Nursing Administration Master’s Degree: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

A Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration is a great way to expand your career path and advance your nursing career to become a nurse manager or nurse administrator. It provides the necessary education and knowledge to gain administrative skills and qualify for leadership positions in the healthcare industry.

If you have been considering pursuing a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration and need help finding the best schools, admission requirements, or career options for graduates, this article will help you. Read below to learn more about the best healthcare administration degrees.

What Is Nursing Administration? 

Nursing administration is the organization of nursing teams in healthcare facilities. It is a nursing leadership role that provides strategic organizational management of healthcare staff, patients, and resources in healthcare organizations. Degrees in nursing administration include evidence-based practice.

Nursing administration professionals ensure quality healthcare delivery while maintaining compliance with facility and state regulations. It requires the right experience, management skills, knowledge in clinical practice, and leadership concepts. A master’s degree gives you the individualized attention you need to start your career.

What Is a Nursing Administration Master’s Degree?

A Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration is an advanced educational degree for registered nurses. The degree is designed to prepare these nurses for better professional responsibility and career advancement in executive leadership roles as clinical nurse leaders, nurse managers, and other administrative positions.

A full-time student can earn the degree in two to three years, while part-time students may take up to five years to finish their master’s. As a nursing administrator, it is vital to have expertise in clinical methods, managerial skills, and business administration to succeed in this administrative role.

Nursing Administration Master’s Degree Requirements 

Prospective students looking to earn a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration must have at least a 3.0 to 4.0-grade point average (GPA) from a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Other admission requirements like health insurance, graduate record examination (GRE) scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters vary depending on the school. 

Most Master’s Degrees in Nursing Administration online or in person require clinical application programs. This means you’ll need to complete a hands-on practicum in leadership and management. Although this seems intimidating, most educational programs require real-world experience to enter managerial roles. This is why online courses also need a hybrid format.

How Much Does a Nursing Administration Master’s Degree Cost? 

According to a National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report from 2017, the average cost per year for graduate programs is $18,416. However, this depends on which school you go to. Tuition can vary based on your location, the type of school, and the specialization. You also will have to pay for books and equipment.

Nursing Administration Master’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Nursing Administration Degree

Despite the significant growth and massive salaries in the field, master’s degree programs are still expensive. Many schools offer scholarships, grants, and discounts to help lessen the cost. To pay for your degree, you can also take out student loans or use employer benefit programs. If you’re a veteran, you might also be able to use your GI Bill benefits.

Best Nursing Administration Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview 

Best Colleges for Nursing Administration: Top Nursing Administration Master’s Degree Programs 

Master of Science in Nursing | Duke University 

Duke University is a private university that offers a nursing program with the primary mission to create the next generation of transformational health leaders. It offers advanced practice for clinical and non-clinical majors. Students also have the option to add a focus such as cardiology, endocrinology, oncology, orthopedics, and palliative care to their degrees. 

Master of Nursing | Emory University 

Emory University offers a full-time program that provides a fast experience for students looking to earn a Master of Nursing (MN). Students enrolling in this program complete their programs in 15 months. Emory University offers five specialty programs: women’s health, family nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, adult-gerontology primary care, and pediatric primary care.

Master of Science in Nursing | Lenoir-Rhyne University 

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a Christian institution that offers an MSN program that assists students in developing their healthcare management skills to function as an educator or administrator. Its rigorous curriculum includes nursing education, nursing administration, ethical issues, and practice hours.

Master of Science in Nursing Leadership | Regis University 

Regis University offers a thorough program in nursing to prepare students for the modern workplace. The program takes about 48 semester hours and requires at least a 2.75-grade point average and a registered nurse license. Students learn evidence-based practices and strategies in healthcare. 

Master of Science in Nursing | Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University has specifically designed courses to meet the evolving demand of healthcare. This program offers courses in nursing and specializations that empower women. The school has courses across programs like family nurse practitioner and adult and gerontology nurse practitioner. 

Master of Science in Nursing | The University of Alabama at Birmingham

The MSN program at the University of Alabama program offers career-minded students the opportunity to learn world-class nursing practices while developing the necessary skills to become effective nursing administrators. This school is focused on student success, especially for international students, and will give you a salary increase in the field.

Master of Science in Nursing | University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii offers four options for its master’s degree, covering several aspects of advanced nursing practice. Students can specialize as primary care family nurse practitioners and primary care adult/gerontological nurse practitioners. You’ll also learn all the skills you need for nursing administration.

Master of Science in Nursing | University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis School of Nursing offers leading programs at all degree levels with high passing rates on state licensing exams. Students can choose from four options for their master’s degree, which each lead to great career outcomes. This degree in nursing leadership is a great choice if you want to work as a nurse executive.

Master of Science in Nursing | University of North Carolina

The MSN program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) prepares students for advanced leadership roles in today’s complex health care systems. UNC teaches several dimensions of the advancement of innovation by incorporating creativity to meet patients’ needs. It is committed to raising graduates with expertise in leadership and administration. 

Master of Science in Nursing | University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island offers an intensive Master of Science in Nursing that equips nurse practitioners with advanced technical skills to care for people in a variety of settings. You can study full-time or part-time and easily earn a doctoral degree at this school later on. It also includes practicum hours to help you prepare for your nursing profession.

Master of Science in Nursing | Yale School of Nursing 

Yale’s School of Nursing offers master’s degree programs that are concentrated in diabetes care, gender and sexuality health justice, oncology, and research. The program aims to equip students with the necessary tools and skills to improve healthcare systems. This is one of the best schools to earn your degree if you want a highly regarded school.

Best Online Nursing Administration Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Nursing Administration: Top Online Nursing Administration Master’s Degree Programs

If you want to study in a flexible program, an online nursing degree program is a great option. These top online programs provide the same high level of education as in-person programs, but you can study from anywhere. All you need is some time and a stable Internet connection to enter these program tracks. 

Master of Science in Nursing | George Washington University 

George Washington University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that requires students to complete two 150 credit hours in practical courses before graduating. To apply, prospective students must have completed a bachelor’s degree program in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and have an active nursing license. 

Master of Science in Nursing Administration | Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University’s MSN program prepares students to serve in a variety of healthcare settings, and meet the vital health-related needs of the global community. It offers extensive training in health care administration, nursing leadership & management, nurse educator, and nursing informatics. 

Master of Science in Nursing | Liberty University 

Liberty University School of Nursing offers an online master’s program that highlights religious connections to human resources, organizational design, and financial management. The master’s degree program is entirely online and provides critical nursing skills necessary for advanced clinical practice, teaching, and research. 

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Master of Science in Nursing – Administration | Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

The nursing administration program at Pennsylvania College of Health Services combines the ease of online classes with the practicality of physical classes. Graduate students in this online master’s program learn about the latest healthcare policies and healthcare management through an interprofessional curriculum.

Master of Science in Nursing | Sacred Heart University 

Sacred Heart University is highly regarded for its excellent nursing programs. Its master’s degree programs help online students to implement and create administrative processes in a professional environment. This program also doesn’t require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as a prerequisite.

Master of Science in Nursing | Saint Joseph’s College of Maine 

This program is taught by professors with expert and practical experience in leadership roles in hospitals. The online curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for several positions, such as the chief nursing officer. To apply, applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with at least a 3.0 GPA and an active nursing license.

Master of Science in Nursing Leadership | Stony Brook University 

The program focuses on leadership development, practicum experience, and evidence-based projects. It requires students to complete clinical practice as well as classes in advanced theory, healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and role transformation. If you want hands-on experience, this program is the best choice for you.

Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner | Texas Wesleyan University 

Students in the Master of Science in Nursing at Texas Wesleyan University take core courses in advanced nursing practice, nursing leadership and administration, advanced health assessment, organizational behavior, and diagnostic reasoning and practice management. The program involves 45 credit hours of online coursework and 765 clinical hours.

Master of Science in Nursing | University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida (UCF) offers an online MSN program that is highly regarded for its faculty, innovative research, and community practice. You will be able to work on your job role development and clinical experiences to build your leadership skills and nursing management skills. If you want to go to graduate school for nursing, this is a great choice.

Master of Science in Nursing | University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Ranked as one of the top MSN nursing administration programs in the country, this university offers an advanced online format of learning. It is constantly updated and refined by faculty experts and clinical partners to reflect changes in healthcare. The Master of Science in Nursing accepts students during fall and winter sessions.

What Is the Average Nursing Administration Master’s Degree Salary? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse administrators earn an average salary of $104,280. The BLS groups nursing administrators under medical and health services managers. Although salaries vary across states and specializations, professionals in the top ten percent earn more than $195,630 per year.

Even though tuition rates are high for master’s degrees, you’ll be able to pay them easily with your high annual salary. Most schools also have financial resources to help you pay loans back later. A graduate nursing degree is a great choice if you want to be financially stable in a nurse administration job.

Top Nursing Administration Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Nursing Administration Master’s Degree Jobs Explained

Nurse Anesthetist 

• Average Salary: $171,340
• Job Outlook: 45%
• Number of Jobs: 271,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, Arkansas, Washington

A nurse anesthetist aids the anesthesiologist or any physician involved with the safe administration of anesthetics. They administer anesthesia and provide medical care before surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. Because of the high stakes of this position, nurse anesthetists earn a high salary.

Chief Nursing Officer

• Average Salary: $136,250
• Job Outlook: 32%*
• Number of Jobs: 429,800
• Highest-Paying States: Massachusetts, Hawaii, Connecticut 

Chief nursing officers work in hospitals to manage and direct healthcare administration and implement patient care strategies. They are responsible for enforcing work and patient care standards in facilities, and they also collaborate with leadership to handle budgeting and planning.

Nursing Home Administrator

• Average Salary: $106,184
• Job Outlook: 33%
• Number of Jobs: 3,470,700
• Highest-Paying States: Massachusetts, Hawaii, Connecticut

Nursing home administrators are healthcare administrators who oversee nursing staff in nursing homes. They are also involved in monitoring resources, managing budgets, and implementing healthcare administration plans. If you want to specialize in caring for the elderly, this is the best nursing administration job for you.

Clinical Nurse Leader

• Average Salary: $104,107
• Job Outlook: 32%*
• Number of Jobs: 429,800
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, Massachusetts

Clinical nurse leaders use their medical knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat patients. They evaluate nursing practices and recommend changes to ensure the improvement of patient diagnoses. These healthcare professionals typically work in private clinics, research facilities, and hospitals. 

Quality Improvement Director

• Average Salary: $103,583
• Job Outlook: 32%*
• Number of Jobs: 429,800
• Highest-Paying States: California, Arkansas, Wyoming

Quality improvement directors conduct research and organize quality improvement programs. They also implement operating procedures and facility policies and communicate with stakeholders. They are also tasked with evaluating industry data, completing clinical quality studies, and planning budgets. 

Nurse Informatics Expert

• Average Salary: $102,230
• Job Outlook: 17%
• Number of Jobs: 20,800
• Highest-Paying States: ​​Wyoming, Massachusetts, Montana

Nurse informatics work in the IT section of healthcare administration, and they are sometimes also known as medical scientists. They manage patient care software and medical records with electronic systems. They also utilize data and technology to improve the services of care nurses.

Nursing Director

• Average Salary: $88,074
• Job Outlook: 32%*
• Number of Jobs: 429,800
• Highest-Paying States: Massachusetts, Alaska, Nevada

Nursing directors supervise nursing staff, monitor and prepare budgets, coordinate physicians, and address patients’ needs. Their job description also involves developing health care delivery systems, creating optimal health care settings, establishing patient care policies, and training nursing staff. 

Legal Nurse Consultant

• Average Salary: $85,351
• Job Outlook: 12%
• Number of Jobs: 345,600
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, New York, New Hampshire

Legal nurse consultants are professionals who serve as experts and assist lawyers in interpreting charts, healthcare law, patient outcomes, and medical information. They also prepare case histories and medical discussions for legal purposes and help assess damages to determine the plaintiff’s medical needs and cost. 

Patient Care Director 

• Average Salary: $80,601
• Job Outlook: 32%*
• Number of Jobs: 429,800
• Highest-Paying States: New York, California, Massachusetts

Patient care directors are tasked with creating healthcare systems that ensure proper healthcare for patients. They work closely with the directors of every department of the hospital to guarantee the highest standards in quality healthcare for patients. This is one of the best roles in nursing in management for nurse leaders.

Charge Nurse

• Average Salary: $69,651
• Job Outlook: 9%
• Number of Jobs: 3,080,100
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Hampshire, California

Charge nurses control and direct nursing activities according to hospital rules and procedures. They delegate tasks as well as observe, admit, and discharge patients. They also carry out assessments and monitor vital signs and prescriptions for the patients. With an MSN in Nurse Administration, you can thrive in this job.

*Job outlook and number of jobs have been sourced from BLS information on medical and health services managers.

Benefits of a Nursing Administration Master’s Degree 

• It positions you for competitive pay. Completing a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration positions you for a very comfortable salary. 
• It gives you better work hours. Nurses are known to work long hours at healthcare facilities. However, with a master’s degree, you are eligible for administrative roles, which often allow you much more flexibility in your schedule.
• It gives you access to a broader knowledge base. A master’s degree program provides students with an incredibly thorough curriculum of health-related topics. It also emphasizes new research and modern treatment methods. 
• It gives you access to a variety of job roles. With a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration, there is a wide range of nursing roles available to you, particularly in administration and management. 
• It offers online education. This graduate program is offered in many different formats, including online. Once you meet practicum requirements, all you need to do is sign up for the administration track on your computer.

Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration? 

Yes, a master’s degree is necessary if you’re seeking a managerial or administrative position. A master’s degree program is also an excellent way to broaden your knowledge base and skillset to prepare you for new opportunities. Additionally, it qualifies you for doctoral programs. 

The demand for nursing administrators is increasing, especially with the decline of the aging population. Nurses with master’s degrees have the advantage of higher salaries and increased working flexibility. If you’re organized and love working in nursing, you should get a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration.

Nursing Administration Master’s Degree FAQ