Baylor University Online DNP - Executive Nurse Leader
The Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor University offers an online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) with an executive nurse leader track (DNP-ENL). Through a Christian environment, nurses who have at least two years of leadership or management work experience can earn the highest level of nursing education available, all with a focus on servant leadership.
Program outcomes cover topics such as evidence-based practice to create more patient-centered care, information systems and technology, health policy, clinical judgment, systems thinking, team-building and leadership skills, and integration of learned knowledge with faith to ensure servant leadership and cultural sensitivity.
DNP-ENL coursework is fully online with the DNP project completed locally. No campus visits are required. Applicants must hold an MSN or a BSN with a health-related master’s degree. The program is typically completed in two years and start dates land three times per year.
Baylor University is committed to preparing nurses spiritually, academically, and personally with a focus on meeting the needs of under-served populations and global communities. Graduates of the Baylor online DNP programs are eligible to take the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Job titles for executive nurse leaders may include chief nursing officer, chief nursing executive, executive nurse leader, or director of nursing. Work settings might include hospitals and clinics, government facilities, and long-term care facilities.
Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online DNP-ENL program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas.
What to Expect from the Baylor University Online DNP-ENL
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the DNP-ENL program must hold a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) with a non-nursing master’s degree in a health-related field. The minimum GPA is 3.0 and applicants must have an unencumbered RN license in their state.
Application materials include an application, proof of an unrestricted RN license, a writing sample, official transcripts, and a current CV or resume. Finally, interested nurses must have at least two years of supervisory or management work experience at the director-level or higher within the past five years. No GMAT or GRE scores are required.
This program does not accept students from Tennessee or Washington.
Study Plan: The DNP-ENL program begins three times per year in January, May, and August. The program can be completed in about two years and runs on a trimester schedule. Coursework is 100 percent online with no campus visits and a local DNP project.
DNP Executive Nurse Leader Curriculum: The online executive nurse leader program requires the completion of 36 credits.
Courses may include scientific inquiry for nurse executives; resource attainment and a location; developing executive nursing presence, authority, and influence; translational science for nurse executives; influential communication and relationship-building; optimizing quality and safety outcomes; creating excellence in professional environments; organization’s strategic economic and financial concepts; business intelligence and advanced decision-making in complex healthcare; transforming systems and care delivery models for diverse populations and emerging needs; and policy and implications for health. DNP-ENL students also complete a DNP-ENL residency and take DNP-ENL Project I-III in order to complete the DNP project.
Online Experience: Baylor University delivers courses mostly asynchronously through the Canvas online Learning Management System (LMS). Discussion boards, online chat, readings, projects, videos, assessments, and other resources may be included in the online program.
Online executive nurse leader students are paired with a Student Success Coach who can assist during orientation, monitor course progress, provide guidance, and make sure students have access to the necessary resources. Other student services may include library and bookstore services, career counseling, and faculty office hours.
On-Site Requirements: No campus visits are required. Coursework is 100 percent online and the DNP project may be completed locally.
Paying for the Baylor University Online DNP-ENL Program
Baylor University online DNP-ENL program tuition is listed in the tables below. Prospective students should contact the Louise Herrington School of Nursing for cost clarifications and updates.
There are several tuition funding options for graduate nursing students. Nurses may apply for unsubsidized federal student loans by applying through the FAFSA. Additionally, employers may offer tuition reimbursement programs or tuition discounts. Other options include private loans and community and organizational scholarships or grants.
Baylor University Doctor of Nursing Practice - Executive Nurse Leader (DNP-ENL)
| Degree Level | Doctoral Degree |
| Program Start Dates | January, May, August |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in about 2 years. |
| 100% Online? | Yes, plus a local DNP project |
| Program Accreditation | CCNE |
| Level of Education Required? | Masters degree or higher |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | At least two years leadership or management work experience |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $1,150.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $41,400.00 |
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.
