Frequently Asked Questions

The program is designed for master's-prepared registered nurses, including both APRN and non-APRN nurses, who are seeking advanced leadership roles in healthcare, academia, quality improvement, policy, or healthcare innovation.

No. One of the distinguishing features of this program is that it welcomes both APRN and non-APRN master's-prepared nurses. The curriculum is designed to develop systems-level leadership competencies regardless of clinical specialty.

Upon admission, all students with a non-nursing graduate degree will undergo an individualized transcript and practice-hour gap analysis. This review will determine whether additional coursework is required to meet DNP program outcomes and accreditation standards. Depending on the results of the gap analysis, students may be required to complete coursework beyond the standard 41-credit curriculum.

Our goal is to recognize your prior academic achievements while ensuring that all graduates meet the competencies and practice expectations of a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

Yes. The DNP in Systems Leadership is offered in an online executive format specifically designed for working professionals. The program incorporates both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities, providing flexibility while maintaining meaningful engagement with faculty and peers. To support work-life balance, we strive to schedule courses on the same day each week whenever possible, allowing students to plan their professional and personal commitments more effectively. This structure enables nurse leaders to pursue a doctoral degree while continuing to advance their careers.

The DNP in Systems Leadership is completed over 6 semesters (3 years) in a part-time format designed for working professionals. The curriculum is structured to provide a manageable pace while allowing students to balance doctoral study with professional and personal commitments. Classes are scheduled on the same day each week to support consistency and planning.

Graduates earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Systems Leadership from Columbia University School of Nursing, with a sub-specialty in either Human-Centered AI & Informatics or Nursing Education.

Students may choose from:

• Human-Centered AI & Informatics: focusing on artificial intelligence, data science, informatics, and technology-enabled healthcare transformation.
• Nursing Education: focusing on teaching, curriculum development, academic leadership, and program evaluation.

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as:

• Chief Nursing Officer and executive leadership positions
• Director of Quality and Patient Safety
• Healthcare operations and systems leadership roles
• Nursing faculty and academic leadership positions
• Healthcare informatics and digital health leadership roles
• Quality improvement and population health leadership positions

Yes. Students complete a three-semester DNP Project Seminar and Practicum sequence that guides them from project development through implementation and evaluation in a practice setting.

The DNP in Systems Leadership consists of 41 total credits, including core leadership courses, specialty electives, and DNP project coursework.

Applicants must have:

• Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Nursing
• Prerequisite courses
  • Statistics (completed within five years of the start term of the program)
  • Graduate-level evidence-based practice or introductory research
• Active, unencumbered RN license in the United States 
• 2 years of professional experience as a registered nurse

To apply, applicants must provide:

• A completed application
• Supporting documents:
  • Written Essay
  • Video Essay
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae 
  • 3 letters of recommendation

Students benefit from Columbia's longstanding reputation for nursing excellence, access to nationally recognized faculty, an innovative leadership curriculum, and preparation to lead change across healthcare systems, educational institutions, and policy environments.

This program is among the first in New York State specifically designed for both APRN and non-APRN master's-prepared nurses. Its systems leadership focus, flexible executive format, and specialized tracks in Nursing Education and Human-Centered AI & Informatics provide unique opportunities for nurses seeking to lead at the organizational and systems level.

All admitted students will undergo an individualized gap analysis of their prior clinical and practice experiences upon enrollment. This review is used to determine the number of additional practice hours required to meet the AACN expectation of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours for the DNP degree.

Students may receive credit for documented master's-level clinical, leadership, quality improvement, education, informatics, or other qualifying practice experiences completed as part of previous graduate nursing education. Based on the gap analysis, faculty will develop an individualized plan outlining any additional practice hours that must be completed during the program through DNP practicum courses and the scholarly project.

This personalized approach ensures that all graduates meet national DNP standards while recognizing and building upon their prior educational and professional experiences.

Applicants with a master's degree in a field other than nursing may be eligible for admission, provided they hold a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing and meet all other admission requirements.