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Apply hereMaster of science in nursing
Embrace your desire to drive change by earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) in leadership in nursing and health care systems from the University of Missouri (Mizzou).
You applied yourself to receive a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and now persevere in the face of several challenges to uphold patient care. In uncovering your calling, you’ve found that leadership and advocacy are integral parts of your psyche.
From day-to-day operations to keeping pace with the latest developments in nursing, take a step toward a career as a nurse leader or nurse executive through this blended online and in-person course of study. An MSN core with specialty courses in nurse leadership strengthens your understanding of management, health care policy, technology, informatics and finance to improve patient outcomes and help you transform your organization from within.
Following completion of the program, you will be eligible to obtain Advanced Nurse Executive certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. To sit for the exam, candidates must have a relevant master’s degree and two years or more of full-time employment within the past five years in an administrative position at the nurse executive level or a faculty position teaching graduate students executive-level nursing administration.
Completion of the MSN in leadership in nursing and health care systems further prepares you to pursue Certified Nurse Manager and Leader and Executive Nursing Practice certifications through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.
Quick facts
Official name
Master of science in nursing with an emphasis in leadership in nursing and health care systemsCampus
Program type
Master's degreeAcademic home
Sinclair School of NursingDelivery mode
Blended, some campus visits requiredAccreditation
Higher Learning Commission, Commission on Collegiate Nursing EducationCredit hours
33Estimated cost
$20,790.00*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Why earn an online MSN in leadership in nursing and health care systems?
Think ahead: you’ve spent a number of years in a clinical role, and now, you want to advance after experience with leadership or management. This online master’s in nursing leadership helps propel you forward. Designed for post-BSN and post-graduate degree holders eyeing a career as a nurse leader, this program equips you to:
- Manage clinical efforts in health care organizations, applying research to improve care quality
- Have a voice in creative, entrepreneurial and financial efforts
- Lead teams of nurses to improve service delivery and evidence-based care
- Pursue a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) in a similar discipline
Through this mostly online program’s two-part format, candidates:
- Understand what it takes to grow professionally and cultivate their leadership style in the process
- Progress their knowledge of the nursing profession and refine their skill set toward effective leadership and management
- Learn to promote health policy, improve care and serve diverse populations through the services provided, via teamwork and collaboration and to advocate for patients
- Expand what they know about applications of research, technology and informatics in the health care field to reach the next level in their careers and to advance the nursing profession
- Will be taught by experienced nurse educators, leaders and practitioners ready to guide you toward your personal and professional goals
Career prospects
Meet the growing demand for health care managers and leaders. Between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 32% more positions for medical and health services managers.
Within this field, Mizzou’s online MSN in leadership in nursing and health systems trains you to make an impact as a:
- Clinical manager in any health care operation providing front line clinical guidance and leadership
- Nursing executive in any clinical setting with a focus upon fiscal and clinical excellence
- Nurse entrepreneur in business or innovative health care settings
- Nurse consultant providing insight into managing general clinical operations, patient safety initiatives and human resource challenges
Program structure
The MSN in leadership in nursing and health care systems consists of two parts: MSN core courses (13 credit hours) and specialty courses in leadership (19 credit hours).
Although this degree program uses a blended format, most courses are held online. Certain components are in person:
- You’ll attend a required two-day campus orientation in the summer before you officially start the program
- Select leadership courses may involve on-campus visits
- Clinical experiences are integral to the program but can be fulfilled close to home under the observation of an approved preceptor
Through the core courses, you’ll receive a thorough introduction to advanced nursing roles and related professional issues, the analysis and application of scientific research, using evidence-based practice as a tool for change and the role of public health, policy and advocacy in nursing.
These courses set the foundation for the leadership in nursing and health care systems specialty. Along with honing your management skills, you’ll learn to direct quality and safety initiatives in health care, guide the implementation of evidence-based practice and explore leadership from a holistic perspective. Helping you see yourself as a visionary, you’ll delve into finance and human resources topics and understand how to take charge of care and performance outcomes.
Courses are held in a semester-based format. Students attend this online master’s of nursing leadership program on a full- or part-time basis, finishing within three to five years.
Course work
Once you begin the leadership in nursing and health care systems specialty, courses will cover:
- Financial analysis, decision-making and resource-management techniques in health care
- Deriving data to improve patient safety and outcomes
- Organizational behavior theories
- The principles of health care leadership, management and evaluation
Delivery
Blended, some campus visits requiredCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
2.5-3 yearsTypical course load
Part timeAccreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The MS at the Sinclair School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.