Registered nurses wanting to advance in their careers and take on more responsibility should consider an online master’s in nursing administration. Nursing administrators decide how healthcare facilities should operate, drawing on their clinical experience, business savvy, and managerial skills.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of 28% (much faster than average) for medical and health services managers from 2021 to 2031, with a median annual salary of about $101,000 in 2021 (the most recent statistics available).
Most schools estimate that their online master’s degree programs take one to three years to complete, but this depends on the number of required credits and how many you take each year. Some programs have about 30 credits, while others have more than 60. Costs range from about $300 per credit to more than $2,000, based on costs for in-state and out-of-state students and public or private universities. Generally, graduate tuition for the 2020-2021 term costs around $19,750.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Nursing Administration Program
Choose your area of study
The first step in choosing an online master’s in nursing administration program is deciding on your specific goals. Graduates can work at hospitals, insurance offices, rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
While this degree typically is for licensed registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, there are some master’s degree programs that cater to those who do not have this other degree. Some accelerated and direct-entry programs, for instance, allow students to enroll if they have a degree in a subject other than nursing. They often need to complete additional coursework, such as physiology, human anatomy, and statistics, and secure a registered nursing license during their studies.
Research schools and programs
While researching programs and schools, check whether a reputable professional association accredits the school or program. Accreditation ensures that a program meets specific educational standards; a nursing license requires a degree from an accredited institution. Accreditation also affects whether the school receives federal financial aid. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing are two entities that accredit these programs.
Be sure to look at the degree’s other requirements, such as completing supervised clinical practice hours. Ask how the school facilitates this requirement. Does the school assist online students in securing a clinical placement, or can students meet this requirement at any facility, such as your current workplace?
Online students also should have a well-rounded educational experience. What support services does the school offer for online students, such as career services or mentoring? Are there networking opportunities, such as an alum association? Check the school’s website, marketing materials, and social media profiles for this information, and talk with program representatives.
Prepare for tests and applications
Each program varies in its application requirements and process. However, most online master’s degree programs in nursing administration require:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing
- Transcripts from previous colleges
- Letter(s) of recommendation from academic and professional references
- A resume or record of employment history
- A personal essay or statement of purpose describing your achievements and plans
Some programs also require students to submit standardized test scores, such as those from the GRE. If you need to take the GRE, prepare and sit for the exam while researching schools.
Select your program
Some students apply to a single program that aligns with their needs and interests, while others target multiple schools to boost their chances of acceptance. Whatever you decide, be aware that most schools’ application fees can add up. If you need financial assistance with these fees, contact the school to ask about a fee waiver.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Every school with an online master’s in nursing administration program should specify the financial support students can receive, including fellowships, scholarships, grants, assistantships, and work-study. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal student loans and need-based institutional aid.
Working students should check whether their employer’s tuition assistance benefits can offset their costs. For more detailed information about how to pay for your degree, consult with your school’s Financial Aid office.
The Top 50 Online Master’s in Nursing Administration Programs
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How We Rank Schools
This list covers the nation’s top master’s programs focused on nursing administration. All of the options featured in this guide offer online programs between 30 and 90 credits.
In addition to school accreditation with federally recognized regional entities, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), all nursing programs must be approved by the state board of nursing. They must also be accredited by at least one of the two governing bodies, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Each organization sets the standards for nursing education, including new roles and responsibilities and research.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Nursing Administration Program?
Online master’s in nursing administration programs vary based on the school, but students can expect a core curriculum covering healthcare policy and regulations, effective communication, and resolving personnel matters.
This degree typically requires a certain number of clinical in-person fieldwork, but if you’re already working in the nursing field, this might not interfere with your full-time job. Talk with a school admissions counselor if you’re concerned about how to balance various obligations.
A master’s degree in nursing administration opens a variety of career paths, some of which might involve additional certification. For instance, a nurse manager who handles the daily operations of a nursing unit might be certified by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. Some nursing directors, who supervise nursing managers and are responsible for entire departments, might seek certification through the American Association of Nursing Services or the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Check with the school about any credentials you might like to pursue.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in nursing administration degree program
- Healthcare Administration. Students improve their leadership skills to learn how to become effective administrators. Expect to cover ethical issues in healthcare and how to collaborate with teams and individuals, build relationships, and resolve conflicts.
- Health Systems Management. A nursing administrator needs practical training in managing healthcare systems. A course like this introduces theoretical frameworks while also teaching how to evaluate healthcare models, implement changes system-wide, and manage personnel.
- Healthcare Financial Management. Nursing administrators also must manage healthcare resources efficiently and effectively. Here, students discuss making financial decisions regarding patient care.
- Health Policy. Expect to cover how political processes, legislation, and healthcare regulations shape the healthcare system. A course like this also addresses disparities in quality of care and healthcare access.
Online Master’s in Nursing Administration Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in nursing administration degree program?
Each school’s application process is different. Start with the school’s application webpage, which might direct you to the school’s online portal for accepting applications. Some schools also use streamlined admissions application systems such as the Common Application, or Common App, which enables students to upload their materials and apply to multiple schools.
Make sure to gather electronic or digital versions (such as PDFs) of all the required information, such as work experience, college transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Talk with a school admissions counselor if you need help using an online application system or are concerned about meeting the correct submission deadlines.
How much does an online master’s in nursing administration cost?
In general, for the 2020-2021 term, graduate tuition costs around $19,750, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). An undergraduate degree costs about $25,900 a year, including tuition, room, board, and fees.
The average tuition for a public institution was about $12,400 a year, less than half the cost of $26,600 for a private institution.
For an online master’s in nursing administration, costs will vary depending on the credits per course, fees, costs per credit, and other expenses, such as books. For instance, some schools charge about $300 per credit while others charge more than $2,000, based on public versus private institutions and costs for state residents versus out-of-state students. You’ll also want to consider how any in-person clinical hours will affect your earning time at your current job.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in nursing administration degree?
While this depends on the curriculum, most schools estimate their online master’s programs in nursing administration take about one to three years to complete.
Attending full-time or part-time affects this timetable, as does the total number of credits. Some schools offer accelerated programs, while others have hybrid programs that combine online and in-person learning, which might work better with your schedule. Also, look into asynchronous programs, which allow students to complete course lessons and assignments at their own pace.