Yes. Individuals with a master’s degree in nursing or related field may apply to the Leadership DNP. Additional coursework may be required for students who do not have an MSN.

Yes. The number of clinical hours to be completed depends upon the hours completed in one’s master’s program. The approximate number of clinical hours to be completed is 510-1020. Hours spent on working toward the DNP scholarly project are included in this total.

Acceptable preceptors for Leadership DNP students must be individuals with advanced degrees who are experts in the student’s leadership interest area.

Preferred preceptors would include working professionals who are educationally prepared as a DNP graduate However, due to the limited number of current DNP graduates other potential clinical leadership preceptors may include: advanced practice nurses or other professionals with doctoral degrees; an advanced practice nurse with considerable leadership expertise; a nurse with a high level administrative position as the director, vice president, president, or CEO within a health care organization; a doctorally prepared nurse educator, or a nurse with an advanced business or policy degree. Preceptors with an advanced degree in areas such as public health or business administration may also be considered as leadership preceptors if this matches student’s leadership interests and academic goals.

A total of 38.5 to 47 credit hours are required to complete the degree. Credit hours vary depending upon review of transcripts and previously completed clinical hours.

Depending upon the student’s current work environment or work history, students may be qualified for certification in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) and/or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML), and/or Nurse Executive Board Certified (NE-BC).

For more information, visit the AONE Certifications website or ANCC