Admission Requirements

• Degree Requirements: Master's degree in nursing from an accredited institution (Master's degree in Nursing Leadership and Management preferred but applicants with an MS in a nursing specialty other than leadership will also be considered). Applicants with a BSN degree and a master’s in a non-nursing, health-related field (MBA, MPH, MHA, MMHC, etc.) are also eligible to apply for the DNP Executive Leadership Track. 
• GPA: Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. A GPA as low as 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Transcripts and Pre-requisite Courses: Transcript will demonstrate successful completion of academic credits in graduate level pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced physical assessment from a regionally accredited school. One official transcript is required from each US post-secondary institution attended. 
• License: Must have a valid unrestricted North Carolina registered nurse license or a compact state license in order to complete DNP project within the state student is licensed. 
• Recommendations: Three professional references. Recommender will submit a survey through the online application tool.
• Resume: Verification of practicum hours completed during previous graduate degree. All students are expected to have 1.000 post baccalaureate practice hours. Students with less than 500 hours in their prior Master's program will need to complete additional hours in order to meet the 1,000-hour graduation requirement. Please include any professional organization leadership positions.
• Nurse Leadership or Executive Nursing History: One-page only
• Essay: The DNP program for Executive Nurse Leaders prepares experienced leaders to translate evidence-based knowledge into practice, examine and guide the implementation of practice innovations to improve health care outcomes, and align organizational strategic initiatives with healthcare that is affordable and of high quality.
  
  Describe your leadership role and the scope of responsibilities. Additionally, include a response to each of the bulleted items below.
  • Describe experiences or specific situations that demonstrate both formal and informal leadership attributes that define you as a leader. 
    • Leadership style: Describe different approaches used and how you led through difficult situations. 
    • Personnel management: Describe your role in hiring, performance reviews, staff development, disciplinary actions, promotions, and terminations.
    • Financial oversight: Describe your role in budget management, financial planning, cost control, and revenue generation.
  • Describe a situation in which you experienced either a formal or informal leadership role in leading interprofessional teams. Include in your description a response to each of the bulleted items below.
    • Situation: Briefly describe the context and why interprofessional collaboration was needed. 
    • Team: Specify which disciplines/professions were involved.
    • Leadership Role: Did you play a formal or informal leadership role, and how did you assume it?
    • Actions and Challenges: Steps you took to lead and coordinate the team, and obstacles found in leading across different professional perspectives.
    • Impact: How did this change or reinforce your leadership approach? 
  • Describe your short-term and long-term professional/leadership goals and how earning the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nurse Leadership will help you achieve these. (Be specific) Further describe how your goals align with the AONL Nurse Leader Core Competencies. Use the prompts below to organize your response. 
    • Short-term Goals: (1-3 years) Specific professional/leadership goals 
    • Long-term Goals: (5+ years) Career aspirations and leadership vision
    • DNP Impact: How the Nurse Executive Leadership concentration will help achieve these goals 
    • AONL Alignment: Which AONL core competencies align with your goals, and how 
• Interview: Interview with the School of Nursing faculty may be required to determine congruence between student practice interests, career goals and faculty expertise.
• International Applicants must present evidence of professional standing in their home countries. This requirement excludes U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
• Differential Tuition: Differential tuition applies to this program. View a complete listing of current tuition/fees.
• Verification of hours [PDF]

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