Master’s in Executive Nurse Leadership

Nurses passionate about taking a leadership role in their organization, coupling best practices in nursing with effective business principles, and managing others may benefit from pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Executive Nurse Leadership degree. These advanced nursing degree programs prepare nurses to be leaders in their field and secure rewarding jobs as nurse executives, nurse consultants, and even Directors of Nursing. In addition to the opportunity to help patients and take a leadership role in a healthcare organization, a career in medical and health services management offered a median salary of $104,830 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2024 - Best Master’s in Executive Nurse Leadership Programs

RegisteredNursing.org is a leading source for rankings of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Executive Nurse Leadership programs. Our rankings are based on important criteria including cost of attendance, completion rates, faculty experience, program diversity, and the competitiveness of the institution. Our methodology was developed to help aspiring nurse leaders find the right program for their needs. For more information about how we rank programs, please visit our methodology page.

1.

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT

Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a private, Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. With over 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, SHU is one of the largest Catholic universities in the United States. The university offers an extensive range of degree programs, including a Master’s in Executive Nurse Leadership. Students at SHU can benefit from small classes, active student life, and a diverse and welcoming campus community.

MSN Programs

• Nursing Management & Executive Leadership Specialization Online/Hybrid

2.

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL

The University of South Alabama is located in Mobile and is a public university. With 12,000 students enrolled, it offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. It also offers a Master’s in Executive Nurse Leadership, preparing nurses for leadership roles in healthcare.

MSN Programs

• Executive Nurse Administrator Online/Hybrid

3.

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN

The University of Memphis is a public research university located in Memphis, Tennessee. With over 22,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in the state. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Master’s in Executive Nurse Leadership. With a diverse range of academic and extracurricular programs, the University of Memphis is a great choice for students looking for an excellent educational experience.

MSN Programs

• MSN - Executive Leadership Online/Hybrid

Which MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership Program is Right for Me?

There are a number of Executive Nurse Leader MSN programs to choose from, so making the right choice for your career goals can be an overwhelming decision. In order to simplify your options, consider the following elements when researching schools:

• Program Accreditation – A critical first step is determining if a program is properly accredited. Program accreditation means that a third-party organization has vetted the school, and you can be sure it will provide high-quality nursing education and prepare nurses for the next phase of their careers. It is smart to ensure that every program you consider is accredited by an organization such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
• On-Campus vs. Distance Learning – MSN programs are offered in traditional classroom formats and fully online "distance learning" and hybrid formats that combine on-campus study with online coursework. Many nurses considering an advanced degree work full-time or have family obligations to fulfill, so online programs can provide the flexibility that makes attaining an MSN degree more convenient.
• Sample Coursework – Most schools provide an overview of the program curriculum on their websites or by email if requested. Before you select a program, ensure that the course subjects cover what you need to learn to reach the desired next step in your career. Typical courses for a Nurse Executive Leader program include financial management and resource allocation, nurse leadership, and quality improvement and safety.
• Time Commitment – Most MSN degrees take between 2 and 3 years to complete, and in some cases, one year. However, the time it takes to complete an MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership can vary based on several factors, including whether a program is taken on a full- or part-time basis, if the program is a distance learning format that allows you to complete your coursework on your own schedule, and how many clinical or on-campus hours are required to complete the program.
• Program Cost– The tuition cost for an MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership program varies from school to school and can be influenced by the geographic location, type of school, online versus on-campus program format, and a student's residency status. When calculating the total price of a school, be sure to include the cost of materials, books, housing, and/or commuting, if necessary, in addition to the tuition fees.

Advantages of Online MSN in Executive Nurse Leader Programs

Online MSN programs provide students with several benefits, including the flexibility to complete coursework around their schedules. The major advantages of selecting an online MSN program include:

Affordability

Often, online programs are the more cost-effective options for students when compared with traditional on-campus programs. While tuition rates vary widely from school to school, online students do not have to consider commuting costs or campus housing when calculating the full price of their education. Most schools, including those that offer online programs, also provide financial aid options for those who require assistance paying for their degrees.

Flexible Schedule & Program Length

Many nurses who decide to pursue a master's degree are already working full-time, and often at odd hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Online programs provide full-time or part-time nurses the flexibility to complete coursework when it suits their needs without disrupting work or family obligations. Many schools offer self-paced learning, which means students can complete coursework quicker, allowing them to complete their degree and begin a new career in less time than a traditional classroom program.

Accessibility & Convenience

Online learning opens the door to a wider range of schools and program options than those within commuting distance from your home. Especially important for those who live in rural or remote locations, online students don't need to worry about the cost of commuting, traffic patterns, or parking costs. And the convenience of logging into the classroom at any time can't be matched by an on-campus program.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum for an Executive Nurse Leader MSN program prepares students for leadership and managerial roles. Coursework generally begins with advanced nursing practices, such as evidence-based nursing practices, healthcare policy and advocacy, and quality improvement and safety standards. Following foundational advanced nursing classes, students in an Executive Nurse Leader program move on to courses that deal with management principles, including financial management, strategic planning, interpersonal communication, and leadership best practices.

As an example of the program curriculum, the following classes are included in Benedictine University's online Master of Science in Nursing, Executive Nurse Leader program:

• Health Promotion and Inter-professional Collaboration
• Ethical and Culturally Competent Healthcare Professional
• Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Research and Process Improvement
• Healthcare Policy and Advocacy
• Quality Improvement and Safety
• Building Effective Communication and Relationships
• Advanced Knowledge of Healthcare Systems
• Financial Management and Resource Allocation
• Nurse Leadership and Systems Thinking
• Advanced Nursing Practice Clinical Immersion

In addition to coursework completed online or in a classroom, an MSN program also includes clinical practice hours in which students will put their coursework into the application.

What Are the Tuition & Costs for an MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership Program?

As mentioned above, the cost of an Executive Nurse Leader MSN program can vary widely based on the school's location and several other factors. In addition to tuition fees, other costs associated with an MSN degree generally include mandatory university fees, materials, and supplies, including textbooks and medical supplies, graduation fees, and for students who study on campus, housing and/or commuting costs. As an example of program costs, the University of San Diego's Master of Science in Nursing Executive Nurse Leader program costs $1,690 per credit hour in 2023, along with additional mandatory fees.

What Are the Career Options for Nurses with an MSN in Executive Nurse Leader?

Nurses with an MSN Executive Nurse Leader degree have many career options to pursue, including as a nurse executive or nurse administrator. Typical duties for which an Executive Nurse Leader has been trained include:

• Create budgets for the healthcare facility
• Design and oversee patient care practices
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures
• Hire, train, and mentor junior nurses
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and administrators.

Specific career titles these senior nurses may hold include:

• Nurse Executive: A nurse executive is a managerial role in which the nurse shapes healthcare policies and practices for their organization and oversees the work of a team of nurses. They also make budgets, manage finances for their department or organization, and mentor junior nurses.
• Nurse Consultant: Often working at the intersection of health and the law, nurse consultants help develop solutions for healthcare facilities to ensure they deliver high-quality patient care and follow all applicable legal standards and protocols.
• Nurse Administrator: Combining patient care and managerial duties, nurse administrators such as Charge Nurses or Nurse Managers hire, train, and supervise nursing staff, create work schedules, maintain records, oversee quality assurance activities, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
• Director of Nursing: In a top management position, the Director of Nursing oversees multiple departments or even an entire healthcare facility and uses evidence-based practices to develop policies and protocols.

Read more in our Expert Guide to Nursing Leadership

Organizations & Helpful Resources

• American Nurses Credentialing Center – Nurse Executive Certification
• American Organization of Nurse Executives
• Nurse Leader Magazine
• Organization of Nurse Leaders

List of All Executive Nurse Leadership Programs

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