MSN–DNP - Executive Leader

Enhance your nursing leadership journey with our streamlined, online MSN to DNP: Executive Leader program, requiring just 30+ credits through our flexible, asynchronous format. Through personalized transcript evaluation, we recognize your previous supervised practicum hours at the master's level, potentially reducing your required coursework and accelerating your path to completion.

Designed specifically for accomplished master's-level nurses seeking the pinnacle credential in nursing practice, our MSN to DNP pathway develops transformational healthcare leaders. The program equips you to orchestrate interdisciplinary teams, navigate complex ethical dilemmas with confidence, and implement evidence-based innovations that address healthcare's most pressing challenges. Join a select community of nursing leaders positioned to drive meaningful change across healthcare systems and beyond.

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Contact the School of Nursing

Email our team with individual questions about the program.

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Students complete the following courses for 30+ credit hours (crs):

NURS G900 Scientific Inquiry & Translational Research (3 crs)
NURS G936 Leadership and Evolving Health Systems (3 crs)
NURS G937 Health Policy, Economics, & Social Justice (3 crs) NURS G938 Population Health, Epidemiology & Statistical Methods (3 crs)
NURS G939 DNP Scholarly Project I-Planning and Proposal (3 crs)
NURS G941 Quality Care and Health Outcomes (3 crs)
NURS G942 DNP Scholarly Project II- Implementation (3 crs)
NURS G943 Transition to Advanced Role (3 crs)
NURS G944 DNP Scholarly Project III-Evaluation and Dissemination (3 crs)
NURS G946 Research for Evidence Based Practice (3 crs)

Students needing additional practicum hours may complete the following in addition to the above requirements:

NURS G965 EL Advanced Practicum (practicum hours depend on crs) (1-4 crs)

Overview

Online

MSN to DNP: Executive Leader

Applications are accepted year-round for enrollment for Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Application deadlines: January 1, August 1, May 1

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Admission Requirements

Online

MSN to DNP: Executive Leader

Requirements

A completed application to the program
Official transcripts from each degree-granting college or university attended
Bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from an accredited school of nursing.
Prior to admission, or as a condition of progression, evidence of completion of a 3 credit hour, graduate-level statistics course with an earned grade of C or better (credits earned more than five years prior to enrollment will not ordinarily be considered).
Copies of current, unencumbered RN License and advanced practice license (if applicable) in the state in which all clinical practicums for the program will occur; APRN certification (if applicable). Specific programs require students to obtain and maintain a Louisiana Registered Nursing license or a multistate nursing license while enrolled in the program.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on earned coursework
Minimum of one year’s full-time work experience
Letters of recommendation
A type-written essay (no more than two pages) must be submitted when completing an application, addressing three areas: 1) description of goals for doctoral study; 2) research translation area of interest for the scholarly project; and 3) career goals.

How to Apply

Complete the online application.
Submit your transcripts from every university ever attended. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required.
Submit proof of an unencumbered RN licensure from the Nursys website (uploaded to your application).
Submit evidence of certification or licensure as a Nurse Practitioner.
Upload a personal statement (2 pages, double-spaced) explaining your unique qualifications, motivations, and vision for your nursing career. Please highlight your clinical experience and expertise, program alignment and career goals, personal qualities and professional values. Your personal statement should demonstrate not only your qualifications but also your passion for nursing and your potential to excel as an advanced practice nurse. The admissions committee should finish reading with a clear understanding of who you are as a healthcare professional and why you are an excellent candidate for the program.
Submit email addresses for 3 references.

Interviews will be required for selected graduate nursing program applicants. Interviews will be scheduled bi-monthly and with increased frequency towards the end of the semester to accommodate admission deadlines.

Upon Acceptance

Students must provide

certified background review and drug screen. Within thirty days of enrollment, students are required to apply for a certified background review and drug screen, at their own expense, by a provider designated by Loyola University New Orleans with the results reported to Loyola University New Orleans School of Nursing.
documentation of physical examination by a licensed provider
documentation of immunizations
current CPR certification

Tuition and Fees

Online

MSN to DNP: Executive Leader

Tuition

$885 per credit hour ($2,655 per 3-credit course).

Fees

Full-time (6+ credit hrs per semester): $250 per semester
Part-time (1-5 credit hrs per semester): $125 per semester

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Online

MSN to DNP: Executive Leader

Financial Aid

Students enrolling in 6 or more credit hours per semester are eligible for federal student financial aid as well as private student loans. For further information about online student financial aid, please visit Loyola's Financial Aid page and the PLUS Loan program page.

U.S. students may be eligible for a Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. This tax credit was designed to help students acquire or improve job skills. Part-time students may apply. This is a tax credit equal to 20 percent of the first $5,000 of qualifying tuition paid or $1,000 maximum per family. Consult your tax advisor for complete details.

Scholarships

Students are also encouraged to seek out private scholarships.

All incoming admitted students have access to Scholarship Universe, Loyola’s scholarship matching platform designed to help students discover funding opportunities beyond traditional institutional, federal, and state aid. Students access Scholarship Universe via their Loyola Single Sign-On account.