Strategic Healthcare Nursing Leadership at Loma Linda University

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nursing Leadership program at Loma Linda University equips nurses to assume strategic leadership roles in healthcare systems.

The program emphasizes strategic leadership, health policy, and organizational systems thinking, preparing nurse leaders to bridge the gap between clinical practice and executive- level decision-making.

Graduates are prepared to design, evaluate, and lead innovative models of care that improve outcomes, support interdisciplinary collaboration, and address the challenges of today’s healthcare environment.

Curriculum integration emphasizes alignment with AONL and ANCC leadership competencies, preparing students to sit for executive-level certifications (CNML, CENP, NE-BC, NEA-BC) and assume leadership positions that shape healthcare policy and practice.

The Nursing Leadership program prepares future leaders in patient care, management, and research.

Admission Deadlines

The School of Nursing accepts Nurse Leadership students in the Fall and Winter Quarters. All admission requirements must be completed by the deadline.  Deadlines are as follows:

  • Fall – April 15 (quarter begins in September)  
  • Winter – October 1 (quarter begins in January)
  • Spring – January 29 (quarter begins in March)

AONL Curricular Competency Alignment

The table shows that over 70% of the curriculum aligns with AONL competencies. This strong connection grounds the program in nationally recognized standards and helps ensure our students are well prepared for both AONL and ANCC nurse executive certifications. By weaving these domains into coursework and practicum experiences, we’re positioning graduates to step into healthcare organizations as strategic leaders ready to meet today’s demands.

This mapping underscores the strength of our program design, reinforces its credibility, and provides a clear message for recruitment and marketing. It also highlights how the program supports certification success while developing the leadership and business skills needed to advance healthcare systems.

Please see the table below for reference. I look forward to working with you on the next steps, including integrating this content into the program webpage and recruitment materials.

AONL DomainProgram Courses (Examples from BS–DNP Leadership curriculum)Notes
1. Communication & Relationship ManagementNGRD 650 Advanced Role Development & Collaboration

NGNL 611–616 Practicum Series		Builds relationship management, conflict resolution, team communication, and interprofessional collaboration.
2. Knowledge of the Healthcare EnvironmentNGRD 653 Health Systems Policy Development & Advocacy

HADM 528 Organizational Behavior in Health Care HADM 574 Managing Human Resources

HADM 605 Healthcare Quality Management		Focus on policy, regulatory, organizational systems, workforce dynamics, and quality improvement.
3. LeadershipNGRD 652 Healthcare Systems Leadership

NGNL 611–616 Practicum Series

NGRD 667/669 DNP Project Series		Emphasizes visionary leadership, change management, and practical leadership application through practicum & project work.
4. ProfessionalismRELR 540 Wholeness & Health

RELT 557 Theology of Human Suffering

NGRD 660 Integrative Leadership Case Study		Ethics, professional identity, integrity, spiritual care, cultural humility.
5. Business Skills & PrinciplesNGRD 655 Health Systems Finance

NGRD 656 Outcomes Assessment for Strategic Planning

NGRD 657 Intermediate Statistics

NGRD 654 Social Determinants of Health (Service Learning)

NGRD 651 Theoretical Foundations for Evidence- Based Practice Data Analytics in Healthcare Research		Finance, budgeting, strategic planning, data analytics, evidence- based decision-making.

Admissions Requirements

Education

  • Baccalaureate degree or equivalent in nursing from an accredited institution.

Academic Performance 

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0, both cumulative and in nursing coursework.

Licensure

  • Current unencumbered United States RN license at the time of application.
  • California RN license must be obtained before the start of classes and maintained throughout the program.

Experience

  • Minimum of one year of full-time RN experience is required before matriculating into clinical courses (applies to most programs).

Certification

  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) certification.

Recommendations

Two electronic recommendations following:

  • Required: Recent nurse manager or director
  • Additional may be either of the following:
    • Nursing peer
    • Spiritual advisor

Interview Process (if granted by the Admissions Committee) 

  • Completion of the Emotional Intelligence Interview Process, which includes a meeting (in person or via Zoom) with the program coordinator and another Graduate Nursing Program faculty member.

Application Fee (NursingCAS and Secondary Application)

There are two fees associated with the application:

  • $70 for the initial NursingCAS application and a $50 secondary application fee.

Transcript Requirements

NursingCAS Applicants - Transcripts must be sent by the issuing institution(s) directly to NursingCAS. You must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions that you have attended. This includes all colleges, universities, military credit, and unaccredited schools. Transcripts provided in any other manner are considered unofficial and will not be accepted for admission.

Returning LLU Applicant - If transcripts were previously sent to Loma Linda University prior to your NursingCAS application, please contact [email protected] with your full name, application term, program name, and a brief message requesting assistance with the transcript process.

Possible Careers

Nursing leadership offers diverse career paths that combine clinical expertise with management, education, and strategic roles. Here are the main options:

Hospital and Healthcare System Leadership

  • Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Chief Nursing Executive - oversees all nursing operations at the executive level
  • Nurse Manager or Director - manages specific units or departments
  • Assistant/Associate Nurse Manager - supports unit operations and staff coordination
  • Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) - coordinates care at the bedside level, improving outcomes

Specialized Leadership Roles

  • Nursing Supervisor - oversees multiple units during specific shifts
  • Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Officer - leads initiatives to enhance care standards
  • Infection Control Nurse - directs infection prevention programs
  • Case Management Director - oversees care coordination and resource utilization

Education and Development

  • Nurse Educator - teaches in hospitals, clinics, or academic settings
  • Staff Development Coordinator - designs and implements training programs
  • Clinical Instructor - supervises nursing students in clinical settings
  • Dean or Director of Nursing Programs - leads academic nursing departments

Consulting and Advisory

  • Healthcare Consultant - advises organizations on nursing operations and quality
  • Policy Advisor - influences healthcare legislation and regulations
  • Accreditation Specialist - guides organizations through certification processes

Emerging Areas

  • Informatics Nurse Leader - oversees clinical technology implementation
  • Population Health Manager - coordinates community health initiatives
  • Nurse Entrepreneur - develops healthcare businesses or services

Most leadership positions require a BSN at minimum, with many requiring an MSN or DNP. Certifications like Nurse Executive (NE-BC) or Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) can enhance credentials. Would you like to know more about any specific pathway?

Course Structure/Format

Take charge of your learning with Loma Linda’s Hyperflex model. Enjoy the freedom of online learning—without sacrificing the in-person experiences that make you a confident, practice-ready nurse practitioner. Study remotely when life demands it, then join us on campus to refine the hands-on clinical skills that set Loma Linda graduates apart. All DNP programs are offered in our Hyperflex format, blending online instruction with scheduled live sessions for real-time connection and collaboration. During each 11-week quarter, you can attend in person or online for select core courses—usually around mid-quarter (week 5). 

View a sample schedule ›

Face-to-Face Course Structure

Our Hyperflex model combines the convenience of online learning with the irreplaceable value of face-to-face clinical mastery. Clinical/Lab/Simulation courses will be hybrid to allow students to have hands-on practice, preparing them for their clinical practice setting.  Schedules will be provided to students for required meetings during the quarter in advance.  This allows you to refine your practical expertise in person and graduate with exceptional skills that set you apart from other Advanced Practice Nurses.

NGRD 624 Advanced Health Assessment 4u
This course has mandatory synchronous lab meetings 4-6 meetings during the quarter. The schedule will be given in advance for planning.

All clinical and practicum courses

  1. Direct Clinical Hours: 630-750 hours, depending on the specialty.
    Students in the CNS and NP clinical courses will be assigned clinical rotations within Southern California (within a 90-mile radius of Loma Linda).
  2. DNP Project: The DNP Project can be done in the workplace, allowing students to collect evidence-based research data.

Sample Schedule
Full-time: 3 years, 9 months (15 academic quarters).
Part-time options are available.

Certification Pathways

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are prepared for the following certification pathways:

AONL Certification:

  • Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
  • Certified Executive in Nursing Practice (CENP)

ANCC Nurse Executive Certifications:

  • Nurse Executive – Board Certified (NE-BC)
  • Nurse Executive, Advanced – Board Certified (NEA-BC)

 

Students who successfully complete the ANCC or AONL certification exams are not required to take NGNL 616A, 616B, or 616C.

 

Accreditations

Loma Linda University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The BS, MS, and DNP Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Nurse Anesthesia Concentration is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Advanced practice nurse graduates, Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), are certified by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing and eligible to apply for certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Corporation, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, as appropriate for the area of professional practice.The California State Board has approved all programs offered at the Loma Linda University School of Nursing. Many states may offer a compact license to individuals already licensed in California. If this opportunity is of interest to you, please contact your program director. Students who decide to pursue a license in another state should check with the applicable licensing authority in that state.

Our programs address and meet outcome expectations as articulated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master’s (AACN), and DNP Essentials.

Curriculum Plan

BS to DNP Leadership - Curriculum Plan

BS to DNP Leadership - Sample Curiculum Plan (full time)

 

Leadership DNP (BS to DNP)

Hyperflex Model: Most courses are remote. Blue-highlighted courses require on-campus sessions.
 

Reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions. We are here ready to help you.
This sample matrix is for illustration only. For the official course list and schedule, please refer to the Loma Linda University Catalog.

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Cost of Attendance

View Expected Cost of Attendance Here

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the DNP in Nurse Leadership program at Loma Linda University unique?

Loma Linda University’s DNP in Nurse Leadership program is designed for experienced nurses who want to lead in healthcare policy, administration, and system-wide change. This program integrates advanced nursing practice with leadership development, evidence-based decision-making, and healthcare innovation. With a strong emphasis on mission-driven leadership, our program prepares graduates to influence policy, manage healthcare organizations, and implement strategies that improve patient care outcomes.

2. What kind of career opportunities are available for graduates of the Nurse Leadership DNP?

Graduates of this program are prepared for executive-level positions in hospitals, healthcare systems, government agencies, and academic institutions. Career opportunities include:

  • Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
  • Director of Nursing or Nursing Administration
  • Healthcare Policy Consultant
  • Quality Improvement Director
  • Hospital or Clinic Executive Leadership
  • Academic or Research Leader in Nursing Education

3. How does this program prepare nurses for leadership roles?

The DNP in Nurse Leadership program focuses on executive decision-making, financial management, healthcare policy, and quality improvement. Students engage in case studies, real-world problem-solving, and hands-on leadership training through capstone projects and clinical practicums. The curriculum also includes coursework in organizational behavior, strategic planning, and informatics, providing nurses with the skills needed to navigate complex healthcare systems effectively.

4. Do students need to complete a clinical residency for the Nurse Leadership DNP?

Yes, students must complete a leadership-focused clinical residency to gain hands-on experience in nursing administration and policy implementation. Unlike traditional clinical practicums, this residency emphasizes strategic decision-making, resource management, and system-wide leadership. Students may complete these hours in healthcare organizations, hospitals, or public health institutions.

5. How long does it take to complete the DNP in Nurse Leadership program?

The program typically takes 2-3 years to complete, depending on whether students enroll full-time or part-time. The flexible schedule allows working professionals to balance coursework with their current leadership roles.

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