Reasons to Earn an Online Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Administrator
Master of Science in Nursing degree programs with Nurse Administrator concentration offer current registered nurses (RNs) holding Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing (BSN) the chance to increase their salaries, positions and responsibilities. Nursing administration is an advanced practice leadership position, which incurs different responsibilities and challenges than a typical RN position. Programs prepare you to overcome these challenges and lead an effective healthcare organization. Some programs require a certain number of logged clinical hours. Clinical work is an excellent way to reinforce the theory learned in class with practical applications in a real-world environment.
Career Possibilities
Occupational Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, overall employment of medical and health services managers (which includes nurse administrators, nurse executives and ambulatory services directors) is projected to grow faster than the average occupation through the year 2016. Hospitals will continue to be the largest healthcare industry employers, but physicians' offices, home healthcare agencies, outpatient care facilities, healthcare management companies and nursing care facilities will also have a need for medical and health services managers.
Salary Information
Salary.com states that median annual earnings for nursing administrators (also known as nursing directors) were $105,746 as of April 2008 reportings. Median annual earnings for nurse executives (also known as head nurses) were $84,067. Median annual earnings for ambulatory services directors were $106,782.
Degree Specifics
Coursework Requirements
Coursework in a Nursing Administrator MSN degree program prepares you for managerial positions in a variety of healthcare settings from small offices to large hospitals. The following list displays typical courses in a nursing master's degree with a Nursing Administrator concentration:
- Nursing Theory
- Strategic Decision Making and Planning
- Healthcare Ethics
- Research Methods
- Program Evaluation and Improvement
- Financial Management, Budgeting and Health Informatics
- Health Policy: Process and Analysis
- Diversity and Advanced Practice Nursing
- Issues and Trends in Advanced Practice Nursing
Skills You Will Learn
Master of Science degree program in Nursing with a Nursing Administrator concentration graduates are leaders in their respective fields and must display a higher level of responsibility and action than other healthcare workers. The following skills represent just some of the skills graduates of a Nursing Administrator MSN program have:
- Display leadership qualities and concern for subordinate healthcare workers
- Research, implement and evaluate healthcare programs
- Stay current with healthcare policy, trends and issues
