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Executive Leadership
Learn about the Executive Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice specialty.
Program at a Glance
- Time to complete: 3 years with full-time study
- Entry options: Full-time or part-time study
- Application deadline: Apply by June 1 for a fall start
- Format: Hybrid program.
- Courses are online with several on-campus clinical intensive in Kansas City.
- Credit hours: 63 total
- Practice experiences: 1,000 hours
- Already have your DNP? Specialize with one of our certificates.
Need more information? Join a 30‑minute info session for an overview of KU graduate nursing programs, admissions, and the application process.
Can’t join us at these times? Email soninfo@kumc.edu to schedule a one-on-one conversation with a nursing academic advisor.
Executive Leadership Specific Courses
All DNP students take the same core courses, and we participate in the Nursing Education Xchange program to further tailor your learning. Those in the Executive Leadership specialty take these courses as well.
| Course Number | Executive Leadership Specialty Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 840 | Health Care Economics, Policy, and Financial Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 841 | Strategic Workforce Management | 3 |
| NURS 842 | Data Driven Decision Making | 3 |
| NURS 849 | Leadership Seminar Repeatable 1 credit hour course | 4 |
| NURS 940 | Advanced Communication Strategies | 3 |
| NURS 941 | Clinical Practice Knowledge and Care Delivery Models | 3 |
| NURS 942 | Strategic Leadership and Organizational Transformation | 3 |
| NURS 845 | Health Care Economics, Policy, and Financial Leadership Practicum | 2 |
| NURS 846 | Strategic Workforce Management Practicum | 1 |
| NURS 945 | Systems Change Management Practicum | 2 |
| NURS 946 | Clinical Practice Knowledge and Care Delivery Models Practicum | 2 |
| NURS 947 | Strategic Leadership and Organizational Transformation Practicum | 3 |
What Executive Leadership Students Learn
With emphasis on leading in a healthcare setting, students in the Executive Leadership specialty courses will learn to:
Learn how to manage a healthcare organization’s finances by understanding how the economy works, how healthcare payments are structured, and how governance and regulations shape decision‑making.- Understand how policies affect healthcare at every level and use that knowledge to advocate for change, influence decision makers, work with partners, and ultimately improve care and health outcomes.
- Lead quality‑improvement projects by studying healthcare data to find problems, tracking patterns over time, and creating strategies that make care safer and more effective.
- Develop leadership approaches for planning, developing, and keeping a strong healthcare workforce by studying workforce trends, following regulations, partnering with schools and training programs, and using strategies that support long‑term workforce stability.
- Build strong communication and relationship‑building skills needed for top‑level nursing leadership, including delivering strategic messages, working well with different healthcare professionals, and advocating for policies that strengthen the organization and improve care across complex health systems.
- Leverage technology and data systems support better patient care by exploring healthcare informatics and new digital tools to improve clinical performance and keep patient information safe.
Students should refer to the Course Catalog for full course information. Contact Student Affairs if you have questions.
Ready to take the next step?
All applications must be received by June 1, 2026 for fall 2026 admission.
Not sure you’re ready to apply? Request information to receive details about admissions requirements, program format, and upcoming info sessions.
Accreditation & Recognition
The KU School of Nursing is nationally accredited and state approved. See accreditation details.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing