Doctor of Nursing Practice – Educational Leadership Specialization
Pursue Your Online DNP in Nursing Education Leadership Online
The online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with an Educational Leadership Specialization at Post University covers six key competencies useful to today’s nurse educators and nursing education leaders: leadership, finance and fund development, new models of curriculum development and delivery, education policy, education research, and strategic planning. It offers the learning experiences you could use to build and enhance your teaching and leadership skills for acute-care or hospital-based nursing education departments, schools, and systems.
As one of the few DNP online programs to feature a specialization in educational leadership, this specialization is an investment in yourself so you can invest more of yourself in others.
ACEN Programmatic Accreditation
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program with four specialization options is programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN).
DNP Online Program At A Glance
Practice-Focused Curriculum for Real-World Skills
Coursework for your doctorate in nursing education specialization is designed to help you build the foundation of best practices, insights, and practical skills necessary to:
- Evaluate curricula in order to meet the needs of communities of interest
- Explain how technology and simulation can be effectively integrated into a nursing curriculum at all levels
- Propose how technology and simulation can be effectively integrated into nursing education
- Plan for use of economic and human resources to maximize the potential of a program or school
- Create an assessment plan for a nursing program that provides direction for program improvement as well as meets state and accreditation requirements
Overall, coursework for this doctoral degree covers a wide range of issues that impact nursing and healthcare, including nursing leadership and education. It also provides a comprehensive review of issues that challenge educating others in these areas.
Curriculum, Course Descriptions, & Program Outcomes
Please see the University Catalog for the online DNP – Educational Leadership Specialization’s curriculum with course descriptions and program outcomes.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Online Admissions Requirements
For your convenience, the DNP program offers six start dates per year. Prior to beginning your doctoral degree in nursing, you must have the following:
- Current, active, unrestricted U.S. RN license
- A master’s degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- View the full list of the Nursing Admissions Requirements
Our online DNP admissions team is available to walk you through the application process and answer any questions on DNP program requirements. Contact us to learn more!
If you are interested in the DNP with the executive leadership or informatics leadership specializations, you are not required to have an MSN degree. However, you must hold a master’s in another discipline and complete a three-course bridge option and 400 practice hours. For more information about our bridge option please call our admissions team at 866.922.5690.
Tuition & Payment Options
View the Tuition and Fees section for information for the online DNP degree program costs.
We offer several funding options as you pursue your education. Please see the Scholarships and Other Ways to Save section to learn more about our:
- External Scholarships
- Nursing Tuition Reductions
- Education Partnership Program Tuition Reduction
- Post Eagle Program (Military)
- Payment Plans
- And more!
Also the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is now available to qualified MSN – Nursing Education Specialization or DNP – Educational Leadership Specialization students at the American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University. The purpose of this program is to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide. NFLP seeks to accomplish this by providing funding to accredited schools of nursing to establish and operate a student loan fund and provide loans to students enrolled in advanced education nursing degree programs who are committed to becoming nurse faculty. In exchange for completion of up to four years of post-graduation full-time nurse faculty employment in an accredited school of nursing, the program authorizes the cancellation of up to 85 percent of the original student loan amount (plus interest thereon). If you are interested in learning more and applying for this exciting opportunity, email [email protected].
This program is not currently eligible for Title IV funding for new enrollments.
What Our Students Are Saying
“I really enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend the DNP – Educational Leadership Specialization. It worked for my life and my schedule, and I came away a better nurse and professor because of it.”
Online DNP Program FAQs
Pursuing your doctorate degree in nursing online is a big step. You probably have some questions. We have answers.
What is educational leadership in nursing?
Educational leadership in nursing refers to the pivotal role nurse educators play in guiding and shaping future nurses’ academic and professional development. These leaders are responsible for designing and implementing effective curricula, employing innovative teaching methodologies, and fostering an environment conducive to learning. They also mentor and support students, facilitate critical thinking, and stay updated on the latest advancements in nursing practice and education. Educational leaders in nursing contribute significantly to the cultivation of skilled, compassionate, and competent nursing professionals who can adapt to the evolving complexities of healthcare.
How can I become a nurse educator?
Becoming a nurse educator involves several steps. While there are a few different ways to make your way to becoming a nurse educator, the most common path begins with earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and gaining experience as a registered nurse to build a strong clinical foundation. Next, pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, with a focus on education or a related specialization. Gain experience in teaching or education through roles like clinical instructor or adjunct faculty.
How long does it take to complete a DNP educational leadership specialization?
The duration to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a specialization in educational leadership can vary based on factors such as program structure, full-time or part-time enrollment, and any prior education or experience. Generally, DNP programs can take around 2 to 4 years to complete. This includes completing core DNP coursework, specialized courses in educational leadership, and potentially a DNP project or capstone related to nursing education.
Post University’s online DNP – Educational Leadership Specialization is typically 28 months with 6 start dates every year.
Can you get an online DNP educational leadership specialization?
Yes, it is possible to obtain an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a specialization in educational leadership. Many accredited universities offer online DNP programs that allow nursing professionals to pursue advanced education while maintaining their professional commitments.
Post University’s online DNP program combines virtual coursework, interactive discussions, and practice experiences to provide a comprehensive education in educational leadership. Our online DNP – Educational Leadership Specialization provides the flexibility and convenience for nurses to have the opportunity to enhance their skills in curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and academic leadership, enabling them to excel as nurse educators and educational leaders within the healthcare field.
How do online DNP educational leadership programs work?
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs with a specialization in educational leadership are designed to offer nursing professionals the opportunity to advance their expertise in education through a flexible online learning format. These programs typically blend asynchronous components, like pre-recorded lectures and discussion forums, with synchronous elements such as virtual meetings and live interactions with instructors and peers. The coursework focuses on areas such as curriculum design, instructional strategies, assessment methods, and leadership principles specific to nursing education. Students will also be required to complete a DNP project related to educational leadership. While many DNP programs can be completed online, some might require occasional practice experiences (PE) to apply practical skills and foster networking opportunities. This combination of online learning, collaborative engagement, and hands-on experiences could help graduates build the skills needed to excel in leadership roles within nursing education.
What is the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)?
The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a loan program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Professions which allows nursing schools to make loans to students enrolled full time in advanced degree nursing programs.
The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) seeks to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide by providing low interest loans for individuals studying to be nurse faculty and loan cancelation for those who then go on to work as faculty.
Each year, the American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University must apply for and receive NFLP funding.
Students are eligible if enrolled in the DNP with a Specialization in Educational Leadership or MSN with a Specialization in Nursing Education.
Pursue Your DNP – Educational Leadership Specialization Online at Post!
At Post University, we are focused on your success, in and out of the classroom. It begins with a student success advisor who will work with you one-on-one to answer your questions and help you address any challenges throughout your doctor of nursing practice journey. We are here to help you achieve your DNP – Educational Leadership Specialization goals.
Ready to help make the nursing world a better, healthier place? Contact us to explore what it takes to be successful in our doctorate in nursing education online program.
This program is not currently eligible for Title IV funding for new enrollments.
Note: This program is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any licensure or certification. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body but does assist students in understanding licensure requirements.