DNP Curriculum

A Unique Approach to Learning

The DNP curriculum listed below is intended for Post-Master's DNP students.

The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing has a unique approach to "distance" learning. Most classes are held in an Intensive Format, meeting for a specified number of days in person or remotely depending on the elective sequence.*

For example, a 3-credit course will meet for 5-6 days. Three courses are held online asynchronously across the semester for all students. In-person intensive sessions are held three times a year (January, May, and August) for at least two weeks. Remote intensives are typically offered over two weekends per semester for each course. Papers and projects are due in the semester following the intensive session. NUND 619 (proposal development) and 620 (scholarly project) are arranged with the advisor and NUND 611 is arranged with the advisor and preceptor/s.

*The DNP Education & Executive Leadership Elective sequences are offered in a remote synchronous and cohort format. The Practice leadership sequence is primarily in-person.

• Check The Intensive Course Schedule
• Download the Post-Master's DNP Curriculum Plan
• View the Transfer of Credit/Course Waiver Policy for the DNP Program
• Take advantage of the CWRU Writing Resources

DNP Leadership Elective Sequences

Most DNP students at the post-master's level are already practicing in roles as advanced practice nurses, administrators, or educators. Once admitted to the program, you will choose one of three elective sequences, Educational Leadership, Practice Leadership or Executive Leadership

Educational Leadership Elective Sequence

The Educational Leadership elective sequence prepares doctoral level nurses to influence practice through education in clinical and academic settings. These electives include concepts and research related to learning theory, curriculum development, instructional strategies, evaluation, and testing.

Practice Leadership Elective Sequence 

The Practice Leadership elective sequence includes core content and models of leadership for nursing and healthcare. Students learn the skills of business planning for program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Executive Leadership Elective Sequence

The system chief nurse executive role is primarily accountable for systemwide leadership. The role of the system chief nurse executive (CNE) is a subspecialty of nursing leadership and requires its own set of skills and competencies. These abilities, knowledge and behaviors are acquired through experience and education. FPB's nationally ranked and innovative Doctor of Nursing Practice program is proud to offer an executive leadership track designed to develop nurse leaders who aspire to the role of System CNE. The Executive Leadership Track requires an additional interview.

DNP Executive Track Brochure

Executive Leadership Post-Doc Program

The system chief nurse executive role is primarily accountable for systemwide leadership. The role of the system chief nurse executive (CNE) is a subspecialty of nursing leadership and requires its own set of skills and competencies. These abilities, knowledge and behaviors are acquired through experience and education. The attached flyer describes an innovative DNP Post-Doctoral program designed to further develop nurse leaders who aspire to the role of System CNE.

System Chief Nurse Executive Post-Doc Brochure

Combined PhD/DNP Program

Students may apply for the Combined PhD/DNP Program. See detailed information on the Dual Doctorate PhD/DNP website.

Courses in the DNP Program