DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership: Ultimate Guide

Are you a nurse leader who aspires to drive meaningful change through strategy, operations, or policy? Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Executive Nurse Leadership will prepare you to achieve precisely that. 

Leading amid today’s healthcare complexity calls for doctoral-level preparation, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The DNP equips nurse leaders with the “highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure quality patient outcomes.” 

The DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership, also referred to as the DNP in Executive Leadership, is the highest level of education available in executive nurse leadership. The degree will help you develop advanced business acumen and leadership skills to lead at the executive level across nursing and healthcare. 

This blog post examines all aspects of the DNP in Executive Leadership, from admission requirements, costs, and curricula to alumni perspectives and career paths. Along the way, you will also explore Baylor University’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership, which prepares experienced nurse leaders to influence decision-making in major healthcare systems and hospitals. 

Why Choose a DNP in Executive Leadership? 

Obtaining a DNP in Executive Leadership is a decision that will enable you to make a greater impact in the nursing profession. This degree prepares nurse leaders for executive nurse leadership roles where they can shape healthcare organizations, policy, and outcomes. 

Respond to Healthcare’s Leadership Crisis 

Healthcare organizations are facing significant leadership challenges. Executive turnover is high, with nearly half of healthcare executives surveyed in March 2025 by B.E. Smith, a healthcare recruiting firm, reporting plans to exit their roles within a year. 

At the same time, healthcare leaders are navigating their organizations through a myriad of strategic priorities, including digital transformation and workforce recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By pursuing an executive doctoral program, nurse leaders gain the advanced competencies necessary to guide organizations effectively in our complex healthcare environment. 

Transition into High-Impact Roles 

The DNP in Executive Leadership deepens nurse leaders’ organizational influence, evidence-based decision-making, and systems thinking, preparing nurse leaders to transition into high-impact executive roles. 

By combining advanced leadership skills with practical nursing experience, graduates become highly sought-after candidates for advanced nurse leadership positions such as chief nursing officer or chief operating officer. 

Executive leadership roles such as these expand influence, career opportunities, and income potential. 

Bridge Clinical Expertise and Business Acumen 

Knowing what’s best for patient outcomes is vital to influence decision-making—but so is demonstrating business savvy and organizational insight. 

The DNP in Executive Leadership builds on nurse leaders’ passion with business expertise, allowing them to design and create consensus around data-driven strategies that improve both patient outcomes and health system performance. 

Influence Health Policy, Equity, and Outcomes 

Nurse leaders with a DNP in Executive Leadership are also positioned to drive changes at the policy and system level that serve patients more effectively. 

Here are a few recent examples of impactful initiatives led by DNP-prepared nurses: 

• An urban health system experiencing high nurse turnover improved job satisfaction and turnover intent by implementing a points-based recognition program. 
• A Midwestern health system provided direct care nurses with protected time, project management training and tools, and nurse leader coaching to implement wellness initiatives that address direct care nurse burnout and stress, resulting in a notable improvement in project success. 
• A large academic medical center created a service line council across multiple medical-surgical units to address declining nurse engagement in professional governance, leading to significantly higher empowerment scores among nurses. 
• Dr. Ardel Avelino, a hospital executive and graduate of Baylor’s DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership program, partnered with the State of California during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to establish a community drive-thru testing site, providing access to testing for more than 6,000 residents. 

Baylor’s DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership uses the Adams Influence Model framework to prepare nurse leaders like Dr. Avelino for transformative leadership. 

"The main message we want prospective students to know about is our unique program focus on influence,” said Laure Marino, DNP, associate professor and track coordinator of Baylor’s DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership program. “It's the hallmark of our program; we consider influence to be a strategic executive competency." 

Executive doctoral programs prepare nurse leaders to translate frontline insights into strategies that shape healthcare regulations and standards, address healthcare disparities, and improve healthcare quality, safety, and delivery. 

What Jobs Are Available to DNP in Executive Leadership Graduates? 

Earning a DNP in Executive Leadership enables nursing leaders to excel through the challenges and opportunities of executive leadership. 

These are some of the nursing leadership roles where they make an impact: 

• Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): Advances healthcare quality through nursing practice while improving organizational efficiency, typically as the most senior nursing professional in a health system, healthcare organization, or governmental body. 
• Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees the operations of healthcare facilities and systems to improve healthcare quality and delivery. 
• Hospital System President: Oversees the strategic, financial, and operational performance of multiple hospitals to align with system mission and goals.  
• Health Policy Advisor or Consultant: Analyzes, interprets, and develops health policies to improve healthcare equity, access, and outcomes. 
• Academic Leader: Provides the strategic vision and operational leadership for nursing schools or educational programs, often as the dean or chair of nursing. 
• Board Member or Nonprofit Executive: Provides strategic oversight and advocacy for healthcare organizations or nonprofits, advancing community health and nursing practice. 

Graduates of DNP in Executive Leadership programs operate as decision-makers, visionaries, and advocates who influence nursing practice and healthcare systems.

DNP vs. PhD vs. MBA vs. MHA: What's the Difference? 

Nurse leaders have multiple options for advancing their leadership through graduate-level education. 

The ideal degree depends on your career goal: 

• Lead at the highest level in nursing — DNP in Executive Leadership 
• Shape nursing science, teach, or focus on research — Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) 
• Pivot into business, finance, or executive healthcare roles outside of nursing — Master of Business Administration (MBA) 
• Focus on hospital/health system administration with healthcare-specific expertise — Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) 

The DNP in Executive Leadership blends clinical expertise and systems leadership to prepare nurse leaders for executive leadership roles across nursing and healthcare. 

What Do You Learn in a DNP in Executive Leadership Program? 

DNP in Executive Leadership programs develop advanced strategic, financial, and leadership skills to lead at the highest levels of nursing and healthcare. 

While the curricula vary, executive doctoral programs build on the traditional master’s degree through the study of key areas such as: 

• Evidence-based practice 
• Systems leadership and change management 
• Quality improvement 
• Financial and operational management 
• Health policy, law, and ethics 
• Data analytics and business intelligence 

Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership is designed to meet the standards of professional organizations, including the AACN, American Organization of Nurse Leadership (AONL), and others. 

It develops executive knowledge and competencies in the following areas, preparing students to stand out in their organizations as proven nurse leaders and practice scholars: 

• Influential Leadership: Designing practice environments that enhance interprofessional and interdependent collaboration, and using a comprehensive set of executive skills and knowledge to influence organizational decisions and change. 
• Data-Driven Business Strategy: Forecasting and monitoring innovations, evidence-based practices, regulatory and policy trends, technology, and changing population needs to inform future strategy. 
• Transformative Care Models: Transforming care delivery models and optimizing operations processes to reduce variation and improve outcomes across the care continuum. 

What Is the Project Component of the DNP in Executive Leadership? 

Students in DNP in Executive Leadership programs complete a scholarly project with an executive or leadership emphasis, allowing them to develop and apply scholarship, leadership, and teamwork skills. 

The DNP in Executive Leadership project aims to address a practical problem at the organization or system level. Outcomes are often tied to financial performance or strategic goals, in addition to care quality—reducing nurse turnover, improving patient flow, or streamlining supply chain management, for example. On the other hand, clinical-focused DNP projects solve issues of nursing practice. 

Key elements of the DNP project are: 

• Identifying a real-world nursing or healthcare problem 
• Searching, analyzing, and synthesizing the existing research and evidence 
• Translating the evidence into a practical strategy or method to solve the problem 
• Designing a plan for putting the strategy into action 
• Implementing the plan when possible 
• Evaluating the outcomes, process, and overall experience 

Baylor’s DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership project includes a gap analysis where students compare the current and desired state of the system, process, or practice environment contributing to the problem. Then they create a business plan for bridging the gaps—blending leadership, analytics, and financial analysis to produce measurable results. 

“These projects reflect Baylor’s commitment to developing evidence-informed, outcomes-driven leaders whose work improves quality, safety, and workforce stability,” said Dr. Marino. 

Baylor’s DNP project takes a total of 1,000 hours, and students in the online program may complete it in their local area. 

What to Expect from an Online vs. On-Campus DNP in Executive Leadership? 

Post-master’s DNP programs are offered at over 400 educational institutions in three formats, giving nurse leaders the flexibility to earn their doctorate however it suits their schedule: 

• Online: Complete coursework and collaborate with peers completely online. 
• On Campus: Attend courses in person with peers following a structured schedule. 
• Hybrid: Collaborate and complete coursework online with in-person intensives or residencies. 

In Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership program, nurse leaders advance their leadership competencies through a flexible format while creating a network of colleagues and mentors. 

Coursework is available in Baylor's virtual learning environment 24 hours a day with no required campus visits, allowing students to complete their degree around their work and personal schedule. Students also stay with the same classmates throughout their program, allowing for meaningful relationships and conversations. 

What are the DNP in Executive Leadership Admission Requirements?

Admission to DNP in Executive Leadership programs can be selective, ensuring candidates are prepared for the rigors of doctoral study and executive leadership. Requirements generally include post-graduate education, professional nursing experience, and materials that demonstrate leadership potential. 

Education 

DNP in Executive Leadership candidates typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or other business or health-related master’s degree. 

Some programs also require a minimum score on a graduate school admissions test, such as the GRE or GMAT. 

Work and Leadership Experience 

A current, unencumbered RN license is a standard admission requirement. Professional nursing experience may also be required, including in leadership roles. 

For example, a minimum of two years of supervisory or management experience at the director level or above is a prerequisite for Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership. 

Supplemental Requirements 

Other admission requirements may include letters of recommendation, a personal statement, an interview, and official transcripts. These help demonstrate candidates’ readiness for doctoral-level study, leadership potential, and experience. 

Is a DNP in Executive Leadership Worth the Investment? 

The tuition for DNP in Executive Leadership programs varies widely, partly due to the length and format (online, on campus, or hybrid). On-campus and hybrid programs may have additional costs for travel to in-person components. 

The cost per credit hour for Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership program is lower than others, and financial aid is available to those who qualify. 

In addition to financial aid, doctoral students have other options for funding their education, including employer tuition assistance, scholarships, grants, and payment plans, among others. 

The DNP in Executive Leadership offers a potentially strong financial and professional return on investment through career advancement and a larger scope of influence. 

It also offers executive-level earning potential. According to the American Nurses Association’s 2024 Nursing Trends and Salary Survey, an average of 48% of nursing leaders, supervisors, and executives across the country earn an annual base salary of over $100,000. 

The return on investment becomes clearer through the voices of Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership graduates, who’ve applied their advanced competencies to transform their leadership in nursing and healthcare. 

What Do Baylor’s DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership Alumni Say About Their Experiences? 

Baylor University has a rich tradition of developing healthcare leaders who elevate patient care in Texas and beyond. For many, their experience at Baylor transforms professional ambition into a true calling, shaping how they lead and serve. 

Tammy Rodriguez completed Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership program while working as the CNO at AdventHealth Central Texas. The experience expanded her perspective from inpatient care to system-wide collaboration, strengthened her inclusive leadership, and deepened her faith-driven, patient-centered approach. 

“I was always mainly focused on the inpatient and acute care side, and we have a lot of ancillary outpatients off-site. It gave me the ability to say, ‘There’s an opportunity for us to collaborate from the inpatient side to the outpatient side to help the patient’s journey through the healthcare system be more seamless.’ The program I went through contributed to that,” Rodriguez said. “Ultimately, I think our community is getting or has the opportunity to navigate the healthcare system in a way that’s healthier for them.” 

Another graduate echoed the transformative impact, emphasizing how Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership shapes bold, decisive nurse executives. 

“If you want to excel as a nurse leader/executive, this program is suited for you. But be prepared to put in work; trust me, you will learn profoundly,” said Dr. Avelino, vice president and chief operating officer at St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach. “This program will transform you into a bold, decisive, and exceptional leader [with] the aptitude to impact your organization, community, and the nursing profession.” 

The online format of Baylor’s DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership program enables students to develop their leadership quickly. Because it’s designed for working professionals, students can apply what they learn right away. 

“I can confidently say that this program has been a divine intervention—the best decision I could have made for my career,” shared Mitch Netterville. “Each course has not only deepened my knowledge but also enhanced my practice at work.” 

How to Choose a DNP in Executive Leadership Program? 

When considering program options, focus on the factors that will directly influence your success, including program accreditation and rankings, faculty experience, and student support. 

Accreditation and Rankings 

Ensure the DNP in Executive Leadership program you choose is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). High rankings can also signal quality and credibility. 

Baylor is distinguished in healthcare and business, preparing students to stand out and make a meaningful difference. The Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor is: 

• Accredited by CCNE 
• Approved by the Texas Board of Nursing 
• Member of the AACN 
• Recognized as one of the top educational institutions in the nation by U.S. News & World Report  
• Ranked as the #1 Best Accredited Nursing School in Texas by nursingprocess.org 

Faculty Experience 

Look for DNP in Executive Leadership programs that have supportive faculty with leadership backgrounds. Their mentorship and real-world insights will influence your growth as an executive-level nurse leader. 

“What sets Baylor’s DNP in Executive Leadership program apart is the faculty-student relationship,” said Dr. Marino. “With a low project mentoring ratio (1:6–7), every student benefits from individualized guidance from faculty who are not only academics but also practicing healthcare executives.” 

Baylor’s faculty are an exceptional group: researchers, authors, winners of countless national awards, presidents of national organizations, former missionaries and administrators, and experts in their specialties. 

Every professor is also committed to student success. They know students’ professional contexts and personal challenges, encouraging them, holding them accountable, and helping them apply coursework to real-world leadership practice. 

“Our students experience the same type of executive coaching they’ll later provide to others. It’s a partnership grounded in accountability, influence, and shared purpose,” shared Dr. Marino. 

Student Support 

Assess whether the program offers the resources and support needed to complete your doctoral degree successfully. 

Students move through Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership program together in a cohort model. This structure fosters strong peer relationships, professional networks, and support systems through collaboration, accountability, and shared learning—mirroring the teamwork required in executive nursing leadership. 

Baylor students are also paired with a student success coach who works with them from their entrance into the program through graduation. From assisting during initial orientation and providing guidance on course selection to monitoring progress, Baylor’s student success coaches understand the needs and challenges of busy nurse leaders. 

FAQs About Baylor’s Online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership Program 

For nurses in management positions interested in executive leadership in healthcare settings, Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership develops executive knowledge and competencies in influential leadership, data-driven business strategy, and transformative care models. 

Here are answers to a few common questions about the program’s value, length, flexibility, and career outcomes. 

Is a DNP in Executive Leadership Worth It? 

A DNP in Executive Leadership is worth it for nursing leaders seeking executive roles, higher earning potential, and greater influence on health systems, policy, and equity. 

How Long Does It Take? 

DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership students typically complete Baylor’s online program in two years. 

Can I Work While in the Program? 

Yes, Baylor’s online coursework allows you to balance your career with your other commitments. 

Will This Degree Let Me Move Out of Clinical Work? 

Baylor’s DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership can equip you for roles such as nurse administrator and C-suite positions, including CNO and COO. 

Prepare to Become a Transformative Executive Nurse Leader with Baylor University 

When you earn a DNP in Executive Leadership, you will gain the business acumen and advanced leadership competencies to become a transformative executive leader. Graduates are prepared to serve as advocates for nurses within the profession and their respective organizations. 

In Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership program, you will gain hands-on experience designing initiatives, leading collaborative teams, managing external constituents, and more—so you are prepared to implement thoughtful, strategic shifts and improve outcomes through executive nurse leadership. 

You qualify to apply for Baylor’s online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership program if you have: 

• MSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing, or any master’s in business/health-related degree, such as MHA, MBA, Master of Public Health (MPH), etc. 
• BSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing 
• GPA 3.0 or above (BSN)  
• Current unencumbered RN license  
• Two years of supervisory/management experience at the director level or above, with strategic planning, budgetary, and financial responsibilities within the past five years. 

Learn more about Baylor University’s 100% online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership program. Contact an admissions advisor to get started.