Online Nursing Administration Programs: RN-to-MSN, MSN Nurse Executive

Duke University of Durham, NC offers an online MSN in nursing and healthcare leadership program; it’s considered one of the America’s finest. In fact, the U.S. News & World Report named named it one of the top 10 nursing administration schools in the country in 2017. According to the University’s official program page, the nursing and health care leadership major provides a solid foundation in leadership, financial management, organizational theory knowledge applicable to several nursing leadership roles. Students can attend this part-time, 36-unit program 100 percent online, which means they can learn from Duke’s nationally recognized nursing leaders while still enjoying the flexibility of online learning.

Bradley University is a private, Peoria, IL-based college with many online nursing options. Its online RN-to-MSN in nursing administration degree cultivates nursing and business skills that prepare students for nursing administration positions and professional certification—including both the Certified Nurse Executive (NE) and Certified Nurse Leader (CNL) designations. Coursework covers such topics as healthcare policy, nursing administration theory, legal and ethical health issues in health care, and evidence-based practice. Graduates have gone on to work in hospitals, community health agencies, acute care settings, private medical practices, and more. According to BU, its online MSN program offers an innovative, highly immersive, and collaborative learning environment.

The University of South Alabama’s based in Mobile designed its online MSN in executive nurse administration for future nursing administrators, nurse managers, directors of nursing, chief nurse executives, and other advanced nurse leaders. Coursework explores advanced nursing and business topics, and USA reports its program graduates have the administrative, communication, management, leadership, and technology skills required by the Council on Graduate Education for Administration in Nursing. The curriculum also aligns with American Nurses Association Nursing Administration Scope and Standards of Practice and the American Organization of Nurse Executive competencies—both of which are available online. Note that USA also offers an accelerated MSN and RN-to-MSN programs for registered nurses with BSNs, associate degrees, or diplomas.

California University of Pennsylvania or Cal U—appropriately based in California, PA—reports that its online MBA in nursing administration and leadership is designed to complement MSN program students or graduates seeking mid- to high-level administrative careers in nursing. These include nurse executives, chief nurse officers, and more. Students gain a broad understanding of business issues that arise in medical settings. While the program requires that students from other schools complete their MSN degrees before applying, Cal U students can attend concurrently. In either case, the MBA in nursing administration is a fully-online program without campus residency requirements, though students still receive a suite of support through the school’s Global Online onboarding program.

The University of Texas at Tyler describes its online MSN-MBA degree as a rigorous and career-focused program that shapes future nurse administrators while establishing a solid foundation for doctoral studies. Coursework includes MSN- and MBA-related courses with additional training in the delivery of care, as well as financial, regulatory, and legal management. Students enrolled in UTT’s online MSN-MBA program can complete their degree fully online under the direction of experienced faculty, mentors, and consultants. Note that UTT also offers an online MSN in nursing administration.

Students of Benedictine University’s online MSN/MBA program pursue two separate degrees concurrently and in less time than it would take to earn an MSN and MBA individually. According to BU, a school based in Lisle, IL, this program is ideal for nurses who want an advanced understanding of nursing practice, but also wish to cultivate the critical thinking, decision-making, financial, and leadership skills required of nurse administrators and leaders. The dual online MSN/MBA is a fully-online, 23-course program that requires about three years of study. Benedictine University notes its program fulfills academic requirements one needs to take the Nurse Executive (NE-BC) or Nurse Executive – Advanced (NEA-BC) certification exams Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) examination offered by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

Like many other business and nursing programs, DNP programs in nursing administration are well suited to online study, though tend to be more specialized than master’s programs. Old Dominion University’s online DNP for nurse executives—a career closely aligned with nursing administration—focuses not only on executive leadership, financial, and human resource management skills, but also how to work with vulnerable populations and conduct clinical organizational research. According to ODU, a school based in Norfolk, VA, graduates should possess the skills necessary to lead and develop interdisciplinary teams, conduct evidence-based research, address national policy issues, and improve patient health outcomes. They are also trained to be advocates of change in healthcare and healthcare technology. Please note that this program is not available to Washington residents.

Rush University is a somewhat small Chicago-based university with a big reputation: U.S. News & World Report (2017) ranked it among the nation’s 10 best nursing schools for DNP and nursing administration programs, and among the the top 20 for MSN programs. Rush offers online nursing administration DNPs in two specializations: systems leadership and enhancing population health outcomes. Students enrolled in the systems leadership program learn how to effect health policy, develop new patient care models, and inspire and sustain organizational change, while students pursuing the online DNP for enhancing patient health outcomes study how to improve care among vulnerable populations, promote community health, and manage and evaluate strategic programs. Both online DNPs are fully-online, part-time programs requiring two-to-three years of study.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s online graduate certificate in nursing administration is a four-course, 12-credit program ideal for BSN-holders who want to improve their advancement potential without investing in a lengthier MSN or MBA program. According to UNC Charlotte, students develop the administrative and leadership skills they need to climb the ranks and improve their pay grades. This is a fully online, part-time program requiring no campus visits. Students typically complete their certificates within one year.

Unlike UNC Charlotte’s graduate certificate in nursing administration, which requires only a bachelor’s degree, East Tennessee State University’s online nursing administration certificate is designed specifically for MSN-holders. According to ETSU, a school based in Johnson City, students benefit from an individualized learning experience that reinforces strong leadership, financial management, complex systems, and organizational skills. Coursework includes a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes.