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Online Degree Overview

Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Administrator

Skilled nurse administrators can transform the care of patients and communities through evidence-based, outcome-oriented nursing leadership, and an unwavering focus on nursing excellence. At South University, you can prepare to join the next generation of nursing leaders with the Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Specialization in Nurse Administrator degree program. The program’s curriculum equips you for a range of nursing administration work - including designing healthcare systems, making policy and financial decisions, promoting patient safety and quality care, and incorporating contemporary technology, practice, and ethics into healthcare.

Designed to be completed in as little as two years, this online MSN program curriculum includes key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Masters Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (1996), The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Nurse Executive Competencies (2005), and the American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope of Practice for Nurse Administrators (2009).

Admission Requirements

Procedure for Admission to Master of Science in Nursing Programs

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.   Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The criteria to determine admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program include:

  • Completion of the application for admission
  • A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited program.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
  • Provisional Admissions: South University College of Nursing and Public Health fosters diversity through a holistic provisional admission status for students with a GPA less than 3.0.

  • Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 -2.99 must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first quarter to be fully admitted into the MSN program.
  • Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.74 will be considered for provisional admission with submission of a current resume and a letter explaining challenges faced in previous academic experiences. 
  • Students will have an assessment and an individualized plan for optimizing success that includes completion of a mandatory orientation prior to first day of quarter.​

Students must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first quarter to be fully admitted into the MSN program.

Students who do not receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses will have the provisional admission rescinded. There is no appeal for rescinding provisional status.

  • Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5*/10 weeks after the initial start date. *Effective March 22, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Montgomery campus or High Point Off Campus Instructional Site will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. ​*Effective April 1, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Richmond and West Palm Beach campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.  *Effective May 31, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Tampa and Orlando campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. *Effective July 12, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Austin and Columbia campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. *Effective August 16, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Savannah and Virginia Beach campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.
  • A valid and unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments and clinical rotations, for  entry and maintenance of admission to the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet their state/territory requirement for nursing licensure).

 

Course Requirements

Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Nurse Administrator)

Offered at Online Programs.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The 21st century nurse administrator will transform care of patients and communities through ethical nursing leadership that is evidence-based, outcome-oriented and focused on nursing excellence. The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Administrator degree program at South University is designed to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders through innovative, blended coursework delivered online. The program is targeted to the working professional nurse who seeks to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to practice within a role of leadership such as a Chief Nursing Officer, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Nursing or Nurse Manager. The student will complete 240 practicum hours during progression through the program.

Program curriculum for the MSN with a Specialization in Nurse Administrator concentration includes key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Masters Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (1996), The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Nurse Executive Competencies (2005), and the American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope of Practice for Nurse Administrators (2009).

Specialization Outcomes

Graduates should be able to:

  1. Apply concepts and theories of organizational management and nursing administration to the design of complex healthcare delivery systems.
  2. Incorporate the use of technology, contemporary practice, ethics, and professional standards into the ongoing delivery of healthcare.
  3. Integrate concepts of health policy, regulation, and financing to the organization of healthcare delivery, with a focus on parsimonious and responsible use of resources.
  4. Lead efforts in designing innovative patient safety and quality improvement efforts and effective evaluation of nursing outcome measures.
  5. Employ evidence-based practice in the care of patients with chronic and/or acute illnesses across the lifespan, or in structuring nursing interventions designed to promote health.
  6. Facilitate the professional development and socialization of diverse nurse populations.
  7. Function as change agents and leaders in healthcare settings domestically and abroad.
  8. Contribute to the development of the science of nursing by engaging in scholarly activities and by promoting the translation of nursing science into patient care outcomes.
Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Nurse Administrator): 48 Credits
Note(s):

*Students wishing to further develop their advanced practice skills should take NSG5003 Advanced Pathophysiology, NSG6001 Advanced Nursing Practice I, and NSG6005 Advanced Pharmacology. Students wishing to further develop their management, administration, and technology skills may take LEA5100 Leadership, Organization Theory and Change, LEA5130 Team Building and Group Dynamics, MIS5010 Information Technology Infrastructure, and/or PMC6601 Foundations of Project Management in place of NSG5003, NSG6001, and/ or NSG6005. In all cases students should work closely with their Academic Advisors or Academic Counselors to select appropriate coursework that meets their career needs and course prerequisites.

Standardized Testing Policy

Standardized Testing Policy

All students enrolled in an MSN course will be required to utilize the standardized testing policy in place at the time of their course.

1. Standardized testing platform

  1. The selected 3P exam: The minimum score for the exam is average/score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%.
  2. The Pre-Predictor exam: A minimum score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%. The Pre-Predictor exam is 10% of the MSN FNP (NSG6440) and MSN AGPCNP (NSG6430) course grade.
  3. The University Predictor: A minimum score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%. The University Predictor exam is worth 25% (100 points) of the final grade in MSN FNP (NSG6440) and AGPCNP (NSG6340). 

2. Remediation

  1. Individualized and faculty driven remediation provides an opportunity for students to review study and acquire additional knowledge. Remediation is intended to help students recover important information that was missed when taking the assessment and improve the opportunity to be successful on the second attempt of any exam.
  2. In addition to faculty driven remediation, self-review is required for all standardized testing assessments. Students are required to use their test results to complete remediation.
  3. Failure to comply with the standardized testing policy may result in a course failure.
  4. Retesting is required for any student who scores lower than the minimum passing score on the 3P exam. Retesting of the 3P exam will take place during the final week of NSG6023.
  5. A different test version will be used for retesting. Students who score the minimum passing score or higher on the 3P exam in NSG6023 will receive an 80% for the grade. Students who do not score the minimum passing score will be dismissed from the MSN nurse practitioner programs.
  6. The Dean's or designee's approval is required for reordering of standardized testing products.  

NSG6020 Advanced Health and Physical Assessment (FNP, AGNP, & NE)

Recommended: Students purchase a Dermatology resource to supplement learning from Physical Assessment Course Assignment: 10% of the course grade

NSG6021

Concurrent course with NSG6020. The student must meet the benchmarked score on the 3-P exam to pass the course. If unsuccessful, the student will be enrolled into NSG6023. Course assignments per syllabus.

NSG6420 (FNP) or NSG6320 (AGNP) Practicum I-Family or Adult Health: Adults and Gerontology

Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade

NSG6430 (FNP) Practicum II Women's Health

Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade

NSG6330 AGNP Reproductive Health

Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade

NSG6435 (FNP) Practicum III: Family Health Pediatrics

Course Assignments: 10% of the course grade

NSG6340 (AGNP) Practicum III: Adult Health: Primary Care

Access to an online review course continues. Students must complete all assignments with a score of 80% or better. Students must complete all the online review materials and assignments to be eligible to take the Predictor exam. Completion of Online review materials and assignments: 15% Discussions: 5% Assigned Case Studies: 10% Exam #1: 10% Exam #2: 10% Final Exam: 20% Pre-Predictor: 10% University Predictor Exam: 25% SOAP Notes: 10%

NSG6440 (FNP) Practicum IV (IV: Family Health: Primary Care)

Access to an online review course continues. Students must complete all assignments with a score of 80% or better. Students must complete all the online review materials and assignments to be eligible to take the University Predictor exam. Completion of Online review materials and assignments: 15% Pre-Predictor: 10% University Predictor Exam: 25% Assigned Case Studies: 20% Remediation of Areas of <80% on Pre-Predictor: 10% Comprehensive Final Exam: 35% Class Discussion/Participation 5% (online) Case Studies/Participation 5% (campus-based)

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Outcomes

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.

All applicants to the MSN program must hold a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state 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(s) must be maintained throughout the program.  Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.

The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. Program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.

Courses may be waived if the individual's master's transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates should be able to:

  1. Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
  2. Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
  3. Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
  4. Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
  5. Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
  6. Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
  7. Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
  8. Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.

Career Outlook

This MSN with a Specialization in Nurse Administrator program helps you to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities that RNs need for leadership roles such as:

  • Chief Nursing Officer
  • Director of Nursing
  • Nurse Manager

Online Classroom

Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom. 

South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:

  • Advanced media content
  • Personalized navigation
  • Simplified online learning atmosphere
  • Access to digital books
  • Emailing and instant messaging options

We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.

Read more about online requirements here

Comments and Concerns

All Fields Are Required

The purpose of this form is to provide a process for the general public to submit comments, concerns, or complaints regarding their interaction with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A record of all complaints will be maintained and secured by campus administration. If you are a South University student, please submit your comments, concerns, or complaints according to the process outlined in the University Catalog or programmatic handbook. Please contact your Program Director or Academic Counselor if you need additional guidance.

To file an anonymous complaint, please submit the comment, concern, or complaint in a written letter or via email directly to the campus.

Authorization for South University to contact you to collect additional factual information regarding your comment, concern, or complaint

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success stories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our nursing alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our graduates have to say.

Shirrelle M Everett 2015
Shirrelle Everett Grad Alumni
Class of '15
Bachelor of Science in Nursing-South University, Richmond

“It took me almost ten years to realize that without an education I would be stuck working for minimum wage at dead-end jobs, I was a single mother of two children living on welfare. South University allowed me to gain the knowledge and skills needed to advance my career at my own pace. My education has enabled me to take care of my family.”

Sergio Ocampo 2010
Sergio Ocampo Grad Alumni
Class of '10
Bachelor of Science in Nursing-South University, Online Programs

“[I] considered myself a competent nurse, but after I received my BSN from South University, my confidence [went] through the roof, making me a valuable asset to my hospital [and] earning high respect from my colleagues and hospital administration.”

Lisa Godwin 2009
Lisa Godwin Grad Alumni
Class of '09
Bachelor of Science in Nursing-South University, Tampa

“When I graduated, I passed the NCLEX and quickly got a great job as an RN. I felt very prepared for my new role and within less than five months, I was a charge nurse for a 36-bed med-surg unit. I'm very glad I chose South University for the start of my nursing career. My education gave me a great foundation and has made me a better nurse and practitioner.”

Emily Han 2015
Emily Han Grad Alumni
Class of '15
Master of Science in Nursing-South University, Online Programs

“By allowing me to continue working during school and applying new knowledge, as well as creating my own preceptor experiences in an area of interest, I was able to carve my way to a successful business and many great, relevant connections. I love that my degree and knowledge have helped me see the limitless opportunity we have as nurses. The freedom and excitement of my new career is something that I never could have imagined, but I look forward to innovating and paving the way for others to do the same.”

Adrienne Hampton 2016
Adrienne Hampton Grad Alumni
Class of '16
Master of Science in Nursing-South University, Online Programs

“I can truly say that during my experience at South University I have only encountered positive, encouraging, intelligent, and professional staff who want their students to be successful. The online courses have been challenging but knowledge enhancing as well. I have learned discipline and have decreased my test anxiety through weekly quizzes, our midterms and final exams. Moreover, the Practicum experience has exceeded my expectations by allowing me to apply what I have read, researched, and studied into practice”

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).