Master’s in Nursing Administration

Nurses interested in a leadership or management position would benefit from earning a Master's in Nursing Administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for those in medical and health services management is $98,350 per year, which makes the master's degree in nursing administration a lucrative choice. Additionally, the BLS also reports that the job outlook for those in this field is expected to grow 20% by the year 2026, which is considered faster-than-average. With career options that span from nursing managers to directors and more, it's easy to see why the MSN-level nursing administration pathway is the perfect career advancement tool for motivated nurses.

Which MSN in Nursing Administration Program is Right for Me?

Nurses who choose to go back to school for their master's degree might not know quite where to start when researching nursing administration programs. The following considerations provide a foundation which hopefully helps the decision-making process:

• Does the MSN-Nursing Administration Program Offer Campus or Online Options? Most nurses who are looking to earn a master's degree are already working. Some nurses may work twelve-hour shifts, nights, weekends, or holidays. Nurses may need a program with flexible times or even online courses. There are many online options for nurses seeking a degree in nursing administration.
• Is the MSN-Nursing Administration Program Accredited? Ensuring accreditation is essential when choosing an MSN program. Nursing programs in the United States must be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or by local/regional entities. Prospective students should visit their state's board of nursing to find out which accreditations are acceptable for licensure and practice.
• MSN-Nursing Administration Program Course Topics- Many students may be unsure if the course content is what they are looking for. There are many management and executive level careers for nurses, so those looking into nursing administration should make sure it is the right course of study for them. Common nursing administration concepts include informatics, organizational management, healthcare finance, and quality and safety in the healthcare setting.
• Associated Tuition Costs- Tuition and associated costs can be a huge factor when selecting a master's program. Fees vary greatly between schools and are largely dependent on location. Students should not only look at the tuition rates but any associated university fees, as well as residency status. Out-of-state residents may pay higher rates, even with online programs. The good news is that most schools have financial aid options and offer part-time status to help offset the cost.

Learn about post-master's nursing administration certificate programs.

Online Master's in Nursing Administration Program Advantages

There are many advantages to selecting an online master's program. The following describes the numerous perks of online programs.

Flexible Schedule

Nurses work odd hours. They may work days, evening, nights, holidays, weekends, and on-call. When choosing to return to school, many nurses need flexibility when studying and attending classes. Master's degree students also need to squeeze in clinical practicums.

Online programs offer a great deal of flexibility. Students may study at any time, and all they'd need is a computer and internet access. Students can also study at their own pace. Many students are concerned that there is a decrease in the ability to collaborate with peers or instructors, but most online programs facilitate support between faculty and students.

Online programs are not always 100% online; some require a mandatory orientation on campus, and some may require "block" scheduled days (i.e., several consecutive days on campus per semester). However, most schools recognize that students must often continue to work and offer weekend and flexible scheduling.

Learn about other options, such as online APRN programs.

Tuition and Costs

As stated earlier, tuition costs for a master's in nursing administration can vary greatly. Location is a huge determinate of tuition cost. Fees may vary based on state and even city. Although not always the case, some online programs offer flat tuition fees regardless of resident status. In other words, a resident of California may pay the same tuition rate as a New York resident at a New York-based program. This is variable, so students should research tuition rates carefully.

Tuition fees are one cost, but students may pay additional fees such as:

• University fees
• Study materials
• Graduation fees
• Technology fees
• Technology equipment costs (e., laptops, webcam, etc.)

With online programs, however, students save on the costs associated with commuting and parking on-campus.

Accessibility and Convenience

Convenience is one of the main reasons why students choose online programs. They can log on anytime, study anytime, work on and submit projects any time. Assistance from peers and faculty is only a click away.

Online programs also reduce or even eliminate the time required to commute, park, and walk to class. Battling traffic, inclement weather, and on-campus congestion is a thing of the past with online study. Those living in more remote or rural areas also greatly benefit from online programs.

Fast Completion

Most master's in nursing administration programs are between 35 and 48 credits. Many programs can be completed in as little as 18 months. However, the time to completion may be longer for part-time students. The beauty of online programs is that students can study at their own pace, so completion time is up to them. It's important to note, however, that some schools place limitations on the length of time to completion - for example, some schools require the program be completed within five or six years. Self-paced learning also helps to facilitate faster completion.

Program Curriculum

Online curriculum in MSN nursing administration programs can vary depending on the school. Some programs are 100% online, no campus visitation required. Some have minimal campus visitation requirements, such as a mandatory orientation session or block "intensive" days on campus. Some programs are hybrid, offering some courses online and some on-campus.

Many programs offer a sample curriculum online so prospective students can visualize what the course of study looks like based on full or part-time status.

Accreditation of Master's in Nursing Administration Programs

The CCNE and ACEN are the two nationally-recognized accreditation bodies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. They work to establish educational standards for nursing programs. Attending a program recognized by these agencies not only ensures licensure but that education credits are transferable to other educational institutions. Moreover, employers do look at a candidate's educational background and a school's accreditation.

Master's in Nursing Administration Classes and Courses

Master's level nursing programs usually begin with core courses related to advanced-practice nursing. Courses include:

• Advanced pathophysiology
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Advanced health assessment
• Role development
• Healthcare policy

Students also learn executive-level nursing skills in specialization courses. Course topics may include:

• Leadership and Management
• Quality and Risk
• Informatics/technology
• Advanced finance and operations
• Organizational structures
• Human Resources

Students must also complete a specific number of supervised clinical practicums. This requirement allows students to apply evidenced-based methods into practice. Usually, students must find an approved preceptor, but sometimes schools assist in placement. A minimum of 1000 hours is usually required to graduate.

What Are the Tuition and Costs of an MSN-Nursing Administration Program?

The tuition and costs of an MSN program can vary greatly between schools. Base tuition (i.e., per credit hour) can range from a few hundred per credit to over a thousand per credit. For example, the University of Phoenix lists current tuition at $540 per credit. The program is a minimum of 36 credits, so students can expect to spend around $20,000 for the program for tuition only. However, there may be additional fees required, so students must prepare for those costs. Most schools are very transparent on their website with tuition rates and fees, so performing a little research would behoove any prospective student when planning to return to school.

What Are the Career Options for Nurses With an MSN in Nursing Administration?

Nurses looking to get into the field of administration have several career options. The role a nurse administrator plays in a facility may include the following:

• Develop facility-wide policies and procedures
• Provide oversight to an entire healthcare facility
• Plan and implement budgets
• Participate in and utilize research to facilitate evidenced-based practice
• Manage quality metrics
• Utilize the latest technology in healthcare delivery

Specifically, careers for nurses with a master's in nursing administration may include:

• Nurse Manager- Responsible for a specific department or unit in a healthcare facility. Usually works directly with front-line staff and patients. They assist in implementing workflows and provide ongoing oversight.
• Charge Nurse- This type of nurse supervises the nursing staff in a department or ward. While charge nurses tend to have have hands-on roles, they also handle a number of managerial and administrative duties as well.
• Director of Nursing- Usually an upper-level executive position. Provides oversight to multiple care areas and sometimes an entire facility. Assists in using evidence-based practice to develop policies and workflows.
• Chief Nursing Officer- One of the highest levels in nursing. This type of nurse executive supervises patient care throughout an entire facility. Develops ways to work efficiently but maintain quality and reduce risk. Manages the budget for a facility or organization. Sets goals for quality measures and develops plans to reach those goals.
• Health Information Manager- Informatics nurses working in this role help to develop and maintain electronic medical records. They provide critical insight when assisting in developing new programs and software. They also help to protect confidential health information to maintain patient privacy.

2019 Top Nursing Administration Programs

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For nurses looking to enter into the management and leadership realm of the profession, an MSN with a Nursing Administration concentration is an invaluable tool. Choosing the right program is of paramount importance, and that's where we have stepped in to help by ranking the Nursing Administration graduate degree programs that we feel go above and beyond regarding academic excellence. We have developed our rankings on a multi-point system weighed on aspects such as tuition costs, program options, and additional factors.

Check out our methodology page for more information on our Nursing Administration rankings.

Organizations and Helpful Resources

• Clinical Nurse Leader Association
• American Association of Nurse Executives
• National Association of Directors of Nursing-Long Term Care
• National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration

Other Nursing Degree Programs

• Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Dual MSN/MBA Degree
• MSN Degree
• DNP Degree
• Clinical Nurse Leader Programs

List of All Nursing Administration Programs

There are a wide variety of nursing administration programs available across the country, see our detailed list below and find the best nursing administration program that's right for you.

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