Online Executive Leader Postgraduate Certificate for Nurses

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Program at a Glance

  • Pursue administrative or managerial positions and leadership roles in a range of health care settings.
  • Gain valuable real-world experience by completing a clinical experience and capstone course.
  • Prepare for the certification examinations.
  • Start when it's convenient for you and complete most of your coursework online.
Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
11 months
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
30
(20 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$420
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Nursing Executive Leader Postgraduate Certificate Overview

Are you a registered nurse interested in pursuing a more rewarding position focused on leadership in nursing? Consider earning your Executive Leader Postgraduate Certificate online at Purdue Global.

This postgraduate certificate program in nursing focuses on the principles of personnel management, policy development and implementation, budgeting, and the use of information technology in advanced nursing roles.

Study topics such as:

  • Leadership, organizational theory, and behaviors
  • Finance and strategic planning in health care
  • Human resources management
  • Innovation in health care IT

As part of the nursing executive leadership postgraduate certificate program, you will complete a clinical experience and work with a preceptor who is an experienced nurse administrator in a contemporary health care setting.

Prepare for Future Studies

Interested in earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)? Clinical hours completed in the postgraduate certificate program can apply toward the requirements of a Purdue Global DNP. Learn more about the DNP.

See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Note: At this time, residents of Tennessee may not enroll in this program. In addition, international students are not eligible to enroll in this program.

Prepare for Nurse Executive Certification

Earning this postgraduate certificate can help you prepare to take the following certification exams*:

  • ANCC's Nursing Executive
  • ANCC's Nursing Executive, Advanced
  • AONL's Certified in Executive Nursing Practice


Eligibility is dependent on your level of leadership with your organization.

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Admissions Requirements

A master's degree with an upper-level major in nursing and an approved criminal background check is required. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your master's degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Additional requirements apply. Refer to the program-specific policy page in the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

Ways to Save

  • Transfer Credits

    Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

    Save Time and Money on Your Degree

  • Financial Aid

    Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.

    Financial Aid FAQ

  • Corporate Partner Benefits

    Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

    Employee Savings and Benefits

  • Military Tuition Reduction

    55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.

    Tuition Savings for Military

Program Cost Estimator

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What Courses Will I Take?

Build on your master's degree in nursing by completing six courses focused on nursing administration, including clinical and capstone courses.

See All Nursing Courses
Sample Courses
  • Leadership, Organizational Theory, and Behavior
  • Health Care Finance, Strategic Planning, and Budgeting
  • Human Resources Management
  • Innovation in Health Care Information Technology

Program Requirements

  • Core Credits
    30
  • Total Credits
    30

Nursing Leadership Career Opportunities

This nursing executive leadership certificate program is designed to help professional nurses like you pursue managerial positions and leadership roles in settings such as hospitals, community health clinics, long-term care facilities, and other health care systems.

Top Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Active Learning
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Social Perceptiveness
  4. Speaking

Top Jobs With This Degree

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional certification or licensing may be required to work in certain fields. Prior experience may be necessary for leadership positions.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Nursing Faculty Directory
grad hat icon 98% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 51% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 395 Faculty publications in 2021–2022
student at desk icon More Than 38,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.

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School Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about our nursing programs and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Certification Exams: Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.

The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs.