Executive Health Systems Leadership (EHSL) DNP Specialty

DNP Program

Executive Health Systems Leadership Specialty

EHSL is not accepting applications for Fall 2026

Contact con-osaa@arizona.edu with questions

Program Description

The Executive Health Systems Leadership (EHSL) DNP specialty prepares nurses to be management leaders in the healthcare industry. Students learn advanced competencies essential to leadership roles: Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO), Clinical Nursing Director, Director of Nursing Professional Practice, etc.

DNP Program Outcomes

  • Generate and disseminate nursing practice knowledge to stimulate research and improve clinical outcomes
  • Improve health outcomes through scientifically based advanced practice within a specialty
  • Engage in and lead collaborative practice teams
  • Influence clinical practice transformation and policy initiatives


DNP Program Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at The University of Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

DNP-EHSL Curriculum

Students admitted to the DNP-EHSL program must complete a rigorous curriculum consisting of 50 credit hours and 500 practicum hours. In addition, students attend RISE twice during their study. Admitted students should refer to and follow the academic program guide for their cohort year.

DNP-EHSL Program Guide

Residential Intensive Summer Experience (RISE)

RISE is an intensive learning experience designed to support student success in the DNP program. DNP students are required to attend RISE in Tucson, AZ on an annual basis. RISE attendance for part-time students may vary.

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Additional Program Options

Additional Program Options are not available to students in the Global Campus Experience

DNP/PhD Dual Degree

If you are interested in attaining broader advanced clinical practice skills with strong research competencies, consider taking advantage of our dual Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. You will be prepared at the highest level of nursing science and professional nursing practice, and with advanced skills for engaging in research to create, apply and translate new knowledge to improve health care – in practice domains and/or academia.

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DNP/MPH Dual Degree

The dual degree DNP/MPH option addresses the need for nurses to have advanced education in public health that prepares them to improve population health services and expand the scope and quality of the healthcare for diverse populations of individuals across the lifespan. The dual degree DNP/MPH option seamlessly blends the College of Nursing – DNP Program with the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health MPH online programs to provide students with a structured 3.5-year full-time program of study. Students are admitted simultaneously into both programs so they can begin them both at the same time.

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Rural Health Professions Program

The Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP) is an innovative program to create a community of doctorally-prepared advanced practice registered nurses who have didactic and clinical expertise in providing care to rural and medically underserved patients and will serve as leaders in improving the quality and access to care for these patients. RHPP scholars complete additional coursework that focuses on the care of rural and medically underserved populations.

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VIEW ALL PROGRAM OPTIONS

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Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about this DNP specialty or applying to the DNP program, please contact:

Layla Salazar
Enrollment Coordinator, Doctoral Programs
Email: CON-OSAA@arizona.edu
Phone: 520-621-1860

See the Costs & Financial Aid page for cost estimates.

Students are assigned clinical sites in coordination with clinical coordinators and the program administrator. Students may be required to travel to a different geographic area if a suitable preceptor cannot be found.

No elective courses are required for this DNP specialty. Students may elect to take additional courses to meet their needs and interests but should first consult their faculty advisor.

Consider attending a virtual information session hosted by the College of Nursing for all specialties EXCEPT Nurse Anesthesia. You will have the opportunity to meet the program team and select members of the faculty as well as ask questions about the program and admissions process. Registration is required and the session is conducted via Zoom.

The DNP program holds multiple information sessions throughout the year. If you are unable to attend a currently scheduled session, check back soon for the next available session or fill out the Request Information form on this page to have program details delivered to your inbox.

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Ready to take the next step?

See the full admissions requirements and application process on the DNP Admissions page.

DNP Admissions