MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Track

Transition to the executive nurse leadership DNP

If you are a practicing nurse with an earned Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Health Administration (MHA), this track allows you to move more quickly into high-demand executive nurse leader roles.

BSN-prepared nurses with an earned MBA or MHA can transition to the Executive Nurse Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice program by completing 12 “transition credits” (four courses). This MSN-level coursework covers essential content and allows you to transition seamlessly into the DNP program. Please be aware that if you choose to apply to the IU MBA-DNP program, course NURS-L 580, requires 225 clinical hours that must be completed in the state of Indiana with an Indiana licensed RN preceptor and faculty per school policy (which would require you to have an IN RN license). These practicum hours are designed to build leadership competencies, learning alongside an expert preceptor.

The Executive Nurse Leadership DNP is designed to prepare nurses to lead teams, work at the highest level of advanced practice, manage a service line or clinical department, impact health policy, or take on a leadership role in a wide range of healthcare and education organizations.

There is a seven-semester full-time plan of study and 10-semester part-time plan of study available. MBA or MHA to DNP Transition track cohorts start each spring.

MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Track

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Track - Spring 1
Spring 1
Description	Course	Credits
Nursing Research Methods I	NURS-R500	3
This course emphasizes using research findings as a basis for clinical and organization decision-making in the delivery of high quality evidence-based health care. Emphasis is placed on identifying clinical problems and searching, appraising, and synthesizing research evidence for application or, in the absence of evidence, generating new knowledge using research methods. Strategies for disseminating findings across inter-professional contexts and monitoring continuous quality improvement are examined.
Nursing Theory I	NURS-N502	3
This course focuses on analyzing the relationships between theory and research for effective translation to practice. Emphasis is placed on selection and evaluation of theories, interprofessional perspectives, and using theory to guide practice and research.
Total		6

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Track - Summer 1
Summer 1
Description	Course	Credits
Health Systems Leadership Seminar	NURS-L596	3
This seminar course provides students with opportunities to explore the impact of contemporary topics confronting current and future health systems leaders. Emphasis is placed on the interaction of theory and research on leadership practice.
Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Practicum III	NURS-L580	3
This final practicum course focuses on synthesis of the nurse leader role, including accountabilities for safe and effective care delivery. Emphasis is placed on extended responsibilities of nurse leaders, such as partnerships, service-based approaches, continuum-defined health care systems, self-managed teams, health innovations, and values-based care. Through a guided learning opportunity, students will participate in and assess complex structures and processes designed to create value in health systems. 225 clinical hours.
Required Attendance	DNP Intensive
Total		6

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Track - Fall 1
Fall 1
Description	Course	Credits
Analytical Thinking for Evidence-based Practice	NURS-D710	3
This course focuses on advanced concepts of evidence appraisal, including identifying current best evidence, review of the literature, critical evaluation of individual studies, and synthesis of multiple studies. Strengths and limitations of existing evidence and its application to patient health outcomes will be emphasized.
Advanced Leadership in Complex Systems	NURS-D721	3
This course focuses on synthesis of leadership research, theory, and organizational models within the context of health systems. Environmental influences, team relationships, partnership models, organizational culture, and achieving performance outcomes are explored and applied. Self-knowledge, strategic vision, risk-taking, and effective communication are discussed relative to complex systems.
Performance Improvement and Patient Safety in Health Systems	NURS-D615	3
This course prepares students to lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of performance improvement and patient safety initiatives for patient populations across a variety of health systems. Performance improvement science, quality and safety theories, selection of appropriate process and outcomes measures, and principles of organizational learning are emphasized.
Total		9

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Track - Spring 2
Spring 2
Description	Course	Credits
Population Health Surveillance and Management	NURS-D735	3
Providing students with intermediate concepts related to population health surveillance and management is the focus. Principles and methods of data analysis central to understanding health-related indicators for population health management will be used. Students will be prepared to function as members of a research team
Trans-disciplinary Approaches to Influencing Health Policy	NURS-D743	3
Designed for nurses and other professionals, this course focuses on policy and advocacy at institutional, local, state, national, and international levels. Participants communicate with policy makers, analyze factors and apply evidence to influence health policy decisions.
Theoretical Basis of Project Implementation and Evaluation	NURS-D722	3
This course focuses on the translation and evaluation of evidence in health systems, organizations, and policy environments. Emphasis is placed on improvement of population health outcomes, integration of relevant theories and methods, and responsiveness to contextual factors that influence sustainable projects and programs.
Executive Leadership Practicum	NURS-D709	1
The executive leadership practicum enables students to analyze their own leadership practice and develop relationships with system-level healthcare leaders and communities of practice. Through an organizational assessment, students will evaluate potential sites for practice scholarship. 75 clinical hours.
Total		10

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Track - Summer 2
Summer 2
Description	Course	Credits
DNP Project Planning	NURS-D750	4
Informatics in Nursing Leadership Practice	NURS-I640	3
This course will examine the nurse leader’s role across the continuum of care in the selection, implementation, and integration of healthcare technologies and information systems to enhance health outcomes. This course will examine theories and research related to healthcare technology and information systems. A focus on emerging technologies for clinical practice and healthcare leadership will be emphasized.
Total		7

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Track - Fall 2
Fall 2
Description	Course	Credits
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Implementation	NURS-D760	4
This course focuses on the implementation of the DNP project in consultation with the DNP project team. Emphasis is placed on effective and efficient implementation in the project site. 300 clinical hours.
Strategic Resource Leadership in Nursing and Health Systems	NURS-D744	3
This course examines advanced financial and human resource leadership in values-based health systems. Importance is placed on building the business case for the nurse executive’s role in health systems’ strategic planning, achievement of operating objectives, and workforce productivity.
Total		7

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Track - Spring 3
Spring 3
Description	Course	Credits
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Evaluation and Dissemination	NURS-D770	2
This course focuses on the evaluation and dissemination of DNP project outcomes in consultation with the DNP project team. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive analysis and verbal/written dissemination. 150 clinical hours.
Leading Patient-Centered Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Environments	NURS-D748	3
This course is designed to prepare graduate students for leadership roles in patient-centered interprofessional collaborative practice environments. Students will explore theoretical and empirical evidence for interprofessional collaborative practice and high-performing interprofessional teams. Interprofessional leadership competencies for improving patient and population health outcomes will be emphasized.
Total		5

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How to apply

Contact an advisor with questions