Best MSN in Nursing Administration – 2025

The University of North Florida's online Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration transforms experienced nurses into strategic healthcare leaders. Specifically designed for BSN holders, this program emphasizes evidence-based management techniques and organizational leadership. Graduates receive comprehensive preparation for the ANCC Nurse Executive certification exam, with unique opportunities for local students to engage in optional in-person experiences. The curriculum strategically develops advanced skills in healthcare delivery, focusing on leadership methodologies, organizational management, and innovative healthcare strategies. Ideal for nurses seeking high-level administrative roles, the program limits enrollment to 20 students annually, ensuring personalized educational experiences.

• Online program format.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• Focus on leadership and management.
• Admits up to 20 students each fall.
• Optional in-person experiences for locals.
• Requires BSN for admission.
• Evidence-based curriculum.
• Improves healthcare delivery skills.
• Graduate level nursing education.
• Focus on organizational management.

Designed for ambitious nursing professionals, UNF's online Nursing Management & Leadership MSN program cultivates advanced healthcare leadership capabilities. This dynamic curriculum empowers nurses to navigate complex healthcare environments through strategic management techniques and evidence-based practices. Students develop comprehensive skills in organizational evaluation, leadership development, and systemic healthcare improvements. With a maximum cohort of 15 students, the program offers flexible full and part-time enrollment options and prepares graduates for the prestigious ANCC Nurse Executive certification. The program equips nurses to address emerging healthcare challenges and drive transformative changes across diverse clinical settings.

• Fully online master's program
• Maximum 15 students admitted
• ANCC Nurse Executive certification prep
• Evidence-based healthcare management
• Flexible full/part-time enrollment

UNF's online Master of Science in Nursing Management and Leadership represents a cutting-edge 35-credit program tailored for experienced registered nurses. Aligned with the AACN's 2021 professional standards, this comprehensive curriculum develops advanced leadership competencies in staff development, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered care. Requiring a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and one year of RN experience, the program prepares nurses to drive quality improvement and advocate for effective healthcare delivery. Graduates gain sophisticated skills in evidence-based practice, strategic leadership, and holistic healthcare management, positioning them for non-executive leadership roles across complex clinical environments.

• Online Master's program
• 35 total credit hours
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• 1+ year RN experience required
• Current RN licensure mandatory
• Prepares for non-executive leadership
• Aligned with AACN essentials

Binghamton University's Adult-Gerontological Nursing MSN concentration provides a robust two-year hybrid program targeting post-baccalaureate nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. The comprehensive 46-credit curriculum emphasizes advanced physical assessment, research methodologies, and specialized clinical practice across adult and older adult populations. Students benefit from flexible learning formats combining campus-based instruction with online components. Designed for aspiring nurse educators and administrators, the program requires current RN licensure, NCLEX-RN certification, and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Participants complete 540 clinical hours, gaining expertise in complex healthcare management and population health strategies.

• Two-year full-time program
• 46 total credit hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Nurse educator/administrator tracks
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• NCLEX-RN required
• Current RN licensure needed
• 540 total clinical hours
• Part-time option available

Binghamton University's Community Health Nursing MSN concentration delivers a dynamic two-year hybrid program preparing advanced practice nurses to address intricate population health challenges. The 46-credit curriculum focuses on developing comprehensive skills for working with individuals, families, and communities. Students explore innovative healthcare strategies through research-driven coursework and extensive clinical experiences. The program offers flexible full and part-time enrollment options, supporting diverse professional backgrounds. Admission requires a nursing bachelor's degree, active RN licensure, and a 3.0 GPA. Graduates emerge equipped with advanced assessment, leadership, and community health intervention capabilities.

• Two-year hybrid program
• 46 total credit hours
• Community health nursing focus
• Nurse educator/administrator tracks
• Advanced clinical practice
• Requires 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• NCLEX-RN exam required
• Flexible full/part-time options
• Clinical hours included
• Multiple instructional methods

Southern Utah University's online Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration program delivers a strategic pathway for RNs seeking executive healthcare roles. Designed as an accelerated 10-month curriculum, the program enables working professionals to enhance leadership capabilities while maintaining full-time employment. Students complete 30 credit hours and 90 clinical hours, typically at their current workplace, with a total tuition of $14,790. The program targets RNs holding a BSN with a minimum 2.5 GPA, preparing graduates for high-level nursing positions such as Director of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer. No specific entrance exam is mentioned, offering accessibility for motivated healthcare professionals.

• 100% Online Program
• 10-Month Accelerated Format
• Total Tuition: $14,790
• 30 Total Credit Hours
• 90 Clinical Hours
• RN License Required
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Prepare for Leadership Roles

Southern Utah University's innovative online MSN program with Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Emphasis represents a unique intersection of nursing leadership and digital security. This 14-month program equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills in protecting patient data, managing strategic risks, and leading complex healthcare environments. Spanning 42 credit hours and priced at $20,706, the curriculum integrates comprehensive cybersecurity training with nursing administration principles. Designed for BSN-prepared RNs with an active license and minimum 2.5 GPA, the program enables graduates to pursue executive roles while developing critical cyber defense expertise in healthcare settings.

• Online MSN with cybersecurity focus
• 14-month accelerated program
• 42 total credit hours
• Total tuition $20,706
• Requires BSN and RN license
• Leadership and cyber skills
• Multiple career advancement paths

Pennsylvania Western University's online Master of Science in Nursing in Administration and Leadership provides a robust 30-credit pathway for registered nurses targeting executive healthcare roles. Emphasizing strategic management and healthcare policy, the program prepares nurses to transform healthcare systems through evidence-based leadership practices. Unique features include a fully online curriculum, flexible learning format, and comprehensive training in organizational improvement strategies. Students develop advanced skills in nursing department management, healthcare policy analysis, and executive decision-making. The program stands out for its career advancement opportunities and leadership-focused approach, equipping nurses with the critical competencies needed to drive meaningful change in complex healthcare environments.

• 100% Online Program
• 30 Total Credit Hours
• Leadership-Focused Curriculum
• Advanced Nursing Management
• Flexible Learning Format
• Evidence-Based Practice Emphasis
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Arkansas State University's online Master of Science in Nursing for Nurse Administrators delivers a comprehensive leadership-focused curriculum tailored for healthcare professionals seeking advanced administrative roles. The 34-credit hour program can be completed in just 14 months, offering remarkable flexibility for working nurses. Students develop critical organizational management skills, explore complex healthcare policy landscapes, and learn strategic budgeting techniques essential for modern healthcare leadership. With ACEN accreditation and a competitive total tuition of $11,560, the program requires a BSN and maintains a 3.0 undergraduate GPA threshold. This military-friendly online degree prepares nurses to navigate intricate healthcare systems and assume pivotal leadership positions with advanced clinical and administrative competencies.

• 100% online nursing program
• 34 total credit hours
• Completion in 14 months
• Total tuition $11,560
• ACEN accredited program
• BSN required for admission
• Prepares for nursing leadership roles
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required

Kennesaw State University's MSN in Nursing Administration and Transformational Leadership stands out as a comprehensive online program designed for aspiring healthcare leaders. The two-year, 40-credit hour curriculum strategically develops advanced nursing administrative skills through innovative coursework and extensive practical experiences. Students engage in specialized training covering healthcare finance, organizational change management, and quality care environment design. With 300+ hours of practicum experience, the program ensures graduates are well-prepared for executive nursing roles. Notably, the program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and active RN licensure. Highlighting its academic excellence, the program is U.S. News top-ranked and offers flexible learning with small class sizes, positioning graduates for the projected 24% job growth in medical and health services management.

• 100% Online Program
• 40 Total Credit Hours
• Two-Year Program Format
• Minimum 3.0 Undergraduate GPA
• RN Licensure Required
• 300+ Hours Practicum Experience
• Expert Doctoral Faculty
• Flexible Learning Environment
• Small Class Sizes

UNC Charlotte's MSN in Nurse Administration delivers a comprehensive online program strategically designed for working nurses seeking advanced leadership opportunities. The 36-credit hour curriculum comprehensively prepares registered nurses for executive roles like Nurse Executive and Quality Improvement Manager. Through a flexible part-time format completable in 27 months, students develop critical competencies in healthcare policy, financial management, and strategic planning. The program aligns with ANCC certification requirements and offers robust career preparation. With a notable average graduate annual wage of $111,900, students benefit from 360 clinical hours of practical experience. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA and possess professional nursing background. The 100% online delivery ensures accessibility for working healthcare professionals nationwide.

• 100% Online Delivery
• 27 Months Part-Time
• 36 Total Credit Hours
• ANCC Certification Prep
• $111,900 Average Wage
• Flexible Admission Semesters
• 360 Clinical Hours Required
• 3.0 Minimum GPA
• Professional Nursing Recommended

New Mexico State University's online MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration delivers a transformative educational pathway for ambitious RNs seeking executive healthcare roles. Tailored for working professionals, the program provides comprehensive training in strategic management and complex healthcare system leadership. Students can complete the degree in flexible 2-3 year formats, requiring current RN licensure and a BSN. The curriculum emphasizes advanced administrative competencies, preparing graduates to navigate intricate organizational challenges. Competitive admission standards include a minimum 3.0 GPA, ensuring a high-caliber cohort of emerging nursing executives. Distance learning options accommodate practicing nurses' demanding schedules while fostering sophisticated leadership development.

• Online flexible degree
• RN with BSN required
• 2-3 year completion
• Nursing leadership focus
• Competitive admission process
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Current RN license needed
• Distance education available

Florida Atlantic University's MSN in Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership offers a cutting-edge online program strategically designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced leadership roles. Spanning 37-39 credit hours, the curriculum provides comprehensive training in healthcare policy, strategic management, and financial leadership. Students benefit from flexible full and part-time options, with two practicum semesters integrating 180-270 clinical hours. The program requires a baccalaureate nursing degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure. With competitive in-state tuition around $371.81 per credit, graduates are prepared to navigate complex healthcare organizational environments and drive innovative administrative strategies across diverse medical settings.

• Fully online MSN program
• 37-39 total credit hours
• Requires 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Flexible full/part-time options
• 180-270 clinical practicum hours
• Instate tuition ~$371.81/credit
• Multiple leadership career paths
• Current RN licensure required
• Two practicum semesters
• Comprehensive healthcare management curriculum

Purdue University Northwest's online MSN in Nurse Executive program delivers a strategic pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced leadership roles. Leveraging a fully online curriculum, students can complete the degree in as little as 12 months full-time or under two years part-time. The program emphasizes critical competencies in healthcare policy development, financial management, and organizational leadership. With an affordable per-credit tuition of $512.16, students benefit from ACEN accreditation, practicum opportunities at current workplaces, and expert nursing faculty guidance. Designed for working nurses, the 32-credit program aligns with projected 28% employment growth in healthcare leadership, offering potential scholarship opportunities and flexible learning options.

• 100% Online Flexible Program
• 12-Month Full-Time Option
• $512.16 Per Credit
• 32 Total Program Credits
• ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
• Practicum at Current Workplace
• Expert Nursing Faculty
• Transfer Up to 9 Credits
• Potential $1,000 Scholarship
• Leadership Skills Focus