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Take the Lead, Add an MBA
Dual degree MBA programs offered through the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Carey Business School prepare graduates who are exceptional at patient care and safety as well as effecting change at the health care leadership and corporate levels. This degree is offered with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track.
Cross Disciplines
The DNP Executive/MBA knows what the best clinical care looks like as well as how to make it happen with a unique understanding of the bottom line in nursing and business. You will lead health care teams while providing the evidence, ethical grounding, and business sense that forms the foundation for organizational planning.
Up for the Challenge
An intense, innovative education presents DNP Executive/MBA graduates with the highest level of nursing competence and the knowledge to make the smart calls in the boardroom setting. Organizations will look to you for insight and for problem solving. You will look at the evidence, the numbers, the system, and the patients and families who rely on you to make the right call. And you will be ready.
DNP Projects
The DNP program prepares students to bridge the gap between new science and integration into practice. At the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, graduates of our DNP program have created projects that implement research, plans, and practices that advance our profession and improve health outcomes.
DNP Projects
Curriculum
This dual degree can be completed in 66 credits with 448 practice hours.****
*During the COVID-19 pandemic, on-site immersions will be held in a virtual format until further notice.*
Onsite Dates
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Executive program's executive session format can be completed in six semesters of study, integrating approximately 3 on-site immersions of 3 days each during the first year and one on-site symposium event lasting 1 day the second year combined with online and virtual learning experiences. The DNP/MBA joins the DNP Executive program in year 2 of their 3 year program.
Plan of Study
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Summer I (2 credits)
- Statistical Analysis (2) *
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Fall I (8 credits)
- Business Communication (residency required for on-line students) (2) *
- Accounting & Financial Reporting (2) *
- Economics for Decision Making (2) *
- Corporate Finance (2) *
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Spring I (10 credits)
- Information Systems (2) *
- Marketing Management (2) *
- Advanced Nursing Health Policy (2)
- Decision Models (2) *
- The Firm & the Macroeconomy (2) *
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Summer II (5 credits)
- Investments (2) *
- Problem Discovery (3)
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Fall II (11 credits)
- Operations Management (2) *
- General Business Elective 1 (2)
- Nursing Inquiry (3)
- Leadership in Organizations (2) *
- Business Law (2) *
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Spring II (10 credits)
- General Business Elective 2 (2) *
- Translating Evidence into Practice (3)
- Project Advancement (3)
- Negotiation (2) *
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Summer III (7 credits)
- Analysis and Evaluation of Individual and Population Health Data (3)
- General Business Elective 3(2) *
- Business Leadership and Human Values (2) *
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Fall III (7 credits)
- General Business Elective 4 (2) *
- General Business Elective 5 (2) *
- Project Application (3)
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Spring III (7 credits)
- General Business Elective 6 (2) *
- Project Evaluation and Dissemination(3)
- Clinical Data Management and Analyses (2)
* Courses taken at Carey Business School
** Curriculum, credit hours, and sequencing are subject to change.
*** A minimum of 1000 practice hours is required for DNP.
**** Some MBA courses may require a residency component. Learn more about the residency requirements at the Carey Business School website.
Back to TopFrequently Asked Questions
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What is a DNP-MBA?The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a doctoral degree for nurses at the highest level of nursing practice (https://www.aacnnursing.org/Education-Resources/AACN-Essentials). The three year DNP Executive/MBA dual degree offered through the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School will examine both clinical outcomes and the financial repercussions of those clinical outcomes through students’ scholarly projects.
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Is the program accredited?Yes, our DNP/MBA program has full accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
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Are GRE scores required?GRE/GMAT scores not required.
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Is part-time study an option?The DNP-Executive track/MBA Dual Degree is designed to fit into the schedule of someone working full time in a clinical setting. The course work and scholarly project are intended to complement their work focus.
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Is a dissertation or final project required?A dissertation is not required. A DNP scholarly project will be completed by the end of the program. The DNP final project is the students’ original work that establishes them as a Hopkins Nursing clinical scholar. Examples of scholarly projects can be found on our website here.
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Am I eligible for this program if I am not an advanced practice nurse?All applicants must have earned a minimum of 375 clinical hours as part of their post-licensure Master’s in Nursing program. Nurses who do not have advanced practice licensure should contact the Office of Admissions for an eligibility review at [email protected].
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What is the difference between the DNP-Executive and the DNP-Executive/MBA tracks?
The DNP-Executive/MBA track incorporates business content into the development of the DNP Scholarly Project. Students will take classes exclusively with the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School during the first year of the dual program. Work on the DNP Scholarly Project will commence in the second year of the dual program. Students will graduate with a DNP from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, and a MBA from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
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Is the DNP-Executive/MBA track entirely online?There are seven onsite immersions associated with the DNP-Executive/MBA track that are spread throughout the three year program. Onsite visits typically run three days each. Specific onsite immersion dates will be posted on the program website.
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Where can I find a detailed overview of the program?You can learn more details about the program curriculum and application process by watching our informational video.
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Do I need to have leadership experience to apply to this program?Developing nurse leaders is a specific aim of the program. You do not need to have leadership experience to apply. Students are prepared to excel in current or future leadership opportunities.
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What does ‘Executive’ track mean?Students enrolling in the DNP-Executive track or DNP-MBA have an advanced Master’s degree in Nursing. Many are already Nurse Practitioners. The degree provides students with the knowledge to develop and implement evidence-based change. The program is delivered in an Executive type format, with online coursework and onsite immersions spread throughout the curriculum. The term ‘Executive’ distinguishes the DNP-Executive and DNP-MBA tracks from the Advance Practice DNP tracks that lead to Advanced Practice licensure.
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What if I have more questions?Contact Laura Panozzo, Assistant Director of Recruitment for the DNP Executive tracks, at [email protected] with any additional questions or to schedule a phone call to discuss ways to make your application as strong as possible.
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What should I do if I am unsure of where I will complete my scholarly project?If you are not currently working in a practice environment where a DNP project might be feasible, please contact the Office of Admissions, [email protected], to discuss your options.
Funding Opportunities
Scholarships
The School of Nursing sets aside a limited amount of merit-based funds for students who demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership skills, outstanding community service, and other personal strengths and accomplishments. These merit awards are granted for achievement, not financial need. There is no separate application to apply for a scholarship. Each student is considered upon applying for admission. Scholarships range from $10,000 to $30,000.
Other Funding Sources
All funding opportunities should be pursued to meet your educational costs. There are organizations that provide scholarship awards ranging from $100 to full tuition and stipend awards. Begin your search early. Application deadlines are typically 6-9 months in advance of the academic year.
Loans and Loan Forgiveness/Repayment Assistance Options
Loans are an important component of assisting students in meeting their educational expenses. Student Financial Services encourages individuals utilizing loans to fully understand the terms of each loan and borrow only what is needed. We also advise individuals to research loan repayment and employment options which can assist in meeting loan repayment obligations. Student Financial Services has gathered a list of loan forgiveness and repayment assistance options that can be explored via the link below.