Cost & earnings at Alverno College What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Alverno College’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is a fully asynchronous online doctorate offered with Executive Leadership and Educational Leadership tracks. The program suits experienced nurses aiming for system-level leadership or academic leadership roles and emphasizes practicum-based, evidence-informed leadership in healthcare and education.
The curriculum comprises seven core courses, two scholarly project courses, one to three electives, and two clinical practicum courses. Students must complete clinical practicum hours toward required post-baccalaureate totals; the program is designed to help students achieve 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practicum hours, though the number required may vary based on practicum hours already completed in a prior master’s program. The published practicum range for the program is 500–1,000 clinical practicum hours (5–10 credits). Total program credits are listed as 33–40 depending on track and clinical requirements.
The source materials do not provide a detailed list of admissions prerequisites. Prospective applicants should consult Alverno College for specific requirements and application procedures (the program accepts applications via NursingCAS).
Graduates are prepared to lead patient-centered care with emphasis on safety, quality, ethics and accountability; apply evidence-based solutions to reduce disparities and improve outcomes; use health IT and data systems; influence policy and advocate for equity; collaborate across disciplines; and apply advanced clinical judgment in complex situations. The Executive Leadership track targets nurses seeking formal leadership roles within healthcare organizations; the Educational Leadership track prepares nurses for academic or program-level educational leadership positions such as program director, dean, or system-level nurse educator.
Published funding information includes a per-credit tuition figure of $1,000 and guidance on typical financing routes: federal loans via FAFSA (Alverno’s federal code 003832), employer tuition reimbursement, outside private scholarships, and payment plans arranged through the college. Educational Leadership students may be eligible for up to $40,000 through the Wisconsin Nurse Educator Program in exchange for post-graduation employment at an eligible nursing school or college. For questions about funding, the college lists contact details (financial.aid@alverno.edu; 414-382-6262).
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