WesternU
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College of Graduate Nursing
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Doctor of Nursing Practice Leadership Program (DNP-Leadership)
Doctor of Nursing Practice Leadership Program (DNP-Leadership)
Designed for nurses with a MSN degree to advance to a Doctor of Nursing Practice with emphasis in system leadership (DNP-Leadership).
College of Graduate Nursing:
- Culture of Humanism and Health Equity
- First online MSN-FNP program in the nation (1997)
- First entry level Masters of Nursing in California (2004)
Doctor of Nursing Practice
There is a critical need for clinicians to design, evaluate, and continuously improve the context within which care is delivered. Nurses prepared at the doctorate level are transformational leaders integrating evidence-based practice, organizational, economic, and leadership skills contributing to the science of improvement. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP-Leadership) degree prepares students to apply and evaluate clinical evidence, designing systems of care delivery that are locally acceptable, economically feasible, and have significant impact on determinants of health and outcomes.
As the first college to develop a hybrid/online learning nursing program, we are experienced in providing the support you need to succeed with distance learning. To provide flexibility and eliminate the need to commute daily to campus, we offer:
- Hybrid/online learning curriculum and self-directed learning.
- DNP seminar intensives at the Pomona, CA, campus consist of two face-to-face sessions that occur at the beginning and end of the DNP program, with a virtual midpoint session. For a complete listing of dates please refer to the academic calendar. academic calendar.
- The DNP practice hours (1,000) and culminating scholarly project can be completed in your own community.
Will This Program Meet My Needs?
WesternU’s flexible hybrid/online learning program leading to a DNP will meet your needs if you are:
A post-graduate prepared nurse wishing to advance your terminal degree in nursing and professional career.
An advanced practice nurse wanting to earn a doctorate in nursing practice while working and keeping your family commitments.
A post-graduate prepared nurse who wants to develop expertise in population health in the care of vulnerable communities.
A post-graduate prepared nurse who desires the convenience of a flexible hybrid/online learning program.
We prepare our graduates to assume practice leadership roles in nursing and healthcare as doctorally prepared clinicians, systems leaders of clinical programs, policy, and practice, and faculty, among other roles.
A post-graduate prepared nurse wishing to advance your terminal degree in nursing and professional career.
An advanced practice nurse wanting to earn a doctorate in nursing practice while working and keeping your family commitments.
A post-graduate prepared nurse who wants to develop expertise in population health in the care of vulnerable communities.
A post-graduate prepared nurse who desires the convenience of a flexible hybrid/online learning program.
We prepare our graduates to assume practice leadership roles in nursing and healthcare as doctorally prepared clinicians, systems leaders of clinical programs, policy, and practice, and faculty, among other roles.
Upcoming Events
Beyond Access: Supporting Students with Disabilities in the Health Professions
Thursday, October 1 at 5:30 PM Pacific Standard Time
Hear from the Director of the Office of Disabilities and Health Policy and a student leader as they discuss the history and mission of disability support at WesternU, the types of academic accommodations and resources available to students, and the importance of creating an inclusive environment within health professions education. The conversation will also provide an opportunity for prospective students to ask questions and learn more about the student experience.
This webinar is open to all prospective students—including students with disabilities who are considering a health professions career and anyone interested in learning more about how students with disabilities are supported at WesternU. If you require reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the event, please respond to this email by September 24th, 2026.