Baylor University Launches Online Doctor of Nursing Practice-Executive Nurse Leadership
Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing is now offering an all-new online nursing program, Doctor of Nursing Practice-Executive Nurse Leadership (DNP-ENL) that is designed for nurse leaders. The 100% online program will allow nurses to learn while they continue to lead in their current role.
Over the past few years, the nurse executive role has evolved from simply overseeing a nursing department to being more involved with macro strategy and outcomes. By 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that roles for medical and health services managers will grow by 20 percent-much faster than the average job-growth rate. A DNP is the highest practice nursing degree a nurse executive can receive. Programs like Baylor's DNP-ENL focus on leadership, data-driven business strategy, and transformative care models.
In this program, students will develop business acumen and competencies to strategically lead change, transform care models to improve patient outcomes, and influence healthcare organizations and systems. The comprehensive curriculum combines business knowledge and advanced systems skill sets that modern-day nurse leaders need.
"This is a distinctive DNP Program developed for Executive Nurse Leaders by Executive Nurse Leaders. It is evident the courses are focused on developing executive level acumen in strategy, business analytics, practice environments, resource attainment, and allocation as well as improving quality and safety outcomes. However, the program developers knew from experience that a key to a leader's long-term success is the ability to position themselves to influence strategy and create credible change. For that reason, the Adam's Influence Model (AIM) serves as a framework for the program. Graduates of this unique program will possess key executive skills and knowledge as well as be prepared to influence current and emerging healthcare organizations and systems," said Dora Bradley, Ph.D, RN-BC, FAAN, Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing.
What sets Baylor's DNP-ENL apart is the interweaving of the Adam Influence Model (AIM) into the curriculum. AIM is a framework developed for nurse leaders that connect the factors, attributes, and process of influence-essential for attaining stakeholder buy-in and implementing organizational change. The model will strengthen students' abilities and help them attain their professional goals.
The online nursing programs have been launched in collaboration with Baylor's OPM partner Keypath Education. Keypath CEO Steve Fireng said, "We are excited to partner with Baylor University for the new program. Our goal is to make quality education accessible to students all over the world. A focused nursing leadership degree from a school like Baylor will empower students to develop powerful leadership competencies and an adaptable, strategic mindset to create a lasting impact in healthcare."
The DNL-ENL program will prepare nurse executives to advocate for change, exhibit strong leadership behavior, negotiate and handle contracting and maintain positive professional partnerships. They'll also learn how to look at data and use it to improve patient care, grow and retain a competent workforce, optimize delivery models, and more.
About Baylor University
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing was ranked among the U.S. News Best Nursing Schools. The online Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Innovation was ranked No. 42 nationally, while LHSON’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program – which includes programs in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse-Midwifery (NM) and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) – moved up 13 places to No. 41.
About Keypath Education
Keypath Education is a leading global provider of online program management (OPM) services for top-tier universities around the world. Keypath has the ability and expertise to support its university partners through the entire process of selecting, developing, launching and operating successful and sustainable online programs. Keypath acts as an extension of the university's team, keeping the university’s brand and academic rigor intact while accelerating the growth and quality of the university program portfolio. Services provided by Keypath include market research, capital investment, program development, marketing, student recruitment, student retention, placement support, and course design & development. Keypath Education has offices and university partners in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information about Keypath or online program management services, please contact us here.