Program Overview
Take a Look at the Online Nursing Administration Certificate Program
Boost your credentials and prepare for management roles when you complete the Graduate Certificate – Nurse Administrator online program. Whether you’re an MSN-prepared nurse or currently enrolled in an MSN program and want to expand your area of expertise, or you already serve in administration and are ready to move up the ranks, this certificate provides the foundation for your growth.



Coursework is 100% online and enables you to continue working while you study. This certificate program gives you in-depth knowledge of the operations side of a complex healthcare system, including business strategy, human resources, finance, IT and more, empowering you to collaborate confidently with healthcare executives. For the certificate’s capstone, our engaged and accessible faculty will guide you in the creation of a service line for a fictional facility, helping you gain the experience needed to become a stronger advocate for nurses and patients.
Through an in-depth understanding of organizational behavior, data analysis, budgeting and processes, you’ll help medical and administrative teams work together to deliver system-wide quality care and improved medical outcomes. This advanced program prepares you for certification by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

The online nursing programs at Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, AR, 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, by phone at 404-975-5000 or visit acenursing.org.
In this online nurse administrator certificate program, you will learn how to:
- Apply effective strategies for leading and communicating with teams
- Understand the components of budgeting, planning, and reimbursement in the delivery of cost-effective healthcare systems
- Manage legal exposure through an understanding of the laws and policies that affect healthcare
- Utilize healthcare informatics to manage and improve healthcare quality services
Prepare for a variety of healthcare 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
Projected Job Growth:
According to Burning Glass, the employment outlook for healthcare administrators is slated to grow almost 14% over the next 10 years in the Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi region.
A-State is ranked #6
among the "Top 10 Best Colleges in Arkansas" by CollegeChoice.net, 2020
Also available online at A-State:
Tuition
Take Advantage of Pay-As-You-Go Tuition That's Easy On Your Budget
Our online nurse administrator certificate program offers the same affordable 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 Top Ranked
A-State ranks in the top half of universities on U.S. News & World Report’s "Top Public Schools, National Universities" for 2022.
Calendar
Check the Schedule for Important Dates
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
See the Qualifications for Admission to the Online Nurse Administrator Cert at A-State
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 Graduate Certificate – Nurse Administrator program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution. Review full admission requirements below.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Either earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university OR are currently enrolled in an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited MSN program from a regionally accredited college or university
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Satisfactory background check completed through Verified Credentials
- Complete online application and submit application fee
- Official transcript(s) submitted by the registrar of any college/university you have attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institution
- Provide proof of the current unencumbered RN license and satisfactory background check
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
Learn About the Curriculum for Our Online Nurse Admin Cert
To finish the Graduate Certificate – Nurse Administrator online program, you must complete a total of 15 credit hours. Required coursework includes five advanced practice courses.
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 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 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.