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.

The Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Administrator program at Arkansas State University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). For more information about A-State’s accreditation, contact ACEN by mail at 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326; by phone at 404-975-5000; or via email at [email protected].
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
Prepare for leadership roles with this ACEN-accredited program, 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
A-State is ranked #6
among the "Top 10 Best Colleges in Arkansas" by CollegeChoice.net, 2020
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.


Per Credit Hour | Per 3 HR. Course | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
$291.00 | $40.00 | $331.00 | $873.00 | $120.00 | $993.00 |
A-State Is #1
Ranked #1 among the "Best Online Colleges in Arkansas" by BestColleges.com, 2020
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.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:


Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spring 2023 | 7 wk | 03/06/2023 | 04/28/2023 | 02/20/2022 | 02/24/2022 | 03/02/2023 | 03/03/2023 | 04/15/2023 |
Summer 2023 | 7 wk | 05/08/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 04/24/2023 | 04/28/2023 | 05/04/2023 | 05/05/2023 | 06/09/2023 |
7 wk | 06/26/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 06/12/2023 | 06/16/2023 | 06/22/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 07/28/2023 | |
Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/07/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
7 wk | 10/16/2023 | 12/08/2023 | 10/02/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 10/12/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/17/2023 |
Admissions
KNOW THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ONLINE NURSE 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.
- 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
- This document is not required to render an admissions decision.
Additional Information
Request all official transcripts be sent directly to A-State from all colleges or universities attended. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically or send all required documents to:
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
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).
NURS 5113: Leadership in Health Professions
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course examines models of leadership, both historical and contemporary, and how these models can be applied in the healthcare setting.
HP 6323: Healthcare Law and Quality Improvement
Duration: 7 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.
NURS 6003: Advanced Clinical Physiology
Duration: 7 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.
NURS 6013: Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
Duration: 7 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.
NURS 6023: Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Presents theoretical and clinical basis for comprehensive assessment and diagnosis in primary healthcare 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.NOTE: NP students are required to take the semester immediately prior to beginning clinical portion of NP
NURS 6103: Research Design and Methodology
Duration: 7 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.
NURS 6203: Theory Development in Nursing
Duration: 7 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.
NURS 6303: Healthcare Issues and Policy
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Critical analysis of healthcare issues and policy which influence advanced nursing practice and the healthcare system.
NURS 6353: Budgeting and Financial Management
Duration: 7 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 healthcare delivery. Emphasis is on financial planning, budgeting, and reimbursement. Nursing administration students must take prior to enrollment in first clinical course.
NURS 6402: Role Development in Advanced Nursing
Duration: 7 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.
NURS 6762: Applied Clinical Research and Role Seminar
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 2
Culminating course for analysis of clinical outcomes in the nursing administration or nurse educator options. Concurrent enrollment in NURS 687V.
NURS 687V: Healthcare Management Seminar
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3-6
This capstone course in healthcare management utilizes management and leadership skills to develop practical, successful, and innovative solutions for problems in healthcare. Students focus on synthesizing theories, models, techniques and strategies to solve multifaceted problems in healthcare. Concurrent enrollment in NURS 6762.
This capstone course in healthcare management utilizes management and leadership skills to develop practical, successful, and innovative solutions for problems in healthcare. Students focus on synthesizing theories, models, techniques and strategies to solve multifaceted problems in healthcare. Concurrent enrollment in NURS 6762.
*Capstone is 3 hours; however, capstone hours may increase if student needs relevant work experience.