Master’s of Science (MSN) in Health Systems Management Programs
If you are interested in advancing your career in the healthcare industry, but want to focus on the management and business side of this rewarding pathway, a Master's in Health Systems Management may be for you. While some entry-level positions as managers/administrators for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and more can be procured with a bachelor's-level degree, the vast majority require a graduate degree in health systems management, typically awarded as an MBA, MHA, or MSN. A master's in this field can lead to coveted job titles, such as:
- Hospital Administrator
- Healthcare Consultant
- Hospital CFO
- Hospital Department Head
- Health/Social Services Manager
- Clinical Director
- Nursing Director
- Medical Records Manager
This broad degree allows room for growth, or for movement within the health management industry, making it an excellent choice for those looking to find their niche.
Choosing a Health Systems Management (HSM) Program
Deciding to earn a master's degree (MSN) in health systems management is a huge step, and finding the right school and program for you is of paramount importance. With colleges and universities across the country offering this increasingly popular degree pathway, students must do some research to ensure that they choose wisely. The following are some key elements to keep in mind as you consider which school to attend for your master's in health systems management:
Accreditation
Searching for properly accredited health systems management programs is one of the best ways to narrow down the field. Accredited programs signify quality, consistency, and high academic standards. Some of the best graduate-level health systems management programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
Program Cost
Finding a health systems management program that you can afford is likely at the top of your priority list. Many things can affect a program's overall cost, including location, type of school, online/in-person attendance, full-time/part-time schedules, and much more. For example, as of 2018 the tuition cost for the MSN Health Systems Management track at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is roughly $41,952, including insurance and most fees. This does not include extra expenses such as textbooks, room and board, etc.
Program Length
Whether a student chooses a Master's in Business Administration pathway, a Master's in Health Administration pathway, or a Master's of Science in Nursing pathway for their health systems management program, the expected length for full-time attendance is one year, or roughly 36 total credits. Some programs allow part-time attendance, which will extend the length of the program to around two years from start to finish. Online programs may allow more flexibility in how coursework is completed; it's generally recommended to check with your school of choice to see how long an online program will take to complete.
Online/Campus Options
Students in this modern age are lucky to have the choice between completing their master's in health systems management online, or in a traditional classroom setting. Some schools offer both pathways, and many schools have begun implementing a "hybrid" program where most of the coursework is taken online, save for a few campus visits to attend lectures or intensives. Many students appreciate the immersive environment of a classroom-based program, while those who are working or don't live near a university may prefer the online experience.
Admissions Requirements
While each school will have its own unique set of entrance requirements, the clear majority ask that students have the following prior to being admitted to an MSN health systems management program:
- BSN from an accredited institution (degree type may differ for MBA or MHA programs)
- GPA of at least 3.0
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- 3 letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
- Essay/personal statement of goals
- Current resume/CV
- Must submit evidence of current RN license
Health Systems Management Curriculum
Generally, the curriculum for an MSN in health systems management includes a mix of core courses, specialty courses, and electives. There may also be a clinical experience requirement, where students are obligated to have completed around 2,000 hours of recent clinical nursing hours prior to starting the program.
Classes & Courses Offered
Most students will take the following course topics as part of their master's in health systems management program:
- Context of Healthcare for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Ethics for Health Professionals
- Health Policy & Healthcare Delivery
- Fiscal Management in Healthcare Organizations
- Program Development and Evaluation in Healthcare
- Decision Support in Healthcare
- Strategic Uses of IT
- Management of Service Operations
Helpful Links
- American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
- Health Care Administrators Association
- Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society
- Healthcare Financial Management Association
- National Association of Healthcare Access Management
List of MSN Health Systems Management Programs
Finding the right graduate program in health systems management near you is as easy as finding your state below. With options from coast to coast, anyone can find the perfect health systems management program, from online to traditional campus-based.
Select Your State:
Alabama
School | Contact Information |
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UAB School of Nursing MSN Programs | 1701 University Blvd Birmingham, AL 35294 (205) 934-5428 |
Arizona
School | Contact Information |
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Brookline College MSN Programs | 2445 W Dunlap Ave #100 Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 242-6265 |
California
School | Contact Information |
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United States University MSN Programs | 7675 Mission Valley Rd San Diego, CA 92108 (800) 316-6314 |
Florida
School | Contact Information |
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Palm Beach Atlantic University MSN Programs | 901 S Flagler Dr West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (888) 468-6722 |
Indiana
School | Contact Information |
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University of Indianapolis MSN Programs | 1400 E Hanna Ave Indianapolis, IN 46227 (317) 788-3368 |
Louisiana
School | Contact Information |
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Southeastern Louisiana University MSN Programs
| 500 W University Ave Hammond, LA 70402 (985) 549-2000 |
Maryland
School | Contact Information |
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Johns Hopkins University MSN Programs | 525 N. Wolfe Street Baltimore, MD 20205 (410) 955-4766 |
Michigan
School | Contact Information |
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U-M School of Nursing - Administration MSN Programs | 400 N. Ingalls St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (734) 764-7185 |
University of Detroit Mercy RN to MSN Programs | 4001 W. McNichols Road Detroit, MI 48221 (313) 993-1245 |
Missouri
School | Contact Information |
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Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing MSN Programs | 4483 Duncan Ave St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 454-7055 |
New Hampshire
School | Contact Information |
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Rivier University MSN Programs | 420 Main St Nashua, NH 03060 (603) 888-1311 |
Ohio
School | Contact Information |
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Ashland University MSN Programs | 401 College Ave Ashland, OH 44805 (419) 289-4142 |
Oregon
School | Contact Information |
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Northwest Christian University | 828 E 11th Ave Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 343-1641 |
Pennsylvania
School | Contact Information |
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Drexel University MSN Programs | 3141 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 895-2000 |
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing MSN Programs | 418 Curie Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-8281 |
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing MSN Programs | 3500 Victoria St Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (888) 747-0794 |
South Carolina
School | Contact Information |
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University of South Carolina MSN Programs | 901 Sumter Street, Suite 304 Columbia, SC 29208 (803) 777-0169 |
Tennessee
School | Contact Information |
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Vanderbilt University MSN Programs
| 2201 West End Ave Nashville, TN 37235 (615) 322-7311 |
Virginia
School | Contact Information |
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George Mason University MSN Programs | 4400 University Dr Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 993-1000 |
Shenandoah University MSN Programs
| 1460 University Dr Winchester, VA 22601 (540) 665-4500 |
University of Virginia School of Nursing MSN Programs
| 225 Jeanette Lancaster Way Charlottesville, VA 22903 (434) 924-2743 |
Washington
School | Contact Information |
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Gonzaga University MSN Programs
| 502 E Boone Ave Spokane, WA 99202 (509) 328-4220 |
Wisconsin
School | Contact Information |
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University of Wisconsin - Green Bay MSN Programs | 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311 (920) 465-2000 |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.