Online MSN Programs in Nursing Administration: Finding a School
Finding the right MSN program for nurse administration isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about charting an educational path that works for you. This guide walks you through top MSN degrees online for aspiring nurse administrators, and breaks down costs, accreditation, and admissions must-haves. Wondering if you can juggle full-time work? Curious about networking, employer perceptions, or financial aid? Let EduMed help.
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In Focus: Online MSN Programs in Nursing Admin
Trying to juggle work and school at the same time? That’s no small feat. But that’s why online MSN programs in nursing administration exist — to help working nurses move into leadership without putting their jobs on hold.
But don’t mistake “online” for “easy.” With online MSN programs, you still have deadlines, discussions, and a solid workload to keep up with. And while some programs are fully online, others might require hands-on clinical experience. Before you commit, take a close look at the details. Here we break down three of today’s best online master’s in nursing administration.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine has an online Master of Science in Nursing program with a Nursing Administration with in-person practicums, making it accessible for working professionals seeking to advance their education while maintaining their current positions. Designed to prepare nurses for advanced roles in healthcare administration and leadership, the program maintains the same high standards and sense of community as the school’s on-campus programs.
Duration: 2 years (FT) to 4 years (PT)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $28,686 to $33,792
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN from accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Active unrestricted and unencumbered RN license
- Transcripts
- Minimum grade of B in some courses
- Resume
- Career statement, three references, and TOEFL (if needed)
Core Curriculum:
- Informatics, research
- Policy, quality, and safety
- Organizational and systems leadership
- Pharmacology, pathophysiology
- Health assessment
- Population health and interpersonal collaboration
- Health services administration
- Financial management
- Ethics
- Human resources management
- Planning and management
- Practicum
Midway University
Midway University in Kentucky offers an advanced nursing education with two distinct MSN specializations: nursing administration and nursing education. Delivered through accelerated 8-week courses, the program is a great choice for working healthcare professionals seeking higher education. The school boasts one of the lowest MSN tuition rates in Kentucky, combining affordability, flexibility, and academic excellence.
Duration: 1.5 years (FT), 2 years (PT)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $17,460
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN or ADN from a program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN
- Unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
- Recommended minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Professional resume
Core Curriculum:
- Leadership and effective decision-making
- Role of nurse administrator
- Nursing leadership
- Financial management
- Practicum
- Healthcare administration project
St. John’s College
St. John’s College offers a specialized Nursing Administration & Leadership Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The program is designed to accommodate working healthcare professionals and is delivered completely online to provide maximum flexibility for students pursuing advanced education while working. The program admits new students each fall.
What makes this program particularly valuable is its integration within the broader healthcare ecosystem of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), which operates in 14 different communities across two states. This connection provides students with real-world insights and practical applications of healthcare administration principles.
Duration: 2 years (FT), 3 years (PT)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $24,732
Admissions Requirements:
- Proof of Illinois residency
- BSN from regionally accredited and State Board of Education-approved college
- Transcripts
- BSN within the last five years or practicing RN within last two years
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA in upper division BSN courses
- Unencumbered RN license in Illinois
- Two letters of reference, resume, personal essay
- Technical proficiency, TOEFL for ESL individuals
Core Curriculum:
- Informatics and evidence-based practice
- Research
- Healthcare organization and management
- Epidemiology and population health
- Ethics and legal dimensions
- Program planning and outcomes evaluation
- Financial issues for nurse leaders
- Systems approach to quality healthcare
- Leadership
- Organizations and systems leadership
- Human resources management
- Practicum, Capstone project
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Student FAQs on the Nursing Admin Master’s
Nurses considering advancing their careers through a Master’s in Nursing Administration often share common questions about the educational journey ahead. The following sections address the most frequently asked questions about MSN programs.
How can I finance my MSN degree?
Financing your Master’s in Nursing Administration doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While the cost of advanced education might seem daunting at first, several funding options can make your academic goals achievable. Federal financial aid programs offer substantial support for qualified candidates, but the real gems are MSN-specific scholarships. These merit-based awards don’t require repayment, making them particularly attractive for advancing your nursing career.
Many forward-thinking nursing schools have also developed cost-effective programs, recognizing the need to make advanced nursing education more accessible. When researching programs, consider starting with institutions that prioritize affordability while maintaining educational excellence. Remember that investing in your MSN education is investing in your professional future, and there are multiple ways to make this investment financially manageable.
How do employers view an online MSN in Nursing Administration?
Most employers don’t have an issue with an online MSN in Nursing Administration as long as the program is accredited and comes from a respected school. The reality is, nursing is a results-driven field. If you’ve got the skills, leadership experience, and a solid education, that’s what really matters.
That said, accreditation is key. Schools accredited by the CCNE or similar bodies meet national standards, so hiring managers know you’ve been trained properly. Reputation also plays a role, as degrees from well-known institutions with strong hospital connections tend to carry more weight.
What technology will I need for an online MSN program?
For an online MSN program, you won’t need a high-tech setup, but you do need a reliable laptop or desktop computer for video calls and coursework. You might also need a webcam and microphone for virtual meetings or presentations. A strong internet connection is just as important since most lectures, discussions, and assignments happen online. Many programs use specific learning management systems, so make sure your computer meets its requirements before enrolling.
Can I still work full-time while completing my MSN in Nursing Administration?
Balancing full-time work while earning your MSN in Nursing Administration is definitely possible, but it’s not a walk in the park. Most online programs are designed with working nurses in mind, offering flexible scheduling and asynchronous classes so you can study around your shifts. But it’s still a heavy workload. Papers, discussion boards, clinical hours (if required) all add up.
Some nurses cut back to part-time hours or switch to night shifts to make things more manageable. If quitting your job isn’t an option, time management will be your best friend.
Expert Insight
For those with a 9-5 schedule, consider getting up early and completing coursework before the workday begins. That may be helpful for those who find themselves struggling to focus after a long day at work.
Will I have the opportunity to network with other students or faculty?
Even in an online MSN in Nursing Administration program, you’ll still have plenty of ways to connect with classmates and faculty. You can stay engaged via virtual study groups, discussion boards, and live video sessions. Some programs even offer in-person residencies or networking events, so you get face-to-face interactions too.
Expert Insight
Working alongside or being supervised by a nurse leader may be part of the program requirements. Building this and other professional relationships within the practice site can also be highly beneficial.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Nursing Administration?
Earning a Master of Science in Nursing Administration can open doors to leadership roles that go beyond bedside care. Instead of focusing solely on patient treatment, you’ll be managing teams, overseeing budgets, improving policies, and making big-picture decisions that impact healthcare delivery.
Many graduates step into nurse manager or clinical director roles, running hospital units, outpatient clinics, or long-term care facilities. Others become chief nursing officers (CNOs), shaping policies and ensuring quality patient care at an executive level.
If you’re drawn to the business side of healthcare, healthcare administration or consulting could be a great fit. You’d be working on hospital efficiency, patient safety initiatives, or even staffing strategies.
Unlike standard registered nurses (RNs) who focus on direct patient care, nursing administrators handle leadership, planning, and operations. And while nurse practitioners (NPs) diagnose and treat patients, nurse administrators influence the systems that support those providers.
At the heart of it, this degree is for those who want to make a wider impact — whether that’s improving patient outcomes, streamlining hospital operations, or shaping healthcare policy.
Ranking the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Administration
Online MSN programs in nursing administration have become increasingly vital for nurses seeking leadership roles in healthcare settings. These programs combine advanced clinical knowledge with essential management and administrative skills, preparing graduates to take on executive positions in various healthcare environments. Our comprehensive rankings of accredited online MSN programs in nursing admin are based on rigorous evaluation criteria, including academic quality, affordability, and student success rates. Before diving into specific program rankings, review our detailed methodology, which transparently explains how we assess and rank each program to ensure you make an informed decision about your educational future.
