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Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Administrator Online


Spearhead innovation, improvements, excellence and efficiency in healthcare with the in-demand Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Administrator degree.

Next Apply Date: 2/24/25
Next Class Start Date: 3/10/25
Apply Now
Next Apply Date: 2/24/25
Next Class Start Date: 3/10/25

Program Overview


Excel as a healthcare leader with an online MSN – Nurse Administrator degree

Step up to an advanced leadership role in healthcare administration and management. The MSN – Nurse Administrator degree enhances your clinical experiences with in-depth knowledge of the operations side of a complex healthcare system, including business strategy, human resources, finance, IT and more. Nurses bring a unique essential perspective to healthcare, and this degree will prepare you to collaborate confidently with executives throughout the enterprise.

The MSN – Nurse Administrator degree will give you greater core competencies in leadership, management, analysis, critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making. Through an in-depth understanding of organizational behavior, business strategies, data analysis, budgeting and processes, you’ll help medical and administrative teams work in concert to deliver system-wide quality care and improved medical outcomes.

Designed for working nurses and accredited by ACEN, this flexible program combines 100% online coursework with relevant clinicals. You’ll become a stronger advocate for both nurses and patients and will be well-positioned as a top candidate for promotions, new career opportunities or pursuit of additional advanced specialty certifications or a doctoral degree.

For state approvals, please consult the Program Map.

In this online nurse administrator program, you will learn how to:

  • Synthesize theories and concepts to guide clinical judgment
  • Assist in providing primary care by performing standard procedure skills
  • Conduct both physical and differential diagnoses to determine appropriate treatment
  • Work with patients and their families to develop plans to maintain/improve health and manage/treat illnesses and chronic conditions
  • Develop patient-centered care that respects diversity and unique characteristics of individuals and populations
  • Assume leadership and collaborative roles in planning, providing and managing healthcare services
  • Work within complex health systems and diverse populations to effect safe, cost-effective quality healthcare
  • Apply unique skills, such as radiology interpretation, tele-health practices, and dental health
  • Demonstrate professionalism and accountability to ethical and legal standards
  • Utilize information systems and technology to evaluate patient care programs, outcomes and systems
  • Synthesize theories and concepts to guide clinical judgment
  • Assist in providing primary care by performing standard procedure skills
  • Conduct both physical and differential diagnoses to determine appropriate treatment
  • Work with patients and their families to develop plans to maintain/improve health and manage/treat illnesses and chronic conditions
  • Develop patient-centered care that respects diversity and unique characteristics of individuals and populations
  • Assume leadership and collaborative roles in planning, providing and managing healthcare services
  • Work within complex health systems and diverse populations to effect safe, cost-effective quality healthcare
  • Apply unique skills, such as radiology interpretation, tele-health practices, and dental health
  • Demonstrate professionalism and accountability to ethical and legal standards
  • Utilize information systems and technology to evaluate patient care programs, outcomes and systems

As a graduate of this online nursing program, you will be prepared for nurse leadership roles, including:

  • Charge Nurse
  • House Supervisor
  • Head Nurse
  • Assistant Director of Nursing
  • Director of Nursing
  • Nursing Services Leader
  • Nurse Leader
  • Nurse Manager
  • Nurse Executive
  • Clinical Expert Nurse
  • Patient Care Director
  • Charge Nurse
  • House Supervisor
  • Head Nurse
  • Assistant Director of Nursing
  • Director of Nursing
  • Nursing Services Leader
  • Nurse Leader
  • Nurse Manager
  • Nurse Executive
  • Clinical Expert Nurse
  • Patient Care Director

Also available:

A-State offers a variety of graduate programs in a convenient online format. Explore our full range of online graduate programs.

Total Tuition: $11,560
Program Duration: As few as 14 months
Credit Hours 34

Accreditation

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 866-621-8096

Call 866-621-8096

Tuition


A-State's online nursing programs offer highly competitive tuition

Our online MSN – Nurse Administrator program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour: $340
Total Tuition: $11,560

Calendar


Important dates you need to know

Ideal for working nurses, Arkansas State online programs are delivered in an accelerated format with multiple start dates each year.

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring 11/13/2512/16/2412/18/241/2/251/10/252/28/25
Spring 23/10/252/24/252/24/252/28/253/7/255/2/25

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date 2/24/25
Start Class 3/10/25

Have questions or need more information about A‑State online programs?

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from A-State?

Admissions


Know the requirements for the online nursing administrator program

We know you’re busy, so we’ve streamlined the A-State admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Students who are interested in the online MSN – Nurse Administrator program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Review full admission requirements below.

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • BSN degree
  • Current unencumbered RN license

  • Complete online application and submit application fee
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Official transcript(s) submitted by the registrar of any college/university you have attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institution.
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • NCLEX-RN exam passing scores must be provided by end of first semester

Additional Information

As part of the student’s file, the following information is required to be completed prior to starting the first course (or the applicable course):

  • A background check completed within the last 12 months
  • This document is not required to render an admissions decision.

English Proficiency Requirements

This program requires a high level of English proficiency to meet academic and clinical objectives, along with meeting the criteria for licensure. You may be required to provide proof of English proficiency per A-State School of Nursing English Proficiency Standards. Additionally, if you’ve ever attended a professional program in the past, you may be required to provide a letter of good standing.

Meeting the admissions requirements does not guarantee admission. Students will be admitted based on space availability.

International Students

Students from non-English speaking countries or for whom English is not a native language must take one of the following tests:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 83 on the preferred internet-based test (iBT), 570 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 6.5 and a spoken band score of 7
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a score of 56
  • Request all official transcripts be sent directly to A-State from all colleges or universities attended. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.

    Submit all documents to:

    A-State Online
    P.O. Box 2520
    State University, AR 72467


    Fax: 870-972-3548
    Email: [email protected]

    Recognized as a Leader in Nursing Education

    A-State is ranked among the "Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas" by U.S. News & World Report, 2024

    Courses


    Check out our online nursing courses

    Students in the MSN – Nurse Administrator online program must complete a total of 34 credit hours. Required coursework includes 11 core courses (31 credit hours) and one capstone course (3 credit hours* which includes 180 clinical hours). The practicum/clinical hours must also be done in a state in which Arkansas State has State Operating Authority. Please consult the Program Map for state approvals.

    Visit the Course Registration page to view the course schedule for this degree.

    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Analysis and critical evaluation of nursing research appropriate to the study of nursing phenomena. Students develop a research proposal. Prerequisite, Undergraduate research.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Examines the process of theory development in nursing and facilitates formation of a conceptual basis for advanced knowledge and practice. Includes analysis of various models and their application to advanced clinical practice. Must be taken prior to clinical nursing courses except in Nurse Anesthesia program.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Critical analysis of health care issues and policy which influence advanced nursing practice and the health care system.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 2
    The study of role development with an emphasis on role making, intra- and interdisciplinary communication and strategies for role implementation. Must be taken prior to, or concurrent with first clinical course.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    This course examines models of leadership, both historical and contemporary, and how these models can be applied in the health care setting.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Complex physiological processes in adults which occur with disease, adaptation, and therapeutic intervention. Must be taken prior to clinical nursing courses.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Designed to provide a basis for making clinical decisions in the pharmacologic management of commonly-occurring health problems of primary care patients. Prerequisite, Undergraduate course in pharmacology; admission to the graduate nursing program; NURS 6003 or concurrent enrollment. NOTE: NP students are required to take the semester immediately prior to beginning clinical portion of NP option.
    Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Presents theoretical and clinical basis for comprehensive assessment and diagnosis in primary health care settings, including all age groups. Emphasis is on clinical decision-making, differentiation of normal from pathological findings, risk assessment screening, diagnostic testing and interpretation of findings. Prerequisites, Undergraduate Health Assessment course (minimum of a B). If a student has a “C” in physical assessment, proficiency may be demonstrated. NURS 6003 or concurrent enrollment. [NOTE: NP students are required to take the semester immediately prior to beginning clinical portion of NP]. (Nurse Anesthesia-admittance to program)
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    This course will provide an understanding of theoretical and practical applications of healthcare economies and incorporate these concepts into nursing practice, nursing leadership and health care delivery. Emphasis is on financial planning, budgeting, and reimbursement. Nursing administration students must take prior to enrollment in first clinical course.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    A study of law and quality improvement in healthcare management that will consider an overview of the role and the primary regulation promulgated by public and private regulators of healthcare; and statistical process controls to improve the quality of healthcare services. Nursing administration students must take prior to enrollment in first clinical course.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 2
    Culminating course for analysis of clinical outcomes in the nursing administration or nurse educator options. Concurrent enrollment in NURS 6713 or NURS 687V.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    This capstone course in healthcare management utilizes management and leadership skills to develop practical, successful, and innovative solutions for problems in health care. Students focus on synthesizing theories, models, techniques and strategies to solve multi faceted problems in health care. Prerequisites: Admission into the Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator Option-Certificate.
    Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    This capstone course in healthcare management utilizes management and leadership skills to develop practical, successful, and innovative solutions for problems in health care. Students focus on synthesizing theories, models, techniques and strategies to solve multi faceted problems in health care.

    *Capstone is 3 hours; however, capstone hours may increase if student needs relevant work experience.

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