Doctor of Nursing Practice – Leadership

Overview 

Advance your nursing career and lead meaningful change in health care systems with Penn State’s hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice – Leadership program. Designed for experienced nurses, this practice-focused doctoral degree equips you with the high-level leadership, systems thinking, and policy expertise needed to improve patient outcomes and drive innovation across complex health care environments.

Taught by expert faculty from the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, this program integrates online coursework with essential in-person learning experiences. Available in both part-time and full-time formats, the curriculum is structured around the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s DNP Essentials. For students entering the program with a BSN, the DNP–Leadership program generally requires eight semesters over three years at part-time status. Our dedicated faculty and staff offer continuous support, ensuring students gain the knowledge and skills to excel in advanced practice.

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Why a DNP?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of clinical nursing education, equipping advanced practice nurses with the expertise to lead in patient care, healthcare policy, and system improvements. Differing from research-focused doctoral programs, a DNP emphasizes translating evidence-based knowledge into practice, enhancing healthcare outcomes, and addressing complex challenges in clinical settings. With a growing demand for highly skilled nurse leaders, the DNP prepares professionals to drive innovation, improve patient safety, and advocate for healthcare policies that enhance access and quality of care. As the healthcare landscape evolves, DNP-prepared nurses play a vital role in bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that nursing continues to advance as a science and a profession.

Why Penn State Nursing?

Choice clinicals. Academic excellence. Expert faculty. World-renowned University.

Our graduate team is comprised of expert faculty and staff dedicated to student success through individualized mentorship and guidance. Named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing in recognition of the college’s creation of environments that promote the pedagogical expertise of our faculty, prospective students can be assured they’re learning from the best. Further, the college has 700+ clinical partners around the globe, enabling students to complete their clinicals close to home.

The Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is also home to some of the nation’s most influential nurse faculty, so you will learn and be mentored from the best — like Kelly Wolgast, DNP, RN, FACHE, FAAN COL (R), US Army, assistant dean for outreach and professional development, who championed Penn State’s COVID-19 response.

What are my career options with a Penn State DNP?

The DNP degree prepares nurses for the highest level of clinical nursing practice. You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to become a nurse leader in a variety of capacities, depending on your goals.

DNP Options:

• DNP-Nurse Leadership
  • BSN to DNP-Leadership Option
  • MSN to DNP-Leadership Option

Enrollment Requirements:

Students enter the program with a minimum of a BSN degree; those with a graduate degree in nursing will have an individualized plan of study developed upon enrollment. Program completion generally requires eight semesters of part-time study. Students with an MSN can also be admitted to the program; however, we cannot guarantee that all previous coursework and credits will transfer.

Application Requirements:

Priority application deadlines – March 1, June 30, October 1
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; to receive priority status, apply by the deadlines.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree in nursing that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution.

To apply, you’ll also need:

• Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
• GPA and Test Scores — You are expected to have a grade-point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for the baccalaureate degree with a B or better in all science and nursing courses.
• GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required for admission.
• English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School’s “Requirements for Graduate Admission” page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State’s institutional code is 2660.
• Please note that for entrance into a Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing graduate-level program, the minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 580 for the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 25 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 7.0.
• References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names and email addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form for your application to be considered complete.
• References should be obtained from academic and professional perspectives. If you completed college-level courses over the last five years, an academic reference is required. Other references should be from a nursing supervisor, preferably holding a degree higher than yours.
• Vita — A listing of your professional experience and other qualifications
• Writing Sample — A published or unpublished scientific paper, thesis, or other scholarly writing sample
• Interview — You will be asked to participate in an interview, via Internet-based video conferencing or in person

Financial Aid and Military Benefit Opportunities

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential education benefits and financial aid opportunities.

Questions?

Reach out to Cody Hoffman, assistant director of nursing student recruitment, at cah82@psu.edu.