Systems Leadership Micro-Credential
The Systems Leadership micro-credential program at UC College of Nursing offers short, flexible online learning experiences that prepare nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead within complex, dynamic and interconnected health care systems.
This micro-credential program prepares nurses to understand organizational dynamics, implement change and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes and health care delivery. It requires a total of two 3-credit-hour courses and serves as an introductory pathway to the Systems Leadership Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Systems Leadership Micro-Credential Courses
Credit Hours: 3 graduate credit hours
Description: This course focuses on the integration of core leadership concepts and principles into leadership roles at various levels throughout health care organizations. Students examine the theoretical basis for development and application of effective leadership behaviors in the health care system. Emphasis is placed on the experience of becoming and being a leader. Offered in the fall semester
Credit Hours: 3 graduate credit hours
Description: This course introduces the key concepts and theoretical models of strategic change, strategic planning, and strategic management as applied to the health care industry. This course focuses on the roles of the nurse leader in the formulation and implementation of strategy in health care settings. The dynamics of organizational process and methods of organizational analysis are explored in the strategic planning process. Offered in the summer semester
Admission Requirements
- A current, active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) licensure with no disciplinary action
- An unofficial copy of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or higher
Application Deadlines
The Systems Leadership micro-credential program admits for summer and fall start. The application window for programs could close early, if maximum capacity is reached.
| Semester Start | Application Deadline | Class Start |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Dec. 1, 2025 | Jan. 12, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | Apr. 1, 2026 | May 11, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Aug. 1, 2026 | Aug. 24, 2026 |
| Note: The Systems Leadership Micro-Credential program admits for the summer and fall starts only. | ||
Tuition & Fees
| Enrollment | Ohio Resident |
Non-Resident |
Online Learning Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part Time (9 credits or fewer) |
$836 per credit |
$851 per credit |
$57 per credit |
| Full Time (10 credits or more) |
$8,359 per semester |
$8,509 per semester |
$563 per semester |
Note: Students in this program are not eligible for financial aid.
Important Information about Tuition and Fees
The rates provided are based on 2025-26 totals set by the university and could change in future academic years. Estimates also could change based on the following:
- Change of state of residence
- Change in enrollment status (i.e., full time or part time)
- Other unforeseen circumstances
State Restrictions:
As a result of state boards of nursing and the U.S. Department of Education's higher education regulation changes, UC College of Nursing cannot accept applications for our online programs — Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nurse Midwifery and Women's Health — from students who live in the following states:
- Arizona
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
State-Specific Requirements:
Kansas: Effective March 1, 2025, the Kansas State Board of Nursing made a change to their licensure education requirements for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Additional information can be found on the organization's website.
- Applicants who are admitted to an APRN program that leads to licensure will be provided a revised plan to include an additional variable credit course (NURS8098: Clinical Elective) to complete the difference in clinical hours required by the University of Cincinnati and the Kansas State Board of Nursing (if applicable). The number of credit hours for this course will vary based on the number of clinical hours needed to meet licensure education requirements. Further guidance, including an individualized plan of study, will be provided for admitted students.
- This change doesn't apply to non-APRN specialties: Systems Leadership, Public Health Nursing, Occupational Health Nursing and Nursing Education.
Washington: The University of Cincinnati is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to provide practice experiences in the state of Washington for the following programs:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwifery
- Nursing Administration
- Women's Health
For more information, visit the state's Department of Health site.
Washington: The University of Cincinnati is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to provide practice experiences in the state of Washington for the following programs
- Nursing Education
For more information, visit the state's Department of Health site.