Post-MS to DNP: Leadership in Health Systems and Practice

APPLY NOW

Lead Change. Elevate Care. Shape the Future.

The Post-Master's DNP: Leadership in Health Systems and Practice at the University of Utah is designed for experienced nurses seeking to lead change across clinical, academic, and organizational settings. Our curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, organizational leadership, systems thinking, and policy advocacy to prepare leaders who can transform complex health systems.

Through a flexible format, students combine rigorous academic coursework with individualized, real-world leadership projects that make an immediate impact from the bedside to the C-Suite.

Differentiated Student Expected Outcomes

The Post MS-DNP Organization Leadership graduate is prepared to:

  • Integrate evidence, systems knowledge, and leadership principles to design and evaluate strategies that improve health and organizational outcomes across care settings.
  • Demonstrate advanced leadership, policy, advocacy, and collaborative skills to influence impactful, sustainable change in health care systems.
  • Exhibit adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional engagement to lead in dynamic health care environments.

Flexible Format

Courses are asynchronous with select leadership classes meeting monthly via video conference

Collaborative Learning

Engage in adaptive, experience-based learning that fosters collaboration across professions

System Leadership

Build leadership skills to transform health care systems and apply evidence-based solutions

Emphasis Information

Application Deadlines

Fall & Spring Applications Open: August 1, 2025

Spring 2026 Application Closes: November 1, 2025, 11:59 PM MT

Fall 2026 Application Closes: March 15, 2026, 11:59 PM MT

Apply Now

Contact Us

Erica Cristina Nelson, DNP, APRN, CNM, WHNP-BC, NE-BC
Emphasis Director
erica.nelson@nurs.utah.edu

Shelley Kern, MPC
DNP Program Manager
shelley.kern@nurs.utah.edu

Resources