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.
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.
Accreditation
The associate, baccalaureate, master's/post-master's certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice nursing programs at Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Contact ACEN by mail at 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326 or by phone at 404-975-5000.
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:
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.
| Term | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2 | 3/10/25 | 2/24/25 | 2/24/25 | 2/28/25 | 3/7/25 | 5/2/25 |
| Summer 1 | 5/12/25 | 4/28/25 | 4/28/25 | 5/1/25 | 5/9/25 | 6/27/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/30/25 | 6/16/25 | 6/16/25 | 6/19/25 | 6/27/25 | 8/14/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/20/25 | 8/4/25 | 8/4/25 | 8/7/25 | 8/15/25 | 10/3/25 |
| Fall 2 | 10/13/25 | 9/29/25 | 9/29/25 | 10/2/25 | 10/10/25 | 12/4/25 |
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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:
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 OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: astateonline@astate.edu
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.
*Capstone is 3 hours; however, capstone hours may increase if student needs relevant work experience.