University of Saint Mary Online MSN - Nurse Administrator
The University of Saint Mary offers an online MSN in nursing administration program with local practicums and no campus visits. This degree educates BSN-prepared nurses in areas of organizational management, healthcare finance, planning, business analysis, effective decision-making, accountability, human resource management, leadership, and information technology.
The online nurse administrator degree can be completed in about two years on a part-time basis and is designed for busy working professionals. Practicums may be completed locally and can even be completed at the student’s current workplace if the duties are outside the scope of their current position and fit with the requirements of the program. The role is patient-centered, focusing on improving healthcare delivery, decision-making, and patient outcomes.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) “Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing” is incorporated into the MSN curriculum. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). A key outcome of the program is for graduates to integrate the five C’s of caring as developed by Sister Simone Roach into their practice. These are: Commitment, Conscience, Competence, Compassion, and Confidence.
Nurse administrator MSN graduates may go on to nursing leadership positions in hospital systems, research organizations, long-term care facilities, government facilities, and private practice. The University of Saint Mary is located in Leavenworth, Kansas.
What to Expect from the University of Saint Mary Online MSN – Nurse Administrator
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online nurse administrator program must hold a BSN degree from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the final 60 hours of the BSN. Candidates must hold a current, unencumbered RN license in any state, and be prepared to complete a background check, required immunizations, and provide proof of health insurance. Prerequisites include nursing research, nursing health assessment, and statistics with a grade of C or better.
Application materials include a current resume or CV, a statement of purpose, three letters of reference (unless the BSN was earned at USM), official transcripts, a copy of the RN license, and an Academic Honesty Agreement. No GRE or work experience is required. International students may apply if they have a BSN and hold a current RN license in any state; additionally, transcripts must be reviewed by the university.
Study Plan: The University of Saint Mary online MSN (nurse administrator) program can be completed in about two years on a part-time basis by taking one course per eight-week session, although some courses with fewer credits such as informatics and introduction to statistics can be taken together. More credits can be taken per term if students wish to complete the program faster.
MSN students typically spend 15 to 20 hours per week on each course. Start dates land six times per year in January, March, April, May, July, and October.
Curriculum: The online MSN in nursing administration program consists of 35 credits, including 12 credits of core courses and 23 credits of nurse administrator courses including two courses from the MBA curriculum. Core courses include informatics in nursing, an introduction to statistics, analysis and utilization of research, the foundations of advanced practice nursing, and healthcare policy and ethics.
Nurse administrator courses include organizational management, leadership and business operations in healthcare, human resources and fiscal management in nursing, leadership, delivery of care in the healthcare environment, and quality and safety. Two practicums plus a capstone experience are also included.
Online Experience: The online MSN program is asynchronous, with interaction and collaboration taking place through online discussion forums. Students can access coursework at their convenience; however, deadlines do apply.
Coursework may include lectures, readings, assignments, and assessments as well as participation in discussion forums. The University of Saint Mary utilizes the Engage learning management system to deliver MSN courses. Students should have a computer with a current operating system, enough RAM, a microphone, and a webcam, as well as access to high-speed internet. Students have access to round-the-clock technical support and all campus-based services such as career counseling, library services, faculty office hours, and academic advising.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the program involves 100 percent online coursework and local practicums. Students are welcome to visit campus and participate in graduation on campus.
Paying for the University of Saint Mary Online MSN – Nurse Administrator
The University of Saint Mary Online MSN in Nursing Administration tuition is listed in the tables below, and does not include additional fees. Candidates should contact the Department of Nursing through the University of Saint Mary for cost clarifications and updates.
USM may offer financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants, as well as payment plans. Unsubsidized graduate loans may be available upon determination through the FAFSA. Prospective students can find out more information by contacting the University of Saint Mary Office of Financial Aid. Other options for funding the MSN degree include employer tuition reimbursement programs and outside scholarships, grants, and loans.
University of Saint Mary MSN: Nursing Administrator Specialization
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | 6 - January, March, April, May, July, and October |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 35 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in about 2 years |
| 100% Online? | Yes, plus a local internship |
| Program Accreditation | CCNE |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelors degree in nursing plus active RN license |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 35 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $595 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $20,825.00 |
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.
