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Doctor of Nursing Practice: Systems Leadership & Innovation

Doctor of Nursing Practice

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Is this program right for you?

The UW–Madison Doctor of Nursing Practice in Systems Leadership and Innovation program is designed to provide an agile, customized course of study emphasizing practice leadership and clinical scholarship, supporting the development of knowledge and skills necessary for health care transformation and innovation in a wide variety of settings.

  • Flexible program is designed for the working professional nurse, allowing you to complete the degree in three years while balancing work and life
  • Courses are offered completely online, and practicums are tailored to bridge experiential gaps, pursue your interests, and help you reach future goals
  • Learn from experts and leaders in nursing and graduate ready to leverage a broad perspective on nursing leadership and to design and evaluate new models of care

Education that works for you

Transform health care systems and advance your nursing career with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Systems Leader and Innovation from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Program type

Doctoral degree

Highest level of academic degree

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Degree awarded

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Commitment

3 years

Tuition

$1,150 per credit

Format

Online

Primarily online

Credits

58 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program admits for fall term

Offered by

STEM opt eligible

No

International eligibility

Yes

Application deadlines

Fall 2025

  • Deadline: December 1, 2024

Fall 2026

  • Deadline: December 1, 2025

Fall 2027

  • Fall 2027: December 1, 2026
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
  • Applicants with prior graduate education may be able to waive up to 18 credits based on previous graduate coursework, pending review of syllabi
  • Have earned a grade of B or better in a graduate-level statistics course within the last five years (Note: The course does not need to be taken before applying, but must be successfully completed prior to the start of the fall term)
  • Have an RN license
  • Have at least one year of professional experience in nursing, public health or a health-related field
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credits of degree
  • Have a minimum master’s GPA of 3.5 (post-MS applicants only)
  • Have CGFNS certification (international applicants only)
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

There are no upcoming events at this time.

What you’ll learn

Lead with innovation in health care with the Doctor of Nursing Practice: Systems Leadership & Innovation program. Through research, coursework and residencies, you’ll be equipped to transform health care systems.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →
  • Health systems leadership
  • Health informatics solutions evaluation
  • Health policy
  • Nursing research
  • Human factors engineering

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