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Nurse Executive

The Nurse Executive concentration is designed to provide Registered Nurses with specialized knowledge and skills for strategic, executive-level leadership within and across health systems, implementing innovative solutions to complex problems, and adeptly navigating times of crisis. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree concentrations include pathways for those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or a DNP in another concentration.

Coursework provides a theoretical foundation and is designed to assist students in developing practical expertise in providing executive-level leadership in a myriad of settings, addressing crises, and strategically meeting ever-changing demands in health systems. Graduates are expected to play a crucial role in shaping health, health care delivery, policy, and culture. Their contributions are significant in several key areas including strategic leadership and decision-making, advocacy and health policy influence, quality and patient safety initiatives, workforce development and retention, interprofessional collaboration, innovation and technology integration, and financial stewardship.

Accreditation:  The DNP Nurse Executive track has been approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

The  DNP program at UT Health Science Center is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202.887.6791, http://www.ccneaccreditation.org, through December 31, 2034, and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

DNP Nurse Executive Concentration Course Requirements

Fall Year 1
Course ID Title Credits
NSG 910 Philosophy of Science and Nursing Theories 4
NSG 877 Healthcare Economics
NEX 801 Advanced Nursing Informatics
NEX 802 Scholarly Writing for Leaders
  Semester Total  11 
Individual course details and descriptions can be viewed in the College of Nursing section of the 2025-2026 Academic Bulletin when it becomes available. If you would like the course details and descriptions in the meantime, please contact Dr. Bobby Bellflower, bbellflo@uthsc.edu, or Dr. Charleen McNeill, cmcneil8@uthsc.edu.
 

Technical and Performance Standards

All students in the DNP Nurse Executive Concentration must meet the Technical and Performance Standards for admission and progression.

View Standards

In addition to the technical and performance standards expected of all students in educational programs in the College of Nursing, students in the DNP program are also expected to possess the mental, auditory, visual, sensory, strength, manual dexterity, and communication skills to:

  1. Lead and govern through vision, strategic planning, and the use of evidence in decision-making while maintaining ethical standards.
  2. Provide operational management with resource allocation, compliance, and risk management.
  3. Demonstrate financial acumen in budget development, fiscal management, and economic analyses.
  4. Apply principles of human resource development with human acquisition, professional development, and performance appraisal.
  5. Lead diverse, interdisciplinary teams.
  6. Use communication skills and emotional intelligence for interdepartmental and external communication and conflict resolution.
  7. Navigate and effectively utilize health informatics and telehealth platforms and technologies.
  8. Assess the health and healthcare landscape and emerging trends in healthcare.
  9. Maintain effective relationships and interact appropriately with other professionals and clients/families, demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
  10. Maintain flexibility and emotional stability in response to novel, unique situations and stress.
  11. Provide for the safety and welfare of others.

If a student cannot fulfill these Technical and Performance Standards, with or without accommodations, at any time in the program, the student will be ineligible for admission or continued progression in the DNP Program. In addition to assuring that students can meet the intellectual, emotional, and physical criteria for the DNP Program, it is of utmost importance that students have the ability to provide for the safety and welfare of others. Reasonable accommodations will be provided, when appropriate, to help students meet these Technical and Professional Standards. Disability Services must make a determination of eligibility and recommendations for accommodations at https://www.uthsc.edu/tlc/disability-services.php.  Any student wishing accommodations must contact the university’s Office of Disability Services at tlc@uthsc.edu.

DNP Nurse Executive FAQs

 

Last Published: Apr 14, 2025