Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration

The purpose of this program is to prepare master’s level nurses who are skilled in fulfilling leadership and executive roles within the health care system. The constantly changing nature of the current health care system demands master’s level nurses who can serve as leaders for the nursing profession.  There is an urgent need for nurse executives who can promote the growth of the profession as well as work to improve the quality and safety of patient care.

Student Learning Outcomes

UPON COMPLETION OF THE MASTER PROGRAM IN NURSING LEADERSHIP AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, THE GRADUATE WILL:

  1. Cultivate and exhibit leadership skills fostering personal health, resilience and
    well-being, demonstrating a spirit of inquiry and capacity for leadership within the
    healthcare system.
  2. Synthesize information from various disciplines to develop systems-based
    strategies for change and risk mitigation for colleagues and staff, to provide
    interventions and regimens that incorporate culturally competent care, addressing
    health equities, in the delivery of person-centered care.
  3. Work collaboratively and inter-professionally with systems-based practice as a
    catalyst for change using effective communication and team-based actions with and
    lead other healthcare team members to integrate advanced scientific knowledge to
    guide decision-making across the healthcare continuum and strengthen individual and
    organizational outcomes.
  4. Interpret organizational and strategic realities to navigate change through
    evidence-based continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance safety and care
    provided in a health care agency utilizing information and communication technologies.
  5. Incorporate professional, legal, moral, and ethical standards into the formation
    of a sustainable professional identity, including accountability, collaborative dispositions,
    reflecting nursing characteristics and values into practice.
  6. Critically analyze and synthesize research, theory, and models of care delivery
    to collaboratively determine applicability to practice and improve health and transform
    healthcare.
  7. Develop a research project or thesis applicable to advanced executive
    leadership.
  8. Align organizational strategies with current developments in healthcare
    economics, policy, and legislation to implement high-reliability concepts, and maximize
    cost-effective, accessible, and equitable resources for populations.

Requirements

  1. GRADUATE NURSING RESEARCH CORE REQUIREMENTS: 12 CREDITS

    • NUR501 Nursing Informatics and Healthcare Technologies (1)
    • NUR512 Theoretical Basis of Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
    • NUR602 Qualitative Research (2)
    • NUR603 Quantitative Nursing Research (2)
    • NUR604S Thesis/Project Introductory Seminar(1/1)
    • NUR604 Thesis/Project (3)  – see below for pertinent information
  2. SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS: 24 CREDITS:

    • NUR522 Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, and Pharmacology (3)
    • NUR532 Nursing Leadership Finances (3)
    • NUR533 Nursing Leadership and Communication (3)
    • NUR534 Health Care Quality and Safety (3)
    • NUR535 Organizational Leadership and Role Transformation (3)
    • NUR536 Healthcare Policy and Advocacy (3)
    • NUR632 Nursing and Health Administration (3)
    • NUR633 Leadership Practicum (3)

TOTAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS = 36 CREDITS

Thesis/Project

Students must complete either a Thesis or Project.  The first credit will be completed in NUR604S Thesis Introductory Seminar; the remaining credits will be completed in NUR604 Thesis/ Project. The course may be completed over multiple terms of enrollment. A total of 4 credits are required for completion of the Thesis/Project.

Course Sequence

Access the course sequence for the MS, Nursing Leadership & Health Administration, from the Nursing Department web page.

Advanced Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration

A post-masters certificate program is available for nurses who possess a minimum of a Master’s of Science with a major in Nursing degree. The purpose of this program is to enhance the student’s knowledge and skills in nursing leadership. This program would meet the needs of two potential groups of nurses. First, for nurses who are already in nursing managerial positions, the program would help them to optimize their current job performance as well as to enhance their career potential. The program would also be useful for nurses who are not currently in nurse managerial positions, but who wish to enhance their credentials such that they may be considered for such a position.

REQUIREMENTS

  • NUR501 Nursing Informatics and Healthcare Technologies (1)
  • NUR532 Nursing Leadership Finances (3)
  • NUR533 Nursing Leadership and Communication (3)
  • NUR534 Health Care Quality and Safety (3)
  • NUR535 Organizational Leadership and Role Transformation (3)
  • NUR536 Healthcare Policy and Advocacy (3)
  • NUR632 Nursing and Health Administration (3)
  • NUR633 Leadership Practicum (3)

TOTAL CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS = 22 CREDITS

Certificate: Admission Requirements

This post-mater’s certificate requires possession of a Master’s of Science with a major in Nursing.

Additional information for graduate Nursing programs: Admissions Requirements; Course Repeats; Time Limitations; Requirements for Graduation – consult the Nursing Department web page.