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Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice


  Advancement in Health Systems Nursing Leadership  

 

Flexible

Fall semester start; Option to take up to 9 credits as a non-degree student 

 

100% online

coursework with synchronous components

The purpose of this Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership is to prepare graduates for advanced leadership roles that support the transformation of health care. The curriculum is designed to build upon the expertise of master’s-prepared nurses to drive innovation, improve systems, strengthen organizational performance, and lead evidence-based change across complex health care systems. Graduates will be positioned to influence health care delivery and promote better health for patients and communities.


Application for Fall 2027 opens: October 15, 2026

Early admission deadline to reserve your spot: February 1, 2027

Application deadline: April 15, 2027

Application Deadline: Applicants must submit a completed application to NursingCAS by the deadline date to be considered for admission. Application status emails will be sent to the email provided on the application via NursingCAS.

illustration of notepad (icon) Program Requirements
Program Requirements

 illustration of a graduation cap with a dollar sign (icon) Program Costs
Program Costs

illustration of a graduation cap (icon) Admissions Criteria
Admissions Process

 

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Apply Now

EXPLORE THE CURRICULUM

Meet the students of the Post-Master's DNP program

Image of a nursing student (student spotlight)

Image of a nursing student (student spotlight)

From the choir to the clinic, DNP student focused on leadership

Palliative care nurse, instructor, mother of three returns to UMass Chan to advance leadership skills

Learn more about Eugenia

Learn more about Shawna

Why our Post Master's? We offer:

  • Learning experiences at the Commonwealth’s first and only public academic health sciences center consisting of 3 schools with the UMass Memorial Hospital on campus.
  • A rich interprofessional environment for learning and practicum experiences.
  • Affordable tuition compared to other programs.
  • Active, experienced, committed practicing faculty.
  • A small faculty to student ratio ideal for graduate-level education.
  • Flexible learning options.

The Post Master’s DNP is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and meets The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) 2026 Essentials.

What Can I Do With a Post Master's DNP?

Graduates are prepared to assume advanced nursing leadership roles in all areas of healthcare, such as hospitals and community-based settings, health care agencies, and nursing schools. 

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Information Sessions

Meet with Director Mary Antonelli 

"I would enjoy speaking with you about your career goals and how this program can support you in obtaining them.
Please contact me at Mary.Antonelli2@umassmed.edu to schedule some time together!"

Mary Antonelli, PhD, RN, MPH
Program Director

 “I gained a better understanding of the complexities of healthcare and in making changes in the healthcare system.”  - DNP Graduate

“Reviewing evidence and critically appraising articles; working on interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes; quality improvement initiatives and PDSA; healthcare financing; knowledge of CMS payment programs…”  - DNP Graduate

“Strengthened ability to balance competing demands while in the program. Utilized the resources available within the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing to learn as much as I can”  - DNP Graduate

Learn more about the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing


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