MSN: Nurse Administration Degree Programs & Career
MSN degrees that concentrate in nursing administration prepare nurses to serve in a variety of executive, management and leadership positions within the healthcare industry. As healthcare and nursing becomes increasingly complex, more training in the areas of communication, leadership, and management is being implemented in BSN and MSN programs. Nurse administrators with an Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree may advance from a former unit-type management position to a more senior role of assistant director, director, VP, or Chief of Nursing.
How to Become a Nurse Administrator
To become a nurse administrator, students typically complete the following steps:
- Complete an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program
- Earn a Registered Nurse Certification
- Meet the professional experience conditions
- Enroll and complete an MSN degree with a concentration in nurse administration
- Obtain a Certified Nurse Administrator designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Nurse Administrator Salary and Career Information
The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for a nurse administrator (sometimes referred to as a nurse manager) might include:
- Median Expected Salary: $77,000, according to Indeed.com’s most recent report
- Job Prospects: Very good to excellent
- Job Setting: Private practices, nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, public health organizations, educational institutions, home healthcare agencies
Nurse Administrator Qualifications
To become a nurse administrator, students are typically required to meet the following job qualifications:
- Earn certification as a Nurse Administrator from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Hold an MBA degree (depends on career path and healthcare facility requirements)
- Possess computer skills using various applications such as word processing, presentation, and online database systems
Nurse Administrator Job Description
A nurse administrator is typically responsible for the following job duties:
- Establish patient care delivery systems and practice environments based on facility’s specific requirements
- Function as a leader of the nursing team and other medical care providers
- Work closely with doctors and other medical professionals to ensure high-quality standards are met
- Develop, maintain, and evaluate patient and staff data collection systems
- Collaborate with staff on research and professional practice projects
MSN Degrees for Aspiring Nurse Administrators
- MSN: Nursing Administration from California University of Pennsylvania
- MSN: Nurse Administrator from Kaplan University
- MSN: Nursing Administration from Lewis University
- MSN: Patient Care Services Administration from Sacred Heart University
- RN to MSN: Patient Care Services Administration from Sacred Heart University
- MSN: Nurse Admin from University of Cincinnati
- MSN: Health Administration from University of Phoenix
