Nurse Administration Programs

Nurse Administration Program & School Accreditation

There are two distinct kinds of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation examines the entire institution. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a branch of the US Department of Education, approves seven regional institutional accrediting bodies.

The programmatic accreditation process assesses the rigor of an educational program within a larger college or university to ensure it meets rigorous criteria. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) vets baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs, whereas the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) regulates associate’s, bachelor’s, and doctoral degrees. To be eligible for admission to a CCNE-accredited MSN, DNP, or post-master’s certificate program, nurses must complete a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited baccalaureate nursing degree.

When looking for online programs, it’s critical to check the state authorization or NC-SARA status. It’s also a good idea to double-check whether a program accepts students from your home state and meets licensing criteria in the states where students wish to pursue professional licensure. Prospective students may find this data on school websites or by contacting them directly.

Typical Admissions Requirements for Nursing Administration Programs

To become nurse administrators, students must complete a two- to three-year program. The requirements for admission into such programs vary, but many require prerequisite courses and common application materials.

Prerequisite Courses:

• Advanced health assessment
• Advanced physiology & pathophysiology
• Undergraduate statistics
• Advanced pharmacotherapeutics
• Computer literacy (for clinical workflow and scholarly work)

Many programs require students to pass prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher.

Common Application Requirements:

• Application and fee
• Active RN license
• Official transcripts
• One to two years of clinical nursing experience
• Bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or from the American Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Personal statement
• Professional letters of reference 
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international applicants from countries where the primary language is not English)

Certification Requirements for Nurse Administrators

Certification is not a requirement to become nurse administrators. However, it can help a nurse administrator stand out when applying for jobs and even command a higher salary. The most common credentials that can be earned are through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Organization for Nurse Leadership (AONL).

This highly recommended voluntary certification process is an excellent way to demonstrate to prospective employers a specific education and experience. It shows candidates are dedicated to advancing their careers.

The two typical certifications nurse administrators usually earn are either the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) or the Nurse Executive Advanced Certification (NEA-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

For the Nurse Executive certification, candidates must:

• Complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing
• Have a current RN license
• Have at least 2,000 hours of experience in a management, leadership, or administrative role with primary responsibility for the daily operations and outcomes of one or more departments within the last three years
• Possess a master’s degree in nursing administration or complete at least 30 hours of continuing education in nursing administration within the last three years

Requirements for the Nurse Executive, Advanced certification are:

• Hold a current RN license
• Have a graduate degree and either the bachelor’s or graduate degree must be in nursing
• Have at least 24 months of experience in the last five years of administrative work experience or hold a faculty position educating graduate students
• Possess a master’s degree in nursing administration or complete at least 30 hours of continuing education in nursing administration within the last three years

Another credentialing organization is the American Organization for Nurse Leadership (AONL), which offers the following certifications:

• Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)
• Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)

Featured Online Nurse Administrator Degrees

Post-master’s Certificate Programs in Nursing Administration

Herzing University

Herzing University offers an online post-master’s certificate program in nursing leadership & administration, preparing students for careers as executives or administrators in nursing. This online degree provides graduates with fundamental skills and knowledge in nursing informatics, technology, healthcare economics, resource management, managing and leading in complex organizations, finance, and much more.

Applicants to this program must have a master of science in nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They must hold a current, active, and unrestricted license as registered nurses in the state in which they live.

All classes in this 16-credit program are delivered online, and the program includes 135 clinical hours. Courses include technology and nursing informatics in advanced practice; healthcare economics, finance, and resource management; leading and managing in complex organizations; dynamic healthcare leadership practicum; transformation of care in health delivery systems practicum; and applied scholarship.

Graduates will be able to take up roles such as nurse leaders, nurse executives, nurse administrations, chief nursing officers, and chief nurse executives.

• Location: Milwaukee, WI
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Eight months
• Estimated Tuition: $615 per credit

William Paterson University

Designed for working RNs interested in advancing their career, William Paterson University’s flexible online post-master’s certificate in nursing administration prepares students for senior-level nursing positions by increasing their leadership skills and enhancing their patient care quality.

Admission requirements to the program include a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited institution with official graduate nursing transcripts, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an active, unencumbered RN license in the state where they practice, a current resume, and a completed online application.

Students in this program must complete 22 credit hours and 170 clinical hours. Those who do not have prerequisite foundation courses may be required to take additional credits. The curriculum includes courses such as principles of nursing administration; financial management of community; healthcare data analytics; marketing for decision-making; advanced nursing role practicum for the administrator; and statistics for decision-making.

Graduates will be ready for positions such as chief nursing officers, chief administrative officers, nurse managers, and charge nurses.

• Location: Wayne, NJ
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Eight months
• Estimated Tuition: $511 per credit

University of Texas at Arlington

University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers an online post-master’s certificate in nursing administration, helping students develop the business principles and skills they need for management and leadership roles in healthcare organizations. Students in this fully online program will learn financial budgeting and management, the administrative aspects of the healthcare field, and the application and theory of organizational behavior.

Designed for nurses with master’s degrees, this online program prepares them for roles such as nurse administrators, chief nursing officers (CNO), program administrators, and directors of case management.

Applicants must have a master of science in nursing degree from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Additionally, they must have an active/unencumbered RN license, two years of experience as a registered nurse, and must have completed an undergraduate basic statistics course with a minimum grade of “C”.

Made up of 12 credits, the program includes courses such as nursing informatics; nursing management in healthcare; roles or functions of nurse administrators; financial management in nursing; management of nursing operations; and leadership & healthcare system.

• Location: Arlington, TX
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Seven months
• Estimated Tuition: $494.44 per credit

MSN Programs in Nursing Administration

University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers an accelerated online MSN (master of science in nursing) in nursing administration program preparing students for a career in nursing administration and management. Incorporating core competencies and contemporary management theory, the program provides graduates with advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities to function in management and leadership roles in today’s constantly changing healthcare environment.

Courses are delivered through a blended learning model and online courses. Practicum experiences occur by applying knowledge learned in healthcare facilities where administrative senior nurses are present: the faculty members guide, mentor, and coach students in the practicum assignments.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a CCNE or ACEN-accredited program, a GPA of 3.0, an unencumbered RN license, official transcripts, a minimum of two years of work experience, and TOEFL test scores for students whose native or first language is not English.

Made up of 36 credits, the program includes courses such as nursing management in the healthcare environment; exploration of science and theories for nursing; roles and functions of the nurse administrator; roles and functions of the nurse administrator; financial management in nursing; management of nursing operations; nursing leadership and complex healthcare systems; principles of research in nursing; and evidence-based practice.

Graduates can take up rules such as nurse administrators, chief nursing officers, directors of case management, and program administrators.

• Location: Arlington, TX
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 19 to 22 months
• Estimated Tuition: $494.44 per credit

Queens University of Charlotte

Queens University of Charlotte offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) program providing students with the required skills needed for advancing within the healthcare industry and emerging as principled nurse leaders. Accommodating the busy schedule of working RNs, the program allows students to further their education without disrupting their personal and professional obligations.

The program has no residency requirements and allows students to complete the program’s clinical requirements in a location near them. The program has three tracks available and the nurse administrator track is one of them. The nurse administrator track includes 225 clinical hours at a convenient location where students will implement the nurse administrator role and gain hands-on, real-world experience around nursing’s role in a successful healthcare organization.

Applicants need only an associate degree in nursing for admission to this program. They just need to take two RN to MSN bridging courses. For those who already have a BSN degree may go straight into the track of their choice. Additional requirements include official transcripts, a GPA of 2.5, and a current, unrestricted license to practice nursing. GRE scores are not required for admission.

Comprising 36 credits, the program includes courses such as teaching learning & evaluations; health policy; informatics in health care; healthcare project management; leadership principles and practices; financial management for nurse leaders; and clinical information systems.

• Location: Charlotte, NC
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $630 per credit

Pennsylvania State University

Offered through Penn State World Campus in collaboration with the highly respected Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, this online master of science in nursing (MSN) program focuses on advanced nursing knowledge that students can immediately put into practice. The curriculum provides students with an in-depth study of human health and development throughout the lifespan.

Students in this MSN program will have two concentration options: nurse administrator and nurse educator. The curriculum of the nurse administrator track can help students gain advanced knowledge of health policy, evidence-based healthcare delivery, and organizational leadership, preparing them for administrative and leadership roles within several healthcare situations.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by a national accrediting agency for nursing and hold a current license to practice professional nursing in the United States.

Offered by part-time and full-time, this 36-credit program includes courses such as issues in nursing and healthcare; theoretical and scientific foundations of advanced nursing practice; population health perspectives; healthcare informatics; healthcare economics and policy for nurse administrators; leadership concepts and theories for nurse administrators; and human resource and workforce issues for nurse administrators. Notably, students will be required to take a practicum course near the end of the curriculum. This six-credit practicum experience includes 180 practicum hours.

• Location: University Park, PA
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months
• Estimated Tuition: $1,017 per credit

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) program allowing students to customize their program of study to best fit their goals. Whether students are interested in leading medical facilities or teaching others the best nursing practices, Lenoir-Rhyne University has options for both. Designed with the working adults in mind, this fully online program accepts applications year-round for summer and fall terms and has both full-time and part-time options.

Lenoir-Rhyne University’s School of Nursing has two concentration options: nursing administration and nursing education. Both concentrations include a significant capstone project or thesis component, which provides hands-on experience.

The nursing administration concentration comprises 33 credits and includes courses such as nursing informatics; advanced nursing leadership; nursing bioethics; global health in nursing; theories for advanced nursing practice; introduction to advanced nursing leadership; nursing research and evidence-based practice; and introduction to health policy and ethics.

• Location: Hickory, NC
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $690 per credit

MHA Programs

Walden University

With Walden University’s online master of healthcare administration (MHA) program, graduates of a BSN program can combine their healthcare experience with critical business skills to become successful nurse administrators. Academically preparing students for leadership roles in nursing care facilities, physician practices, hospitals, and other settings, this fully online program allows working professionals to advance their education while continuing to work.

Aligned with the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) model, the curriculum of this 53-credit MHA program includes courses such as foundations of healthcare administration; delivery of healthcare; healthcare finance; strategic leadership and management; healthcare quality management; and building healthcare brands and alliances. Students can also pursue an optional specialization in leadership and organizational development.

Graduates will be ready to take up roles such as clinical directors, health managers, nurse managers, and mental health program managers.

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 18 months
• Estimated Tuition: $510 per credit

Maryville University

With Maryville University’s fully online MHA program students can gain the broad yet deep expertise to grow as decisive organizational leaders. Students in this program can tailor their studies to align with their career goals with one of four concentrations or choose a general track that includes electives from each concentration. Concentration options include health informatics and analytics; healthcare leadership; population health management; and senior services.

Applicants to the program need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (a BSN degree for nurse administrators) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The 36-credit program includes courses such as the healthcare industry and its impact on healthcare management; healthcare operations; healthcare human resources and organizational behavior; healthcare quality and performance improvement; healthcare law, ethics, and risk management; healthcare financial management; and population health management.

Graduates will be able to take up roles such as administrative service managers, healthcare consultants, hospital directors, nurse managers, and nursing home directors.

• Location: St. Louis, MO
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $749 per credit

MSN/MHA dual degree

Liberty University

Liberty University’s fully online nursing and healthcare administration dual degree program provides students with the training they need to become valuable assets to their organization by mastering business management techniques, financial principles and models, and strategic planning skills. As nursing professionals, students will be able to advance their careers in healthcare administration with additional management and leadership skills essential to success in several healthcare administration settings.

Applicants to the program must have a nationally or regionally accredited bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above in addition to official college transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a current and active nursing license to practice as registered nurses in their current state of residency, and a minimum one year of nursing practice as registered nurses.

The curriculum of this 60-credit program includes coursework in health policy & ethics; nursing theory & advanced practice; nursing issues, informatics & technology; financial & resource management for nurse leaders; nursing administration: the role of the nurse administrator; healthcare informatics; healthcare administration; and strategic management & marketing for health professionals.

Graduates will be ready for roles such as assistant administrators, clinical managers, health information managers, and nursing home administrators.

• Location: Lynchburg, VA
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 30 months
• Estimated Tuition: $565 per credit

DNP Programs in Nursing Administration

Duquesne University

In partnership with Duquesne’s Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, Duquesne University’s School of Nursing offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in executive nurse leadership and health care management. Students in this program will be able to collaborate with senior leaders and executives across several healthcare disciplines to identify problems, propose solutions, and implement change for healthcare systems.

The program will teach students how to apply their leadership experience to healthcare’s administrative and business side. The program will further help them enhance their knowledge of implementing and evaluating evidence-based practice for improving healthcare outcomes and transforming organizations.

Students with a bachelor’s degree can pursue Duquesne’s online post-bachelor’s to DNP program (56 credits). Those with a master’s degree can go for the post-master’s executive nurse leadership DNP program (35 credits).

The curriculum includes courses such as evidence-based nursing practice and policy development; healthcare policy and finance; the legal environment in nursing and healthcare; nursing informatics and data management; leadership & motivation for executives; change management and project analysis; budgeting & finance for leaders; and leading strategic change.

For admission to the post-bachelor executive nurse leadership DNP, applicants must have a current, unencumbered RN license, a bachelor’s degree (BSN preferred) from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher, an undergraduate statistics course with a “C” or higher, and at least one year of full-time work experience as an RN.

To qualify for the post-master’s executive nurse leadership DNP, applicants must have a current, unencumbered RN license, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher, a master’s degree (MSN preferred) from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and an undergraduate statistics course with a “C” or higher or graduate statistics course with a “B” or higher.

Notably, all students in the DNP program will be required to complete a DNP Practice Project to demonstrate what they’ve learned throughout the coursework. This requires students to participate in two on-campus visits throughout the DNP program.

• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Post-bachelor’s executive nurse leadership DNP (four years); post-master’s executive nurse leadership DNP (two years)
• Estimated Tuition: $1,699 per credit

Baylor University

Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers an online doctor of nursing practice program in executive nurse leadership, providing students with competencies in data-driven business strategy, transformative care models, and influential leadership. Graduates gain leadership skills and develop advanced business acumen to transform healthcare systems while creating a network of mentors and colleagues. Centered on the Adams Influence Model, a framework for nurse leaders, Baylor’s program is fully online and requires no campus visits. Moreover, the doctoral project component can be completed in the student’s local area.

The curriculum of this 36-credit program includes courses such as resource attainment and allocation; strategic economic and financial concepts; creating excellence in professional practice environments; policy and implications for healthcare; and business intelligence and advanced decision-making in complex healthcare organizations.

Applicants to the program must have an MSN degree from a regionally accredited school of nursing, or any other master’s in health or business-related degree such as MPH, MHA, or MBA, a BSN degree from a regionally accredited school of nursing, a GPA of 3.0, a current unencumbered RN license, two years of supervisory/management experience, and a current curriculum vitae.

• Location: Waco, TX
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Six semesters
• Estimated Tuition: $1,150 per credit

Related Jobs for Nursing Administration Graduates

In addition to becoming a nurse administrator, here are a few related career paths to consider.

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

Clinical nurse leaders (CNLs) are nurses bridging the gap between administrative decision-making and direct bedside care, allowing for a holistic approach to patient care. These nurses oversee the patient population and a specific medical department in addition to reducing healthcare risks and preventing medical errors. They work in long-term care facilities, private clinics, and hospitals.

Primarily, clinical nurse leaders coordinate care among professionals, such as nutritionists, doctors, occupational and physical therapists, discharge planners, and pharmacists. They also promote the use of the latest technologies and medical practices.

Clinical nurse leaders must have an RN license and complete an eligible master’s degree or post-master’s certificate CNL program. After completing the master’s program, applicants can take the national CNL certification exam and after successfully passing the exam, they can use the CNL credential after their name.

Nurse Executive

Also known as chief nursing executives or chief nursing officers, nurse Executives hold the most senior administrative role in nursing organizations. They are the ones who lead nursing teams, make administrative decisions, and are involved in overseeing the management side of patient care services. Nursing executives work in several healthcare settings such as healthcare clinics, hospitals, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, nursing schools, consulting firms, and nursing homes.

This position requires students to complete at least a bachelor’s of science or a master’s in nursing, leadership, executive nursing, or a related degree. Notably, many employers prefer a master’s degree in leadership or a related field. Certification is voluntary but demonstrates a high level of competency.

Charge Nurse (CN)

A charge nurse is the shift manager for nursing units, employed by hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. Their responsibilities include delegating patient assignments to aides and nurses, handling transfers, discharges and admissions, preparing work schedules, ordering supplies, and monitoring medications. They also ensure that the nursing staff complies with medical policies, regulations, and procedures.

While the minimum degree requirement is a BSN, employers favor RNs with an MSN degree. Several years of clinical experience is also mandated for this position.