Lead change across communities and systems
Our Population Health and Systems Leadership (PHSL) track within the DNP degree program prepares you to advance population health, reduce health inequities, strengthen community well-being and transform health systems locally, nationally and globally.
PHSL graduates are prepared to:
- Lead community and population health initiatives
- Design, implement and evaluate programs and policies
- Manage resources and budgets
- Engage diverse partners
- Drive systems-level change that improves health outcomes and advances health equity
Since 2008, the PHSL track has prepared doctoral-level nurse leaders to influence policy, shape organizations and strengthen community health and well-being.
Program format
The PHSL track follows the standard DNP program format: online coursework combining required live online sessions with asynchronous work, plus up to one on-campus intensive each quarter. Clinical placements begin in spring quarter of year two. All clinical placements are arranged by the UW School of Nursing and are located in Washington state.
What makes our DNP-PHSL track different?
The PHSL track is designed for nurses who are passionate about improving health beyond the bedside. The PHSL track offers a distinctive doctoral education centered on population health, health equity, policy, community partnership, leadership and systems change. You’ll develop expertise in understanding complex health challenges and addressing the factors that influence health across communities, organizations and systems.
The first program of its kind in the Northwest
Launched in 2008, the PHSL track is still the region’s only postbaccalaureate DNP track built specifically for population health and systems leadership.
Address complex health challenges and transform systems
Students gain expertise in designing innovative solutions, improving population health and driving systems-level change across diverse sectors and populations.
Nationally recognized certifications that expand your impact
Graduates may be eligible to apply for national certifications that recognize advanced expertise in leadership, public health, health systems and culturally responsive practice.
Explore health through a systems lens
Curriculum
You’ll build a foundation in population health, health policy, evidence appraisal and translation, leadership and health systems alongside DNP students from every specialty track.
Specialty coursework in systems thinking, implementation science, policy analysis, program evaluation, organizational leadership and community partnership leads into a sequence of advanced clinical practica, clinical immersion and your DNP Project.
National certifications
Graduates of our DNP-PHSL program may be eligible to apply for the following national certifications:
- Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC): American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP): American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML): American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
- Certified Transcultural Nurse-Basic (CTN-B): Transcultural Nursing Society (TCNS)
- Certified Transcultural Nurse-Advanced (CTN-A): Transcultural Nursing Society (TCNS)
- Certified in Public Health (CPH): National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE)
Why choose the DNP-PHSL track at UW?
A perspective from the specialty co-director
“What I love most about the PHSL track is that students come here because they want to tackle complex challenges and make a broader impact in the communities, organizations, and systems where they live and work. You’ll be surrounded by faculty and classmates who are deeply committed to equity, innovation, and meaningful change, and who bring a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences to every conversation.
What keeps me inspired is watching students build confidence in their leadership, learn to navigate complexity, and discover their ability to bring people together around a shared vision. Seeing that growth and the impact our graduates go on to make is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
Experience & impact
“I went to an American Public Health Association’s annual conference after my MSN graduation and met Dr. Betty Bekemeier during one of Public Health Nursing section meetings.
She shared a little bit about the Population Health and Systems Leadership (PHSL) track … and that amount of information was enough for me to know that the PHSL track was what I was looking for as blend of nursing and public health, and applying to the program would be the right next step for my career.”
Graduate spotlight
Two graduates, Mollie Killion and Nhia Yerkes-Vang, were selected for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) fellowship.
Application deadlines
You may apply to each specialty track once per admissions year.
Review application requirements
Apply through the UW Graduate School