Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for online MSN in nursing administration programs is the University of Texas, followed by Western Governors University.
- The demand for nurse administrators is high, with job growth projected at 20% by 2026.
- These programs offer flexibility with online coursework and various specializations to advance nursing careers.
In this article, we profile affordable online MSN in nursing administration degree programs.
According to Nurse Journal, a social community for nurses worldwide, nurses are among the most in-demand jobs in the country.
Featured Programs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment for medical and health services managers will grow 20 percent through the year 2026, must faster than the average of all other occupations.
Nursing administration careers offer the potential for career advancement and high wages. We have another article that goes into depth about the other benefits of an MSN degree.
Online MSN in Nursing Administration: Top 30 Values Methodology
We looked at over 200 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered at least one MSN in online degree program for nursing administration.
We narrowed the school selection by applying the following criteria: National, regional, and/or program rankings with a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed the schools in order of affordability based on the most recent graduate tuition and fees published by NCES College Navigator. We then listed the institutions according to raw affordability.
Below is our list of the top 30 MSN in nursing administration online degree programs.
#30 – George Washington University
Online MSN in Nursing Leadership and Management
Washington, District of Columbia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,840
George Washington University, a top ranked institution, offers an MSN in nursing administration online. This leadership development program is ideal for working nurses who want to earn additional skills in management and leadership.
Coursework is delivered online and includes classes in biostatistics for health care research, concepts in population health, health information and technology throughout the health care system, nursing leadership, and the health care enterprise.
Part-time and full-time completion options are available. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. U.S. News and World Report ranks George Washington #63 in best national universities and #68 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #5 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#29 – Sacred Heart University
Online MSN in Nursing Management and Executive Leadership
Fairfield, Connecticut
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,114
Sacred Heart University’s online MSN in nursing administration is targeted toward individuals who want to move into positions of executive leadership. Classes are administered online, and curriculum includes 120 clinical practicum hours.
Core courses include evidence-based practice for quality care, health care policy and ethics for contemporary nursing practice, principles of health care research for contemporary nursing practice, and theory and professional roles for contemporary nursing practice. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution but not a BSN or GRE scores.
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Sacred Heart #35 in best regional universities in the North and #64 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #65 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#28 – Seton Hall University
Online MSN in Health Systems Administration
South Orange, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,468
One of the top online nursing administration master’s programs on our list is the online MSN in health systems administration with case management specialization at Seton Hall University. This online and affordable nursing program is designed to prepare you to advocate for quality care while addressing cost realities of the field.
Courses are delivered online and include case management, forces in health care, legal and risk management issues in health care, nursing research, and theoretical basis of nursing. There are no required on-campus clinical sessions.
The program is CCNE-accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online graduate nursing programs rank #94 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#27 – Pennsylvania State University
Online MSN in Nurse Administrator
University Park, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,974
One of the more affordable MSN in nursing administration online programs on our list is offered by Pennsylvania State University. The online MSN has a nurse administrator specialization option designed to prepare students to become organizational leaders.
The program is CCNE-accredited, and the curriculum helps to assist in preparation for the national certification as a nurse executive. Courses include health care economics and policy for nurse administrators, issues in nursing and health care, leadership concepts and theories for nurse administrators, nursing research, and theoretical foundations of nursing.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Penn State #59 in best national universities and #131 in best value schools.
#26 – Nova Southeastern University
Online MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,419
Nova Southeastern University’s master’s in nursing administration online degree is designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed as an executive nurse leader. The online MSN offers a specialization in executive nurse leadership and features online classes taught by experienced Nova professors.
Admission requires an earned bachelor’s from an accredited institution and a current and active professional RN licensure. Courses include business and economics of health care, health promotion and disease prevention, nursing decision making complex health systems, nursing leadership roles in health care systems, and quality initiatives – transforming care in complex health systems.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Nova Southeastern #191 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #58 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#25 – Excelsior College
Online MSN in Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems
Albany, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,350
Excelsior College offers an online MSN in nursing administration designed for working nurses who are highly motivated to improve care at an organizational level. The program consists of 38 credits of online classes taught by the same faculty who teach on campus.
Courses include budgets and funding, information management, interdisciplinary health care teams, new health care technologies, and supportive work environments. The program has received a specialized nursing accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the school has received recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
In fact, U.S. News recognizes Excelsior as a top regional university in the North.
#24 – University of St. Francis
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,517
One of the top online nursing administration programs on our list is the MSN in nursing administration at University of St. Francis. This fully online program is designed to prepare registered nurses to ethically manage nursing staff and services in hospitals and medical centers.
Classes are delivered online and include advanced practice nursing roles and issues, biostatistics and nursing research, evidence-based health care, health care law and compliance, management and human resources of health care organizations, and population health.
Applicants must possess a valid registered professional nurse license, have a verified undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, and have completed at least two years of full time clinical nursing practice in the last four years. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of St. Francis #72 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
#23 – Carlow University
Online MSN in Education and Leadership
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,612
Carlow University offers a master’s in nursing administration online degree program that requires no GRE or GMAT for admission. This 22-month program is available to qualified students who want to gain additional skills in education and leadership.
Courses are delivered online and include health care innovation and quality, leadership in health care ethics and policy, and nursing leadership. To be admitted to the program, applicants must have an earned bachelor’s (BSN) from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA, have taken an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better, and hold an active registered nurse license.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Carlow #105 in best regional universities in the North.
#22 – Saint Xavier University
Online MSN in Clinical Leadership
Chicago, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,450
One of the most affordable online nursing administration master’s programs on our list is the MSN in clinical leadership at Saint Xavier University. This AACN-accredited program is designed to help clinicians gain knowledge and expertise to improve patient care, organizational quality, and industry safety.
Courses are delivered online and taught by Saint Xavier’s esteemed faculty. These courses include health care systems and financing, information technology and health care outcomes, nursing inquiry, and philosophical and theoretical foundations of advanced nursing practice. Graduates are eligible to take the Clinical Nurse Leader examination for national certification.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #72 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #46 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #1 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#21 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership
California, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,203
Top online nursing administration programs can be found at California University of Pennsylvania. The school offers a 100% online MSN in nursing administration and leadership, which can be completed part-time in just 20 months.
The graduate degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and offers certification eligibility. Online courses include health policy in nursing, legal aspects of health care administration, nursing administration and leadership role, nursing organization and leadership theory, and population health promotion and disease prevention.
The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#20 – Mercy College
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,056
The MSN in nursing administration online degree program at Mercy College is available on a part-time or full-time basis. The program consists of 36 credits that can be earned in just four semesters, or 15 months. Students may take longer and work at their own pace to earn the degree.
Classes are delivered online and include healthcare and human resource management for nurse administrators, measure organizational performance in health care, nursing and health care financing, and strategic planning in health care organizations. The nursing administration program also requires the completion of a written comprehensive capstone project.
U.S. News and World Report recognizes Mercy College as a top regional university in the North, and the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#19 – University of Mary
Online MSN in Leadership and Management
Bismarck, North Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,225
University of Mary’s online nursing administration programs include the BSN to MSN with a specialization in nursing leadership and management. This fully online degree is open to students with a bachelor’s degree who want to gain the skills needed for career advancement in the nursing field.
Applicants must hold a current unencumbered RN license and an undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Courses are delivered online and taught by university faculty. These courses include critique and design of nursing research, evidence-based practice and strategic healthcare decision making, influential nursing leadership, and professional roles in advanced nursing.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #111 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
#18 – Lewis University
Online MSN in Healthcare Systems Leadership
Romeoville, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,460
Lewis University offers an accredited and affordable online MSN in nursing administration degree designed for professional nurses who want to take the next step in their career. The MSN program offers a healthcare systems leadership concentration that can be completed entirely online.
Courses include human resource management in healthcare, organizational theory in healthcare organizations, and the business of healthcare. There is also an accelerated dual degree option of earning an MSN alongside an MBA. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lewis #20 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #36 in best value schools.
Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #105 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#17 – Jacksonville University
Online MSN in Leadership in Healthcare Systems
Jacksonville, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,860
For individuals looking to become nurse managers and administrators, Jacksonville University offers a master’s in nursing administration online degree. This 100% online MSN program is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
Courses are delivered online and consist of a series of core and specialization classes. Some of the courses include human resource management in healthcare, information systems and technology for improved healthcare, nursing leadership and advanced roles, and quality and safety in healthcare. An optional capstone in nursing theory and research is also offered.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Jacksonville #56 in best regional universities in the South and #48 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #31 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#16 – Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Online MSN – Nurse Executive
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,236
One of the most affordable online nursing administration master’s programs on our list is the online MSN with nurse executive specialization at Nebraska Methodist College. This fully CCNE-accredited program takes 21 months to complete with courses that run five or ten weeks in length.
All courses are delivered online and include advanced nursing roles and phenomena, critical appraisal of knowledge for practice, issues in advanced nursing roles, measurement and statistical concepts for data interpretation, and organizational behavior and structure.
Admission requires applicants hold a BSN from a state approved nursing program with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. A current unencumbered RN license is also required, but GRE scores are not. U.S. News and World Report ranks the Nebraska Methodist #220 in best graduate nursing schools.
#15 – Regis University
Online MSN in Leadership in Health Care Systems
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,852
Regis University offers online nursing administration programs that include the MSN in leadership in health care systems with management focus. The degree is ideal for working nurses who want to gain additional skills needed to land supervisory positions in clinical units or medical practices.
Courses are delivered online and include advanced nursing practice leadership and theories, ethics for nursing leaders, health care organizations and systems leadership, and health care policy. Courses are offered in blended eight-week terms.
The program is fully accredited by the AACN-CCNE. U.S. News and World Report ranks Regis #26 in best regional universities in the West and #32 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – Queens University of Charlotte
Online MSN in Nurse Administrator
Charlotte, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,133
Queens University of Charlotte offers online nursing administration programs designed to prepare graduates to function as members of interdisciplinary executive-level teams in medial organizations. Courses are delivered online and taught by Queens University faculty.
Courses include health policy, informatics in health care, management of clinical outcomes, management of the care environment, and professionalism and ethics in clinical leadership. The online program also provides graduates opportunity to apply for the Certification of Nurse Executive offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
U.S. News and World Report ranks Queens University #18 in best regional universities in the South. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #94 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#13 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Marion, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,392
Indiana Wesleyan University offers an MSN in nursing administration online degree program designed to prepare students to serve as administrators in a variety of healthcare settings. All courses are delivered online and taken sequentially, one at a time, until the program is complete.
These courses include ethics and health policy, management of healthcare delivery systems, nursing leadership and human resources, professional role development for the nurse administrator, and theoretical foundations for advanced nursing practice.
Admission requires an earned and accredited BSN with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better and three letters of reference. U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana Wesleyan #32 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #67 in best value schools.
#12 – Clarkson College
Online MSN in Health Care Administration
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,764
Clarkson College’s master’s in nursing administration online program teaches professional nurses to serve as a leader in the design, implementation, and assessment of health care delivery systems. Classes are administered online and taught by Clarkson’s experienced faculty.
Courses include application and evaluation of theory of nursing, finance for health care leaders, health care leadership, health care strategic planning and marketing, human resources and organizational behavior, and theories and concepts of advanced practice roles.
Admission requires a BSN from an accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, a valid unencumbered RN license, and two years of professional RN experience. U.S. News and World Report ranks Clarkson’s online graduate nursing programs #77 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#11 – Purdue University
Online MSN in Executive Leader
West Lafayette, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,992
The online MSN in nursing administration program at Purdue University is a flexible online MSN with specialization in executive nurse leader. This CCNE-accredited program is designed to prepare nurses to oversee complex systems and take on executive nursing roles in health facilities and hospitals.
Classes are delivered online and taught by dedicated and experienced Purdue faculty. Admission requires an earned BSN from an accredited college or university with satisfactory undergraduate GPA. The program is also CCNE-accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks Purdue #56 in best national universities.
#10 – Northwest Nazarene University
Online MSN in Leadership and Education
Nampa, Idaho
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,759
One of the most affordable online nursing administration master’s programs on our list is the online MSN in leadership and education at Northwest Nazarene University. This fully accredited graduate nursing program is designed to equip professional nurses for the role of a nurse leader and educator.
To apply, students must hold a current RN license and have earned a nursing degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all previous undergraduate coursework is also required. Courses are delivered online and include advanced health assessment, healthcare systems and health policy, leadership perspectives for advancing the profession of nursing, and research for graduate nursing.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #52 in best regional universities in the West and #45 in best value institutions. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #109 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#9 – Wheeling Jesuit University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Wheeling, West Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,710
The online nursing administration programs at Wheeling Jesuit University include the online MSN. This fully online program is designed to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in various healthcare settings.
Applicants must have a BSN from an accredited college or university, a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA, three letters of recommendation, and an admissions essay.
Courses are delivered online and include communications and interpersonal relations, comprehensive health assessment, financial management, health care delivery systems and economics, health care policy and politics, and organizational behavior.
The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 38th best regional university in the South. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #105 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#8 – University of Wisconsin
Online MSN in Leadership and Management in Health Systems
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,373
The master’s in nursing administration online degree program at University of Wisconsin is intended for RNs holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Courses are delivered online and are taught by university professors.
Some of the courses include economics and policy in health systems, evaluation and evidence-based practice in health systems, leadership in health systems, program planning for population health, and theories of organizational behavior and leadership in health systems. An evidence-based leadership project within the health care system is also required.
The school is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the institution #94 in best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#7 – Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Online MSN in Administration
Standish, Maine
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,720
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers an online nursing administration master’s program that is both CCNE-accredited and highly affordable. The program is open to active RNs who are motivated to gain additional skills needed to work in nursing administration.
Forty-five credits are required for the administration track MSN degree. Courses include ethical and legal perspectives, healthcare financial management, health services administration, strategic human resources management, and strategic planning and management.
U.S. News and World Report ranks St. Joseph’s #142-#187 in best regional universities in the North.
#6 – Southern Illinois University
Online MSN in Healthcare and Nursing Administration
Edwardsville, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,308
Southern Illinois University’s online MSN in nursing administration prepares nurses for entry into leadership and management roles in health care organizations. The program includes online classes and 315 practicum hours.
Courses are taught by university faculty and include health care informatics, health policy and advanced nursing practice, management of human resources in health care, organizational behavior and leadership for nurse executives, and quality and safety for nurse executives. To be admitted to the program, applicants must provide professional experience and a BSN from an accredited college or university.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Southern Illinois #72 in best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #84 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#5 – Lamar University
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Beaumont, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,112
Lamar University offers online nursing administration programs that prepare professional nurses to become advanced practice nurses. The online MSN in nursing administration degree consists of 37 credits that can be completed in 24 months.
Courses generally run eight weeks in length and include advanced nursing issues, evidence-based project, healthcare policy and finance, nursing research, and theoretical foundations. The program requires applicants have an active RN license and hold a BSN from an accredited college or university.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Lamar as a top 300 national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #111 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#4 – Texas Woman’s University
Online Master’s in Health Systems Management
Denton, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,072
Texas Woman’s University offers an online nursing administration master’s program designed to equip professional nurses for careers in leadership and executive roles. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same university faculty who instruct on campus.
These courses include fiscal assessment practicum, nursing health systems management challenges and opportunities, organizational assessment practicum, policy and health promotion, and research and quality improvement in nursing.
Admission requirements are standard, though effective 2018, the GRE and MAT are no longer required for admission to graduate nursing programs. U.S. News and World Report rank Texas Woman’s #230-#301 in best national universities.
#3 – Kennesaw State University
Online MSN in Leadership in Nursing
Kennesaw, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,857
Kennesaw State University’s MSN in nursing administration online degree is a 15-month program designed to prepare nurse leaders for roles related to administration and policy. The 40-credit hour online track offers courses taught by Kennesaw State faculty.
These courses include conflict management, ethical decision making, global initiatives in healthcare, leadership strategies in development and implantation, and transformational leadership skills. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to apply for certification in nursing management offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Kennesaw #230-#301 in best national universities and #45 in most innovative schools.
#2 – Western Governors University
Online MSN in Nursing Leadership
Salt Lake City, Utah
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,790
Western Governors University offers a CCNE-accredited online MSN in nursing administration and leadership designed for nurses looking to advance their careers. Program curriculum aligns itself with the competencies set forth by the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) standards for nurse administrators.
Courses are delivered online and taught by experienced Western Governors faculty. These courses include nursing leadership and management, principles of healthcare business and financial management, principles of organizational performance management, and strategic leadership and future delivery models.
Admission requires applicants possess a current, unencumbered RN license and submit to a criminal background check. U.S. News and World Report recognizes WGU as a top regional university in the West and #10 among most innovative schools.
#1 – The University of Texas
Online MSN in Nursing Administration
Edinburg, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,719
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online MSN in nursing administration degree designed to empower nurses to become leaders in the industry. The program is open to registered nurses holding an active RN license who have earned a 3.0 undergraduate GPA on all coursework.
Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university faculty who instruct on campus. These courses include advanced leadership, policy, and population health; advanced nursing informatics; advanced nursing research; advanced statistics in nursing; holistic approaches to chronic disorders; and theoretical foundations in nursing.
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank UT as a top national university. The school ranks #1 on our list of top 30 values for MSN in nursing administration online programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with an online MSN in nursing administration degree?
The role of a nurse administrator can take on many shapes depending on healthcare institutions. In hospitals and other health organizations, nurse administrators manage teams of nurses and other employees, provide annual performance reviews, and assist in the creation of policies within units and departments.
Nurse administrators function primarily in clinical units in medical centers or hospitals, or work in physician’s offices. There are also nurse administrators working in nursing homes, long-term health centers, and other health services organizations. Nurse managers can essentially work anywhere nurses are staffed.
The following are examples of nurse administrator titles and specific duties often carried out by these roles:
Clinical nurse managers: Clinical nurse managers oversee specific departments in hospitals and health care organizations. Duties vary depending on department. Nurse administrators often manage teams of nurses, carry out and create policies, submit annual goals, and determine necessary procedures for their departments. Other duties include the development of budgets and reports to provide to hospital executives and boards, and routine evaluation of quality.
Nursing home administrators: A nursing home administrator manages admissions, finance, and staff of a nursing home or long term care facility. Since all states require licensure for nursing homes, nursing home administrators must also be licensed to oversee the care of residents.
How long does it take to complete an MSN in nursing administration online degree?
When selecting an MSN in nursing administration online degree program, you will likely be able to choose between part-time and full-time enrollment. Full-time study means you will be able to earn your graduate nursing degree at a quicker rate than individuals enrolled on a part-time basis.
Of course, there are pros and cons to both enrollment options, and evaluating your own needs is important. If you have daytime obligations, such as employment, then part-time study may suit you better than full-time.
However, most MSN in nursing administration online degree programs, regardless of schedule preference, take 24 months to complete on average. Rigorous, fast-paced programs offer accelerated study schedules that allow students to earn their degree in just 16-20 months. Most of the accelerated MSN programs require an RN license or BSN upon admission.
Other programs, particularly part-time study paths, take 24-36 months to complete the MSN degree. For those seeking certification, additional time may be required.
According to the schools on our list, the quickest program takes 12 months to complete. Accelerated programs require at least a BSN and full-time enrollment.
Most programs on our list allow students to work at their own pace and earn the degree in up to three years. However, some programs offer a five-year window that allows students to fulfill course requirements, though courses must be taken during consecutive years.
What is the career outlook for those with an online MSN in nursing administration degree?
The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a favorable job outlook for nurse administrators. In fact, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to increase 20 percent through the year 2026, much faster than the average of all other occupations.
This projected growth is expected due to the healthcare needs of the large baby-boom population. As this population ages, and individuals remain more active later in life, the demand for healthcare services will increase.
A need for physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers means a greater demand for managers who organize industry teams. Also, as the baby-boom population ages, the demand for nursing administrators in hospitals, residential long-term units, and physician’s offices will continue to increase.
As the demand for all nurse occupations also increases, competition for jobs will also rise. Specialized training and certification can be granted and should be obtained.
Nursing administrators can be certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, or ANCC, and also the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Becoming a certified nurse manager should increase your ability to find employment or receive advancement in the competitive industry.
For those earning an MSN in nursing administration online, certification options are available and are often part of the program.
How much will I make if I have an online MSN in nursing administration degree?
According to PayScale, a worldwide salary and compensation research company, the average salary for nurse administrators is $83,168 per year. The pay rate varies by level of responsibility, years of experience, location, and the type of employer.
Hospitals tend to pay the highest wage, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2017 salary summary for medical and health services managers. BLS reports the median annual wage of these positions is $98,350 per year. Top industries in which health, medical, and nursing administrators work, and the reported average salary, include:
Hospitals: $107,230
Government: $106,230
Outpatient care centers: $89,910
Physician offices: $89,760
Nursing and residential care facilities: $82,950
An entry-level nurse administrator with less than five years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation, including bonuses and overtime pay, of $74,000 per year. As experience is gained, salary increases. Mid-career nurse administrators with five to ten years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation, including bonuses and overtime pay, of $95,000.
BLS reports that the lowest ten percent of all nurse administrators earned less than $58,350, and the highest ten percent earned more than $176,130.
Nurse administrators, especially those starting in the industry, can expect to work overtime and evening or nightshift hours. This is especially true in organizations, such as hospitals, which are open at all hours.
What are the admission requirements for MSN in nursing administration online programs?
Admission requirements vary among MSN in nursing administration online programs. The first step toward admission, no matter what type of school you are seeking, is to fulfill prerequisites. Standard prerequisites include a current and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license through an accredited school and program. Your undergraduate GPA also matters, especially if you are planning to apply to top MSN in nursing administration online programs. Plan on providing an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a standard 4.0 scale.
Some programs require the completion of at least one college-level statistics course. This course will provide you with quantitative experience often needed in the nursing field. Other required courses vary among programs, though earning a registered nurse credential often ensures you’ve taken the proper courses prior to application.
Letters of recommendation from undergraduate faculty and/or employers are also common admission requirements. Also, nursing experience is a must. Most top programs require 1-5 years of experience working as a nurse in various healthcare settings.
In addition to the standard admission requirements, students must also pass specified background checks. As a standard requirement, all students admitted to clinical health programs must have a criminal background check. Applicants may be admitted conditionally until the background check results have been reviewed.
CVO Staff
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