Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Specialization in Nurse Administrator

MSN Nursing Administration Courses & On-Site Training

One of several types of master’s degree in nursing programs available at South University, our MSN Nursing Administration program can prepare you to operate as an effective leader in a variety of nursing administration jobs and clinical settings. Plus, with our online courses giving you the freedom to set your own schedule, you can earn your master’s in nursing online without taking time off from your career.

Our master of science in nursing courses are carefully designed to help strengthen your clinical judgment, communication, and analytical skills as well as further your mastery of evidence-based practice, health promotion, disease prevention, and more. Throughout your program, you’ll explore topics that include:

• The role of the advanced practice nurse
• Advanced theoretical perspectives for nursing
• Advanced pathophysiology
• Health policy and health promotion in advanced nursing practice
• Nursing research methods
• Human resource management in healthcare organizations
• Pharmacology
• Managing complex healthcare systems
• Quality outcomes and financial management in healthcare organizations

In your practicum courses, you can gain 240 hours of nursing administration experience in local clinical settings, under the guidance of knowledgeable mentors. You’ll also conduct a scholarly project in which you apply the advanced nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and research skills you’ve acquired in this master’s in nursing administration online program. This master’s in nursing administration program can be completed in as little as 15 months.

Master’s in Nursing Admissions Requirements

Our admissions requirements for our online nursing master’s programs include:

• Completion of the application for admission.
• A baccalaureate degree in nursing (or be a pending graduate) from an accredited U.S. collegiate institution.
• A CGPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 or at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter credits) undertaken of undergraduate nursing courses completed.
• Completion of a three-semester credit-hour undergraduate course (or equivalent) in statistics with a grade of C or better.
• Completion of an undergraduate nursing research course or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
• Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended (within 10 weeks after the initial start date).
• A valid unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the U.S. state or territory in all states in which licensed, in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). An unencumbered license must be maintained throughout the program.
• Meet the Core Performance Standards and essential function related to the profession of nursing as described in the South University academic catalog.
• An interview with the Chair/Program Director or designated faculty for campus based students.
• Submission of the following:
  • Three references using the Nursing Graduate School Appraisal Form. At least one of your references should hold a master’s or higher degree in nursing.
  • An essay (goal statement) of 1-2 pages (typed, double-spaced) explaining your career goals, reasons for your choice of specialization, and why you want to pursue an advanced degree in nursing.
  • A resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.

For answers to questions about our RN to MSN requirements, contact us at 1.800.688.0932. Financial aid and scholarships for students are available for those who qualify.

RNs who do not hold a BSN can take a streamlined path to becoming a nurse administrator in our RN to MSN nurse administrator programs online.

MSN Nursing Administration Outcomes & Career Paths

After earning a master’s in nursing administration, jobs that graduates may pursue can vary, but you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that you need for leadership roles such as a Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Nursing, or Nurse Manager. Upon earning your master’s degree in nursing in this program, you’ll be ready for a range of nursing administration jobs and duties, such as:

• Designing complex healthcare systems
• Strategically allocating organizational resources
• Making policy and financial decisions that align with existing regulations
• Promoting initiatives to increase patient safety, health, and quality care
• Implementing nursing outcome evaluation measures and methods
• Fostering the professional development of fellow nurses
• Incorporating contemporary technology, practice, and ethics into healthcare
• Contributing to the development of the nursing field by engaging in scholarly activities
• Applying scientific nursing research findings to improve patient outcomes

There are many benefits, including salary and a promising job outlook, to becoming a medical and health services manager or administrator. The average nursing administrator salary varies based on state or geographic region, workplace, work experience, and more. Take the next step and learn more about how we can help you prepare to join the next generation of nursing leaders!