AP LEAP (Advanced Practice Leadership, Excellence, and Advancement Program)
AP LEAP Overview:
AP LEAP (Leadership, Excellence, and Advancement Program) will give you, the APN or PA in rural practice, an opportunity to grow as a leader in your organization. Through this 5- month learning experience, you will gain the confidence and skills needed to effectively manage the complexities of healthcare leadership, both now and in the future.
The AP LEAP program is specifically designed for providers working in a rural health setting. Core program elements include:
- Interactive learning sessions, led by nationally recognized thought leaders, focusing on advanced practice leadership, clinical practice, advanced practice advocacy, operations, finance, and practitioner well-being
- Quality improvement project application
- Personalized mentorship
- In-person and online networking with peers
Who should attend:
Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants from critical access hospitals and rural health clinics in Illinois who are looking to enhance their leadership skills.
What is the commitment:
AP LEAP is a 5-month program that combines in-person and zoom didactic sessions. The first session is October 15, 2025 and the closing on March 11, 2026 in Springfield, IL. Zoom sessions are held twice a month. Participants are asked to commit to attending all AP LEAP sessions, meet with their mentor, and develop a quality improvement project.
AP LEAP Curriculum
See the full agenda for AP LEAP here: AP LEAP Curriculum 25-26
What is the cost?
Program cost is $1500.00 per person.
Contact and Credit Hours
Nurse Contact Hours offered for successful completion of each module. Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) is an approved provider of nursing continuing professional development by VTL Center for Professional Development, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Physician Assistants- 16 credit hours applicable to SIU School of Medicine, DMSc program, a $11.000 savings. Reduces 37 credit hour degree to 21 credit hours.
