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: Nurse Administrator from Kaplan 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
Top Masters in Nursing Schools
A master’s degree in nursing can be the first step to becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader (CNL). Several accredited online MSN programs are listed below. Fill out any school’s form to quickly receive additional information and application materials.
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Capella University – This masters in nursing program is designed specifically for nurses who wish to enter the teaching profession as nurse educators. With practical applications and engaging assignments, student can accomplish the assets required to be successful in leadership and educational positions with in the nursing industry. The Nurse Educator degree curriculum is centered around the industry’s best practices and standards and is constantly updated to reflect the latest developments. |
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American Sentinel University – American Sentinel University offers a wide variety of accredited online masters in nursing degrees, each with a specific focus designed to teach MSN students the exact skills they need for their particular career focus. By specializing in Management and Organizational Leadership, Infection Prevention, Case Management, or Nurse Informatics through online courses as opposed to campus programs, students can complete assignments at a time and place that is convenient. |
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Kaplan University – Kaplan University offers a number of RN to MSN degrees for those seeking career advancement. Each program allows students to focus their curriculum on their particular career interest. In addition to the general program, specializations are also offered in informatics and health education. |
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Georgetown University – Georgetown University has been educating nurses and helping improve healthcare since 1903. The programs are designed to help the next generation of nursing leaders with majors available in: Family Nurse Practitioner and Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. |
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Sacred Heart University – Sacred Heart University offers accredited BSN to MSN and RN to MSN programs that prepare students for leadership or specialized positions, including clinical nurse leadership (RN to MSN option), nursing education (RN to MSN option), and patient care services administration (RN to MSN option). |
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Grand Canyon University – Grand Canyon University’s online masters in nursing programs focus on becoming a leader and an educator respectively. These accredited degrees are offered via a fully online curriculum. The Masters in Nursing Leadership prepares RNs for roles as leaders in a variety healthcare settings; the Masters in Nursing Education prepares RNs for teaching positions within the nursing profession. |
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University of Phoenix – University of Phoenix offers a number of online master’s in nursing programs. Their general MSN degree program gives students a well-rounded master’s in nursing education, while more specific degrees are available in health administration, health education, and nursing informatics. |
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Benedictine University – Benedictine University offers a fully online masters in nursing degree. This accredited program includes focuses on leadership, education, administration, global healthcare among other topics. With this versatile degree, students can choose from several opportunities as they present themselves. BU has campus and online courses available for their MSN program. The online course can be completed at a pace that is comfortable to you. |
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Drexel University – The Masters in Nursing Leadership program from Drexel is designed for students who want to take leadership positions in the health community, and involves leadership training and learning the skills needed to manage other nurses. Drexel University provides an affordable option through online courses which can cut down on many of the cost associated with on-ground programs. DU offers a Masters of Science in Nurse Leadership. |
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Gonzaga University – Gonzaga University offers a wide range of Masters in Nursing degrees, allowing students to fulfill high level roles and leadership roles in Nursing. These MSN degrees, whose options include nursing education (MSN), nursing education (RN to MSN) and health systems leadership, can be completed at a relatively fast pace and provide more convenience to students with busy or inconsistent schedules. |
