The master of science in nursing (M.S.N.) health systems leadership program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses (RN) who desire an advanced nursing degree that prepares the graduate to lead in a variety of healthcare systems. The program is offered in conjunction with UD's Lerner School of Business, allowing students to take interdisciplinary courses offered in both nursing and business to meet student learning outcomes.
The purpose of this program is to prepare nurses to lead health system changes across a continuum of tertiary, primary and community-based settings. Graduates will develop personal and organization leadership skills and competencies to enable them to transform healthcare environments to achieve optimal health outcomes in an agile and fiscally responsible manner. Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real-world issues in healthcare environments and develop an evidence-based process improvement plan through two 224-hour practicum courses at the completion of their program.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to take on leadership roles as nurse managers, directors of nursing, clinical coordinators, chief nursing officers, and chief executive officers and will be eligible for certification in executive nursing practice by CCNE or AONE after completion of the program and two years of experience in executive nursing practice.
Courses are offered online and hybrid with on-campus immersion classes. Courses that are currently offered for the DNP/MBA programs will be offered completely online. Lerner School of Business courses are offered online and on-campus. Students can choose to attend either section.