semester 3
NUR 7304 Epidemiology and Health Populations
NUR 7306 Health Technologies
Semester 4
NUR 7307 DNP Scholarly Project 1
NUR 7309 Quality and Safety in Healthcare
Semester 5
NUR 7310 DNP Scholarly Project 2
NUR 7315 Advanced Leadership in Healthcare Organizations
Semester 6
NUR 7312 DNP Scholarly Project 3
NUR 7317 Clinical Teaching and Evaluation
DNP students must complete a minimum of 1000 practicum hours. The required practicum hours may include a combination of hours completed at the master's level and those completed during the post-master's DNP program. Practicum hours may be composed of direct point of care clinical practice, systems/indirect nursing practice, or related experiences. The maximum clinical hours accepted from completion of an MSN/APRN or post master's certification APRN program is 500 hours. Practicum hour completion can be achieved within each student's individual healthcare community.
$1,130 / credit hour
Doctor of Nursing Practice students will be eligible for federal financial aid. Contact the LCU Financial Aid Office at FinancialAssist@LCU.edu or 806.720.7176.
LCU offers both academic and need-based scholarships for Doctor of Nursing Practice students to help with tuition and education costs. We offer the Alice O’Bryan Scholarship to all students, and if you are working at either UMC or Covenant, you can get an additional 10% discount.
Doctor of Nursing Practice students may be eligible for the HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program if currently employed in a critical shortage medical facility or by an eligible school of nursing. Explore this option at hrsa.gov.
DNP applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Current licensure as a registered nurse in the United States
- Current certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) (Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Specialist)
- Active employment in the APRN role
- Master of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited college or university with nursing program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or accreditation from American Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
- GPA of 3.0 or higher for master’s degree
- Graduate level nursing research course
- Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant’s academic ability and leadership potential, including one from a current professional colleague
- Personal Statement
- Interview with DNP faculty
- Current American Heart Association BLS certification
- Current CV or resume
- Official transcripts from all institutions formerly attended.
- NOTE: All transcripts must be from regionally accredited colleges or universities with nursing program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or accreditation from American Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
- LCU Credit Agreement
- Completion of criminal background check
- Non-refundable Application Fee
- Approval by a state nursing board to practice as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife
Once we receive your application submission, you will be contacted by a Graduate Studies representative with further instructions on submission of your additional application materials.