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MSN to DNP-NLA
Nursing Leadership and Administration

Reach for the heights of the nursing profession by going from MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership and Administration.

Program Length

20 Mo.

Accredited by†

CCNE

Format

Online

Clinical Placement

Pledge
calendar

NEXT START October 27th

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Quick facts about the MSN to DNP-Nursing Leadership and Administration program

AccreditationCCNE accredited†, Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
CurriculumComplete specialty leadership courses and core doctoral-level courses to earn the terminal degree in nursing and prepare for certification in a new specialty
Format100% online didactic classes, hands-on clinical experience, and completion of a DNP Practice Project; final DNP project work is woven throughout the program
AdmissionsEligibility requirements include successful completion of an accredited MSN program with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
CertificationWe pledge your clinical placement

Learn More Today!

Classes start: October 27th

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US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2025

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online graduate nursing programs in 2025

Prepare to climb the ladder to new heights as a leader in nursing in less than 2 years

The MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Nursing Leadership and Administration degree is a 53-credit graduate program which prepares you for a career as a forward-thinking change agent. This online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in improvement science, collaborative practice, systems-based practice, as well as specialty topics in leading and managing complex organizations, transforming care in health delivery systems, and more.

Embrace a new role impacting not only how your institution of employment practices nursing, but influencing how nursing is done at large. Your highest career ambitions are possible with the right education and preparation. Our program is designed to help you become a difference maker as a DNP-prepared leader in the field of nursing..

Nurse executive with DNP smiling with medical team in background

  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Curriculum

Your pathway: courses & curriculum details

The MSN to DNP in Nursing Leadership and Administration curriculum is designed both for nurses with an MSN seeking certification in their first specialty, as well as those in an existing specialty looking to transition into a leadership role—while completing the doctoral courses required to become a leader in the nursing profession.

All didactic courses are delivered online. The curriculum includes 495 combined clinical/project hours, comprising of practical clinical experience and the DNP Practice Project.

ProgramMonths iSemester Credits
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership and Administration – MSN to DNP2053

i. Average number of months for students to complete program.

Required Core Courses

All courses, 24.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course focuses on the integration, translation, and application of established and evolving theoretical, evidence-based, and disciplinary nursing knowledge as the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice. Students examine frameworks for knowledge and propose a practice application informed by leadership principals and ethical decision making.

The course focuses on a systems-based approach to enhance quality and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through system effectiveness and individual performance using established and emerging principles of safety and improvement science. Students will review metrics and data driven benchmarks to analyze quality and safety initiatives, employ change theory and improvement science processes to design evidence‐based interventions, and demonstrate advocacy to promote a just institutional culture reflecting resiliency, civility, and respect.

This course focuses on the delivery of care using interprofessional teams in an environment fostering quality and safety and based on the adoption, integration, and dissemination of best practices, current practice guidelines, and evidence‐based interventions. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of interprofessional communication and the impact of team dynamics and performance on desired outcomes in practice. Using tools and techniques to support and improve the efficacy of team‐based interactions student will develop a plan to enhance collaboration.

This course will explore information, communication technologies, and informatics processes used to provide care, gather data, drive decision making, and manage and improve the delivery of safe, high‐quality, and efficient healthcare services in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards. Students will perform an information technology analysis of their practice and develop strategic planning to direct the selection and implementation of new information and communication technologies for their practice setting.

This course focuses on proficient multidimensional leadership for healthcare. Leadership theory, managing change in complex environments, mentoring, and creating a workplace environment that promotes social justice and equity, self‐care, personal health, and well‐being, and lifelong learning will be emphasized. Students will examine their personal, professional, and leadership development process, and create a three-dimensional advocacy-based approach to provide leadership in for the healthcare, professional, and community arenas.

This course applies the principals of best practices, change theory, and improvement and implementation science to the development of innovative solutions for complex health systems to ensure optimal care. Course key concepts include organizational structure, including relationships among macro‐, meso‐, and microsystems across healthcare, and financial and payment models for cost management and reimbursement. Students will engage in a strategic planning initiative for a complex healthcare system which enhances value, access, quality, and cost‐effectiveness, including policy to address health equity and eliminate structural discrimination.

The course focuses on the application, evaluation, and dissemination of knowledge in practice to improve health and transform health care. The processes for the generation, critique, synthesis, and translation of knowledge will be examined. Students will complete human subject protection certification, determine best practices for a specified clinical initiative, and apply evidence to clinical decision making using a framework of evidence-based practice and improvement science.

This course examines the healthcare delivery continuum from public health prevention to disease management of populations and describes collaborative activities with both traditional and non‐traditional partnerships from affected communities, public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities, and others for the improvement of equitable population health outcomes. For a selected population, students will analyze health priorities and the potential for collaboration and partnerships to provide a basis for interventions, policy, advocate strategy, and emergency preparedness.

Required Specialty Courses

All courses, 21.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course is an examination of the process of holistic assessment (physical, psychosocial, and cultural) of individuals across the lifespan. Focus is critical thinking and decision-making related to the role of the advanced practice nurse in a primary care setting.

The course examines scientific concepts of pathophysiology essential to diagnostic reasoning and clinical management of common disease states. The dilemma of cost and need for laboratory and radiographic evidence to support diagnosis is examined.

This course is designed to advance the student's knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics in the management of health and disease states. Major categories of pharmacological agents are examined in the context of the life span, culture, and health and disease states. State and federal regulation related to purchase, possession, administration and patient education about controlled substances, pharmacologic agents and non-pharmacologic agents used as medications are examined.

This course focuses on optimizing the nurse leader role and providing the nurse leader student with an appreciation for the fiscal status of both the global health system and healthcare organizations. The nurse leader role in financial management and value-based purchasing will be discussed.  Fiscal management of human and physical resources, talent acquisition and policy development for health care organizations are also addressed.

This course is designed to provide the nurse leader student with the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective leader and manager within complex organizations from a systems perspective. The concepts of collaborative leadership, shared decision making, leading change, adopting and adapting within the dynamic healthcare environment, applying evidence-based practices, implementing quality improvement strategies, conflict management, and project management will be explored. Contemporary leadership theories, organizational culture and ethics, communication, and diversity, will be addressed.

This direct care practicum course provides the knowledge and skills necessary for the nurse leader to adapt to and adopt change and apply evidence-based practice to promote transformation of healthcare delivery and patient care systems. Strategies to provide guidance to individuals and groups within the complex global healthcare system to implement change will be addressed. Strategic planning, quality and risk management, and the effect of regulatory agencies and policies exert on quality healthcare delivery will be discussed. Students will engage in self-reflection and formulate their personal goals as an advanced practice nurse leader.

The capstone/practicum is the culminating experience of the graduate nursing program and provides the student with the opportunity to synthesize and apply knowledge and competencies acquired from the core and track courses. All students enrolled in the nursing program leadership track are required to complete a final capstone practicum to exhibit mastery and expertise as a nurse leader. The students in the nurse leader this course will complete a practicum with a mentor in an approved nursing leadership/administration setting.

Required Project Residency Core Courses

All courses, 8.00 semester credit hours, are required.

The course focuses on designing and preparing a quality improvement Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project. In this course, students will review expectations for a DNP project, examine completed DNP projects, identify a practice problem, create a project prospectus, develop a project protocol, create a project timeline, estimate costs associated with the proposed project, submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) project approval application, secure a project stakeholder/liaison agreement, and complete preparations necessary to support implementation, where possible, of the project.

This course is the first of a three-course residency series which supports the implementation, management, completion, and dissemination of a DNP project focused on improving clinical practice. In this first course students will work with their Chair and Committee to initiate their project.

This course is the second of a three-course residency series which supports the implementation, management, completion, and dissemination of a DNP project focused on improving clinical practice. In this second course students will continue to work with their Chair and Committee on the implementation and evaluation of their project. 

This course is the third of a three-course series which supports the implementation, management, completion, and dissemination of a DNP project focused on improving clinical practice. In this third course students will complete the implementation and evaluation of their project, present their project results, and prepare a written deliverable of their project.

Tuition & Cost

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the MSN to DNP-NLA program is $770 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find My Estimate 

  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10-20% tuition discount.

    VA/Military benefits  

Find My Estimate 
Requirements

Admissions requirements

Requirements to enroll in the MSN to DNP in Nursing Leadership & Administration program include the following criteria:

  • Hold a current, active, and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which they live. (Note: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident in a compact license state will be deemed to have met this requirement.)
  • Successful completion of an MSN program with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 or higher
    • MSN must be an ACEN, CCNE, or NLN accredited program
  • Must not have failed from previous doctoral program
  • Completion of a background/clinical compliance check

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  • South Carolina
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  • Texas
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  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Your clinical placement is our pledge.

We understand securing clinical placement as part of an MSN to DNP in Nursing Leadership and Administration program is one of the biggest concerns students face. At Herzing, we offer guidance and support through our step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process to ensure you can get the clinical practice experiences you need.

As a Herzing student, we’ll encourage you to find your own preceptor and clinical sites as there are many benefits to doing so. However, we provide extensive support should you find difficulty along the way. With Herzing, you are never on your own.

Because of our strong relationships with healthcare providers across the U.S. and our comprehensive Clinical Guidance Process, we are confident in our ability to help you find clinical placement. So much so that if you are unable to find a clinical site on your own, we pledge to step in and help you secure clinical placement.*

* Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the enrollment documents.

MSN Clinical Placement Pledge Herzing Badge

Accreditation & Recognition

Our accredited & recognized online school

We strive to earn rank as one of the top private, nonprofit universities in the United States. Just as you work every day to become the best version of yourself, so do we as a university.

We are proud to have attained institutional and programmatic accreditation in addition to industry recognition for our accomplishments helping students earn a college education and find career success.

  • CCNE Accreditation

    ✝The doctor of nursing practice program at Herzing University Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

  • U.S. News & World Report Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs 2025

    Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best online graduate nursing degree programs in 2025.

  • Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    View all Herzing University Accreditations and Approvals.

Classes Start: October 27th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

Request Info Apply Now 
Careers

Discover the knowledge and skills to excel in an executive, leadership, or administrative role

BSN to DNP-PMHNP Image
Image

Our program is designed to provide you the fastest path to both earn the highest degree in nursing and begin to make your impact as a leader in nursing.

A DNP curriculum including courses tailored specifically for the administrative and leadership path can prepare you to excel in decision-making roles in many types of healthcare institutions, including Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Director of Nursing, nurse manager, nurse consultant, nurse administrator, and many other possibilities.

You can potentially transition from a clinical RN to a leadership position where you can begin making a significant impact in how nursing is done.

Becoming a Nurse Administrator

Job outlook

Graduate from a DNP program with a specialization in nursing leadership and administration and you’ll be prepared to join a career field expected to grow rapidly over the next 10 years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical and health services managers is expected to rise 29% from 2023-2033, much faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.*

Locations

Program Finder

MSN to DNP - Nursing Leadership & Administration Degree Programs / Showing 1 program for the Online campus

  • MSN to DNP - Nursing Leadership & Administration

    Online

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The Student Experience at Herzing

I learned not to let anyone take away my confidence and I want students to feel the same way.
Dr. Britney Snipes
Nursing | Online Campus
I live in a rural area, so Herzing University’s online FNP program was a great fit for me. Without having to commute to school in larger town, I was able to continue working as an RN and balance school, work and family.
Patricia Carol Bordner
Nursing | Online Campus
I learned not to let anyone take away my confidence and I want students to feel the same way.
Dr. Britney Snipes
Nursing | Online Campus
This program helped me achieve my goal of becoming a PMHNP quickly.
Jennifer Buhl
Nursing | Online Campus
I chose to enroll at Herzing University because I have a passion for nursing and I knew that it was the right career for me.
LaTasha Carr
Nursing | Birmingham Campus

Disclosures

* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.

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Classes Start: October 27th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

Request Info Apply Now