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Online Nurse Administrator MSN Program

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Online Degree Overview

Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Administrator

Female nursing student in classroom learning from instructor on laptop

Earn your MSN online at South University. South University's Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Administrator program is designed to prepare you to transform care of patients and communities through ethical nursing leadership that is evidence-based, outcome-oriented and focused on nursing excellence.

The program’s curriculum equips you for a range of nursing administration work - including managing healthcare systems, making policy and financial decisions, promoting patient safety and quality care, and incorporating contemporary technology, practice, and ethics into healthcare. By enrolling in South University’s MSN program, you can pursue opportunities in the field of skilled nurse administrator.

The online MSN program curriculum includes key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Masters Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (2021), The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Nurse Executive Competencies (2005), and the American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope of Practice for Nurse Administrators (2016).

South University does not promise or guarantee employment.

Fully online programs can have a ground clinical or practicum experience.

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). 

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 accredited institution.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale.
  • Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance).
  • 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).

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Course Requirements

Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Nurse Administrator): 48 Credits
Specialization in Nurse Administrator: 28 Credits
Note(s):

*Students enrolled in Nurse Administrator and Nursing Informatics specializations 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.

Outcomes

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

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

Upon completion of the program, students will:

  1. Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
  2. Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
  3. Model a professional leadership role to formulate comprehensive plans of action for ongoing contributions to healthcare systems improvement.
  4. Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
  5. Demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with delivery of quality care associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.

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 Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

  1. Develop strategic plans and systems which guides practices that support patient centered care for culturally diverse populations.
  2. Organize inclusive interprofessional relationships which assist in the development of innovative and effective care for diverse communities and settings.
  3. Construct quality improvement plans which integrate concepts of economics and fiscal stewardship in the leadership and management of a variety of healthcare settings.

Career Outlook

Upon completion of your degree program, you'll be able to pursue employment* as a Chief Nursing Officer in many healthcare settings.

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

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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Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

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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.

Michela Mazard
Michela Lambert Mazard Grad Alumni
Class of ‘11 and ‘16
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing-South University, Online Programs

“I wanted an education that would prepare me to build relationships and treat patients and families throughout their lifespan with interaction among their physical, emotional, and mental systems. I chose South University because I was confident that I would receive a well-rounded education that ensures I am armed with the skill set I need to provide the best care possible. Read more

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.”

Scott Wood 2017
Scott Wood Grad Alumni
Class of '17
Post Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner-South University, Online Programs

“The program was very demanding and required me to be proficient in the area of study before graduating, he says. "Also, the program mixed classroom learning with clinical experiences that reinforced the materials presented in a ‘real-world’ setting."”

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

“As an older student, mother, grandmother and wife, it was important to find the institutional culture of the university. I quickly learned the teachers take time to work with students individually. Academic support is readily available with vast and up-to-date online resources.”

Aleksandra Avakova
Aleksandra Avakova Grad Alumni
Class of ’23
South University’s Online Program: Master of Science in Nursing with specialization in Nurse Educator

“I feel incredibly grateful that the education I received at South University opened so many opportunities for me. I can make a real impact on the future of nursing and be able to train and guide a new generation of nurses along this beautiful journey!”