The MN-LPNP program is for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses who would like to engage in further leadership and advanced nursing roles, and develop a comprehensive understanding of health systems and policy. This program is also suitable for new graduate nurses seeking additional nursing education to advance their nursing practice, gain complementary leadership skills and the opportunities to apply these skills in practice.

The MN-Leadership’s online-hybrid model is ideal for students who want a learning environment that is accessible from anywhere, any time, providing more control over their schedules and work-life balance. Unlike traditional online program delivery, students still receive support and face-to-face instruction from Nursing scholars and experts and the opportunity to apply knowledge and exercise collaborative practice during on-campus residency.

International students are eligible to apply, as long as they are able to attend residency periods on Western University’s campus. International students who complete the program are ineligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit if they completed the majority of their program of study by distance learning.

This is an advantageous opportunity for nurses working with our community practice partners in London - Middlesex. (e.g., London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, and Middlesex London Health Unit). The curriculum was developed with input and support from our local community employers, and reflects the leadership needs of these organizations. Furthermore, our community partners offer mentorship placements for MN-Leadership students. Nurses working for our community partners can complete clinical mentorship requirements within their current practice settings.

Graduates of the MN-Leadership program are equipped to engage in various roles, including:

• Advanced leadership roles in healthcare organizations
• Clinical Nurse Specialist/Advance Practice Nurse
• Faculty/Educator in college/university
• Policy Development and Analysis

In the MN-Leadership program, students build on their undergraduate education and previous professional experiences to grow as nurse leaders. Graduates of this program are equipped with the necessary competencies, knowledge and judgement to advance nursing practice, and unleash the profession’s capacity to lead public policy and systems transformation. 

This program was founded on the conviction that nurses should lead the change toward more equitable and compassionate health care systems. In a rapidly changing health landscape, shaped by social, political and economic circumstances, regulatory changes and digital revolutions, nurses need the advanced knowledge to navigate these systems, recognize health challenges and advocate for best practices.

The MN-LPNP prepares students to synthesize, implement and evaluate evidence-informed solutions, manage complex situations, and develop innovative strategies to improve health outcomes for all. Students acquire a sophisticated understanding of information technology tools used in health care service delivery and its impact, as well as a recognition of how access to digital health tools and patients’ literacy with them can impact determinants of health.

The deadline to apply for the MN-LPNP is February 1. Applications open in mid-October. Students applying after February 1 with complete applications can still be considered for admission if space remains in the program. 

All application documents (i.e., transcripts, letters of reference, and supplemental materials) must be received before the admission file can be reviewed. Review of complete application files begins after February 1 and continues until spaces in each program are filled. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application file is complete.

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Admission Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in nursing (e.g., BScN, BSN, BN)
  • Preparation in research and statistics
• GPA of 78% (B+) or higher in the last two years of full-time study or the last 10 part-time credits
• Canadian applicants must be registered with their provincial nursing regulatory body as a Registered Nurse (RN) with no practice restrictions

• May be asked for a World Evaluation Series (WES) report to confirm degree equivalence
• Must show proof of RN registration in their home country
  • International students are not required to hold registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), provided they are currently qualified to practice nursing in their home country. Prospective students must provide this information when applying to the program. Students who do not hold a CNO license will not be permitted to enroll in courses that include a clinical practice component or supervise undergraduate students in clinical practice.
• Must meet English language proficiency requirements

Application Requirements

• Two references
  • Referees are contacted after their names are submitted in the online application
  • Applicants are asked to provide at least one academic reference
  • The second reference may be academic or professional as appropriate to the applicant's situation
• Transcripts of all postsecondary coursework (including bachelor’s degree in nursing)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal essay
  • The applicant should explain their reasoning for pursuing this program of study
  • Maximum length: Four double-spaced pages
• Supplemental Application Form (PDF)

Review of Applications and Offers of Admission

The Graduate Program Admissions Committee reviews all applications meeting the minimum academic average of 78% (B+) and determines whether to offer admission based on a number of factors, including:

• Past academic achievement
• Quality of referee assessments
• Clarity and fit of the applicant’s written goals with the program goals
• Evidence of engagement in professional activities
• Evidence of leadership
• Quality of oral and/or written communication

Offers of admission are made as applications are considered, with the first offers being made in April. Successful applicants may accept their offers of admission online. Preference is given to full-time applications.

Students are required to complete seven courses; five core courses which ensure competency in key areas of practice and two electives that give students the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in chosen area(s) of interest. For more detailed information about graduate courses offerings in the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, visit the Course Offerings page.

The program is designed to be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. The courses are a hybrid of online learning with a short on-campus residency period during each term.

Fall Term:

• N9661 – Foundations of Nursing Science (includes 2.5-day residency)
• N9612 – Critical Appraisal of Evidence for Nursing Practice (includes 2.5-day residency)

Winter Term:

• N9676 – Leadership and Management of Nursing and Health Services (includes 2.5-day residency)
• N9651 – Digital Health: Theory and Application (includes 2.5-day residency)
• Elective

Summer Term:

• N9693 – Knowledge Synthesis (includes 5-day residency)
• Elective

Students in the MN-Leadership program will supplement their online studies with participation in residency periods, held each term on Western University’s campus. Residency provides students with the opportunity to directly apply what they have learned through coursework within that term into activities that simulate authentic practice settings. Over the course of the five days, students work closely with leading researchers and academics in the field of Nursing, receiving support in building necessary skills and feedback on their progress to date. Students also have the opportunity to build connections with their class cohort, and gain leadership experience within a collaborative setting.