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Master's Degree

Nursing Leadership and Administration
Program (BSN to MSN)

Calendar

CLASSES START
Jan 6th

16 Mo.

Program Length

36

Credits

Online

Format

DNP

Dual Credit

Master's Degree

Nursing Leadership and Administration
Program (BSN to MSN)

Advance your career with an MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration

AccreditationCCNE accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
ClinicalsHerzing pledges to help you secure clinical placement
Format100% online classes with flexibility to accommodate your lifestyle
EnrollmentFull-time and part-time options available
Dual creditEarn dual credit towards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
PathwaysGraduate with an MSN and become qualified for our online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program; or choose a BSN to DNP-Nursing Leadership and Administration program
QuickPaths6 start-dates throughout the year; transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
Nurse Executive Who Went From BSN to MSN Meeting with another nurse
US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2024

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online graduate nursing programs in 2024

MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration
US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2024

Overview: MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration

The Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership and Administration degree is a 36-credit graduate program (BSN to MSN) which prepares you for a career as an executive or administrator in nursing. The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in health policy and management, nursing informatics, advanced pathophysiology, research methods and evidence-based practice, and much more.

SVG
Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

SVG
Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

SVG
Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

SVG
Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

SVG
Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start January 6th

Learn More Today

Curriculum

MSN-Nursing Leadership and Administration Program Curriculum

Focus on healthcare organizations as adaptive systems.

When it comes to nursing, no two days are the same. Healthcare is always innovating and changing. That’s why our program curriculum focuses on healthcare organizations as adaptive systems. Here, you’ll obtain the skills needed to understand the complex healthcare system. You’ll also gain the knowledge necessary to help facilitate change to achieve positive outcomes.

Integration of AONE core components

Herzing University’s MSN-Nursing Leadership and Administration degree program includes MSN core courses, specialty courses, a direct-care clinical course and a leadership clinical course. Our faculty have integrated the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) core components into the curriculum, which prepares our students to meet the competencies of nurse executives. Graduates are fully prepared to sit for the nurse executive-board certified (NE-BC) credentialing exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Options for RNs with an ADN

 

We also offer an RN to MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration program for nurses who hold associate degree in nursing.

Choose to go from RN to MSN or earn your BSN on the way in our RN to BSN to MSN track.

You may also choose to begin working towards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) by applying for our BSN to DNP in Nursing Leadership and Administration program. 

ProgramMonthsiCredits
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Leadership and Administration (MSNNLA)1636

i. Average number of months for students to complete program. Program availability varies by location.

Required Core Courses

All courses, 15.00 semester credit hours, are required.

Required Direct Care Courses

All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.

Required Specialty Courses

All courses, 12.00 semester credit hours, are required.

Tuition & Cost

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration program is $625 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find my estimate

 Scholarships & Financial Aid

You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.

Find scholarships and grants 

 Military/Veteran Discounts

Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

VA/Military benefits 

Scholarship Opportunity

You may be eligible for the Herzing University Nurses Circle of Achievement Scholarship.

Eligibility requirements include a minimum GPA earned in your undergraduate nursing program, and maintaining a minimum GPA throughout the MSN program.

You can potentially earn 10% tuition reduction!

Learn More

Requirements

Enrollment requirements

To enroll in Herzing’s Nursing Leadership and Administration program, prospective students must live in a state where Herzing University is authorized to offer the MSN-Nursing Leadership and Administration program, and:

  1. Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which they practice. (Note: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident in a compact license state will be deemed to have met this requirement.)
  2. Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university or college with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District Of Columbia.

MSN Clinical Placement Pledge Herzing Badge

Your clinical placement is our pledge.

We understand securing clinical placement as part of an MSN in nursing leadership & administration program is one of the biggest concerns students face. At Herzing, we offer guidance and support through our step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process to ensure you can get the clinical practice experiences you need.

As a Herzing student, we’ll encourage you to find your own preceptor and clinical sites as there are many benefits to doing so. However, we provide extensive support should you find difficulty along the way. With Herzing, you are never on your own.

Because of our strong relationships with healthcare providers across the U.S. and our comprehensive Clinical Guidance Process, we are confident in our ability to help you find clinical placement. So much so that if you are unable to find a clinical site on your own, we pledge to step in and help you secure clinical placement.*

* Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the enrollment documents.

Classes Start January 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee
Why Herzing

The master's degree program in nursing at Herzing University - Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.1

Accreditation acknowledges that Herzing's nursing programs meet specific national standards including institutional resources, quality curriculum and teaching practices, and program outcomes related to completion rates, pass rates and employment.

CCNE Accreditation Badge

Gain the Skills to Lead the Way

Nurse administrators combine expert technical skills with leadership skills that set them apart. As doctorally-prepared, licensed registered nurses with a BSN, our faculty can offer you the knowledge to prepare you to lead. By building on your clinical expertise with business and organizational knowledge, you can more confidently prepare for leadership and management positions in nursing.

Through our MSN in leadership specialization, you will:

  • Gain the tools to help you plan, implement and evaluate system-wide strategies to move your organization toward successful outcomes.
  • Develop the business understanding to make high-level administrative decisions.
  • Be prepared to analyze the impact regulatory agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the US Department of Health and Human Services, exert on healthcare systems. This includes human resources, fiscal stability and reimbursements, total quality improvement and attaining positive outcomes within a system.
  • Gain the skills to help you confidently apply ethical and legal principles when making decisions to ensure the best care for all patients and their unique needs.

Nurses know their career field is ever-changing. A MSN in nursing leadership can help you stay at the forefront by offering you the tools you need to effectively evaluate your organization’s ability to adapt to the changing healthcare landscape.

How long does it take to get a master's in nursing leadership & administration?

You can complete the MSN in nursing leadership & administration program at Herzing University in as little as 16 months. Given the rigorous nature of the 36 credit program, many students find taking extra time to complete the program beneficial to getting the most out of their education.

Our goal is your empowerment and fulfillment; we help you work at a comfortable pace and offer a wide range of options for different types of students.

Clinical support - finding a preceptor and completing your capstone

We understand it can be difficult to find a preceptor to complete your graduate clinical experience. Although we do encourage you to seek your best fit based on your specialty, Herzing University provides support and guidance in finding a preceptor and completing the online degree program.

Careers

What can I do as a nurse leader?

Grow your impact - and your career. Nurses who pair their clinical expertise with a master’s degree are prepared to take on rewarding challenges. They combine clinical expertise, compassionate care, business know-how and organizational insights that extend well beyond the walls of a patient room.

With a master's in nursing administration degree, you can extend your impact by touching even more lives. Advance your career by overseeing your entire unit. Or go beyond your nursing floor and become a director, nurse executive or even chief nursing officer overseeing an entire healthcare system. As a graduate of Herzing's nursing administration degree program you'll be well-prepared to work in management or leadership and administrative roles in settings such as:

  • Acute care, primary care settings such as hospitals and clinics
  • Major health systems
  • Community-based health agencies
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Nursing administrators fall under the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) medical and health services manager category. According to the BLS, the average salary for medical health and service managers is $134,440 per year ($64.64 per hour).*

Discover how much nurse administrators can make by state and find salary estimates in the area near you.

With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:

You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.

The idea of earning a MBA degree is often overlooked by nursing students – but it can be a very valuable way for a nurse to advance in their profession.

Understanding the motivations behind financial decisions made by hospital CEO’s and CFO’s is crucial to getting a seat at the table in the decision-making process. Working towards a master’s degree in business administration can put you in a position to advance professionally on the business side of healthcare. Learn more about why nurses should consider getting an MBA.

However, hospitals looking for a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) will most often prefer candidates with an MSN in Nursing Leadership. They will certainly consider a RN with an MBA, but the Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing is the top-tier credential most employers will be looking for.

We offer multiple options for current nurses of all types, including pathways for ASN/ADN, BSN, and MSN degree holders.

View our available online Nursing Leadership and Administration programs.

There are many different types of nursing leadership styles with varying levels of effectiveness depending on the working environment, including:

  • Democratic
  • Transformational
  • Authoritarian (or "autocratic")
  • Transactional
  • Laissez-faire

...among several others. There are many unique theories of nursing leadership you’ll want to become familiar with throughout your development as a nurse leader. Understanding the right leadership techniques for you and your colleagues is crucial to keep morale high, ensure lines of communication are clear, maximize productivity and improve patient care.

Students considering career pathways between nursing vs. healthcare administration can potentially discover the best of both worlds. With the right experience, credentials, and additional education—yes, nurses can become a healthcare administrator. Deep experience as a nurse can be a major differentiator between you and other applicants for the position.

However, most employers will be seeking prospects with a doctoral, master or bachelor degree in healthcare administration. Herzing University offers a bachelor degree program in healthcare administration and an advanced online MHA program in healthcare administration for students seeking a career in these advanced roles.

Getting a master’s degree from an accredited nursing school is the biggest step you need to take to become a nurse administrator. If you have an ADN/ASN, BSN or RN diploma and hold a current, active and unrestricted license as an RN, you are eligible to enroll in the Herzing University online MSN or BSN to DNP program in nursing leadership & administration right now.

A master’s degree may not always be required, but you will very likely need to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or be currently enrolled in a postgraduate program.

Attaining a master’s degree best qualifies you to apply for the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) and help you find the position you desire.

A nurse leader sees the big picture without losing sight of the day-to-day. They are active in helping organizations move forward in response to an evolving healthcare industry.

Leaders in nursing have the administrative understanding and business expertise to make educated decisions and achieve the optimal balance between what’s best for the organization and what’s best for the patient(s). The importance of nursing leadership is highly evident when organizations struggle to find this balance.

Read more about the most important qualities and characteristics of leadership in nursing and what it takes to earn a higher level of roles and responsibilities as a nurse.

Disclosures

Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The master's degree program in nursing at Herzing University - Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

I will be continuing my education in the BSN program at Herzing. I was offered many positions before even finishing school and accepted a position with a very well-known hospital chain in Ohio. I love Herzing and I am so honored to be an alum.

Chasity Back Herzing University Testimonial

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Nursing Program

Akron Campus

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Herzing Tuition Wizard

The program has an automatic transfer of credits, and allows you to transfer up to additional credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credit hours.

  Transfer Credit Hours
MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration Online Campus
Tuition
Cost per Credit$625.00
Base Tuition$22,500.00
Savings from Transfer Credits (9 x $625.00 )(-$5,625.00)
Estimated Tuition Cost*$16,875.00
Fees
One-time Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Learner Resource Fee$545.00
Estimated Total Fee*$2,180.00
Total Semesters 1
RequiredNeeded
44
Total Credits
RequiredNeeded
3627
Estimated Cost 2
Base CostYour Cost
$24,680.00$19,055.00
Estimated Savings*
$5,625.00

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants who attended a college or university that closed within the last 12 months and were attending within 120 days of the school closure date

Requirements

Must be enrolled in a comparable program at Herzing University, submit a copy of an official transcript from the closed school, and complete the Closed School Discharge Disclosure

Who Can Apply

The Crisis Support Grant is an emergency grant for active students experiencing a financial crisis

Requirements

GPA requirements must be met. All applicants must be actively enrolled in a degree-seeking program, have a record of good conduct, and financial standing with the university

Who Can Apply

All Herzing University students are eligible to apply via the formal application process outlined below. Students must apply prior to the start of either semester in their last academic year before graduation. The application period is open during the summer semester.

Requirements

An application including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and examples of community service is required. In addition, the scholarship review committee may review GPA and unmet financial need as part of eligibility criteria.

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need and are unable to cover the cost of attendance with alternative resources in their final academic year

Requirements

Must submit an application and have used all financial resources in the final academic year resulting in a gap in financial resources

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need, who are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Requirements

Must show financial need and are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Who Can Apply

Dean's List and President's list students

Requirements

Must be enrolled in an Associate or Bachelor program, on the Dean's or President's list, and submit an application.

Who Can Apply

This program designed to provide financial support to nursing students while in school that are williing to work in a critical shortage facility after graduation.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized), a national, or a permanent resident; accepted or enrolled as a student in a nursing degree program at a United States accredited school of nursing; begin classes no later than September 30; do not have any federal overdue federal loan debt, judgment liens, or existing service commitment.

Who Can Apply

Must be a Herzing graduate who has re-enrolled in a higher-level degree and remain enrolled in the desired program

Requirements

Must be enrolled at least half-time for the duration of the program

Who Can Apply

Must be an international student attending HU through an agreement with a school/agency in your home country

Requirements

Must either be attending a resident campus as F-1 student or enrolled in an online modality study through an established school partnership

Who Can Apply

Must be an eligible AmeriCorps Alumni who is enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree seeking program

Requirements

Must submit a payment request for an eligible institution through their individual account in 'My AmeriCorps'

Who Can Apply

Yellow ribbon may be given to veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate for Post-911

Requirements

100% CH 33 eligible

Who Can Apply

Honorably discharged veterans, severely injured servicemembers, family members of Active Duty Servicemembers and Severely Injured Servicemembers, active duty servicemembers in graduate-level programs, dependents of deceased servicemembers, public safety and first responder personnel

Requirements

Proof of Veteran (DD-214), Active Duty, or injured status is required. 

Proof of active and current employment as public safety personnel or first responder

Who Can Apply

Active Duty Servicemembers in undergraduate programs and National Guard or Reserves activated or actively training and drilling in preparation for potential activation

Requirements

Proof of active duty status is required

Who Can Apply

ASN or BSN: Must have completed the TEAS Assessment with a score of 78+ MSN: must have a 3.8+ GPA upon entering the program.

Requirements

Applicants in the ASN and BSN, must maintain a 3.0 GPA while enrolled. 

Applicants in the MSN program must maintain a 3.5 GPA.

Who Can Apply

Employees of a business participating in the Herzing Partnerships Program.

Requirements

Proof of active and current employment or association with partner organization

Who Can Apply

Recipients must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program for the Fall with a Herzing University campus located within Wisconsin.

Requirements

Applicant's background must reflect one or more of the components as determined by the UPS Foundation and CIC's First Opportunity Program: first generation student, low-income, minority; or new American student.

Who Can Apply

The program is designed to provide financial support for women that demonstrate leadership potential, initiative, and excellent communication skills and are pursuing a career or have an interest in public service, government, and/or the political process.

Requirements

To be considered for this scholarship, an applicant must be actively enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student in good academic standing and plan to enroll in the Fall. In addition, an applicant must be a female resident of Wisconsin and have a financial need as determined by Herzing University based on eligibility for the Pell Grant.

Who Can Apply

Rath Distinguished Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, merit, and leadership.

Requirements

Must be an actively enrolled student in good standing. If an entering first year student, the scholarship applicants must have graduated among the top 25 percent of their high school class. If a sophomore, junior, or senior, applicants must have demonstrated academic excellence by maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent). In addition, scholarship recipients are to demonstrate strong campus and community leadership. Applicants must be enrolled through the Fall semester. Scholars must be U.S. citizens; Wisconsin residents preferred.


To Contact a Financial Aid Advisor

Enrolled and active students

Click here: MyHU Advising Team

Prospective students

Call (866) 508-0748 option 2 or Email fa@3327e.com

1 

Actual semesters to complete are dependent upon university approved transfer credits and program mapping.

2 

Estimated program length, estimated number of semesters, and estimated program shown above are standard by program for each student based on: a student taking a full-time course load each semester, the student not having any transfer credits (from previous Herzing experiences or from other post-secondary institutions), and successful completion of each course.

Current tuition rates for all programs are effective through the Summer 2024 semester.

MSN-NLA SAMPLE SCHEDULE
SEMESTER 1
NU 500 Theoretical Foundations for NursingNU560 Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice
HA 610 Health Policy and Management 
 
SEMESTER 2
NU 510 Advanced Physical AssessmentNU636 Advanced Pharmacology
NU 621Advanced Pathophysiology 
 
SEMESTER 3
NU 650 Healthcare Economics, Finance and Resource ManagementNU 651 Leading and Managing in Complex Organizations
NU 625 Dynamic Health Care Leadership Practicum
 
SEMESTER 4
NU 530 Organizational Systems and BehaviorsNU 525 Technology and Nursing Informatics in Advanced Practice
NU 653 Transformation of Care in Health Delivery Systems
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