Nursing Leadership and Organizational Science Concentration
3.5-year part-time online program
The D.N.P. prepares graduates to use outcomes to evaluate practice initiatives, use evidence-based practice to implement change, lead advanced decision-making and strategies to influence health policies and facilitate interprofessional collaboration in health care systems. This program is an option for bachelor's-prepared nurses. Graduates earn a D.N.P. in nursing.
- Leadership development: Graduates take on leadership roles, delivering impactful policy changes and advancing health care innovation
- Tailored career advancement: Custom course of study equips graduates with expertise to thrive in administrative and specialized roles
- Guaranteed admission: Graduates of VCU’s bachelor’s degree in nursing are guaranteed admission to any VCU nursing graduate program, as long as they meet all admission requirements and space is available
Program Details
In the D.N.P. nursing leadership and organizational science concentration, coursework focuses on skills for creating safe, healthy environments to influence health policies at and beyond the organizational level, human resource management and performance improvement, and financial management. Students develop advanced skills to prepare for leadership and management roles, including nurse educator, nurse manager, nurse director, nurse administrator or executive, quality improvement nurse leader, health policy leader, strategic nurse consultant, patient safety nurse leader and infection control nurse leader.
VCU Bulletin is the official source for course and academic program information.
Admission Requirements
Review all required prerequisite courses, supporting documents and other admissions criteria.
Degree Requirements
Review the list of courses that will make up your nursing degree.
Application Info
| Application Opens | Application Closes | Regular Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2024 | July 15, 2025* | Ongoing |
| Application Opens | Application Closes | Regular Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2025 | July 15, 2026* | Ongoing |
*In order to be reviewed for admission, all components of the application (personal statements, transcripts, etc.) must be verified by this date. Incomplete applications after this date will not be reviewed for the fall semester start.
To apply to the D.N.P. program at the VCU School of Nursing, complete the following steps through NursingCAS, the centralized application service for nursing programs.
Submit Your Application in NursingCAS
- Application Fee: $80 (paid through NursingCAS)
- CAS Residency Form Fee: $75
This fee is waived for current VCU students.
The form will be emailed to you after submitting your NursingCAS application.
Include Required Materials
Along with your application, you’ll need to include:
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Resume or a curriculum vitae
- RN license
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
We're here to help! Contact us at VCU_Nurse@vcu.edu with your admissions questions.
Review the functional and technical standards required for participation in the academic programs of the School of Nursing.
Prospective students with a conviction showing on their criminal history record may not be eligible to participate in clinical experiences at selected sites. This may impact the student’s ability to successfully complete program requirements. Applicants with a criminal history record are advised to review eligibility and licensure requirements for states in which they may seek employment (see Virginia eligibility requirements).
Financial Info
Use the following links to understand what your attendance costs will be and how aid and scholarships can help make your degree affordable.
Advancing Your Nursing Career: Your Path to a D.N.P.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program is for registered nurses who have completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing and want to focus on indirect care roles requiring leadership and management skills.
All lecture courses are fully online. Three practicum courses are conducted in-person in a practice setting.
It is a part-time, three-and-a-half-year program, spanning ten consecutive semesters.
It is possible for students to complete this program in another state. Requests to complete the program in another state are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information at vcu_nurse@vcu.edu.
No, the D.N.P. degree is practice-focused, not research-focused. D.N.P. students complete a project during which they identify a systemic problem, implement an evidence-based solution and evaluate its impact on health care outcomes. This project showcases their advanced skills in applying research to real-world practice.
Yes, you can complete your D.N.P. project at your place of employment. The project must be approved by your workplace and the school’s project vetting committee, and an organizational sponsor (not your direct supervisor) must oversee it.