Online Master's Degree in Nursing Administration

MSN in Nursing Administration

Leading a team of nurses and healthcare staff with the goal of providing better care to patients and improving the work environment is a job that takes organization and leadership. Colorado Technical University’s Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Administration concentration is designed to help students prepare for possible nursing leadership and management positions. By learning how to communicate effectively, understand relationship-building strategies to drive positive change and through demonstrating ethical personal, professional and fiscal accountability, graduates of the MSN-NA program at CTU could be positioned to pursue leadership or managing teams of nursing staff.

For the eighth consecutive year, CTU’s online Master of Science in Nursing degree programs are ranked among the Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs by U.S. News and World Report.*

* CTU programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs.

Program Credits

5 Weeks

Course Length

Online

Location

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Program Overview

The Master of Science in Nursing program is designed to expand the knowledge of the registered nurse for leadership in the profession. The focus on change, innovation, quality outcomes, care across the healthcare system, and advancement of the individual nurse and profession will prepare the registered nurse for an advanced level of practice. Students complete 120 hours in two nursing administration practicums with a nurse administrator in their community.

This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

College of Nursing Mission Statement

Through an innovative curriculum and student-centered teaching, the nursing faculty teaches, supports, and inspires students to become competent, caring, and accountable professionals who serve a diverse client population within a dynamic health care environment.

MSN Program Goals

Employ leadership skills to improve the quality of care in a variety of healthcare settings
Integrate advanced nursing and science knowledge into practice

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)

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Courses

Courses - Core		Credits
NRSG610 This course provides an overview of the skills needed for the nurse to achieve competency in advanced nursing practice. Advancements in science with organizational science will be examined for the contribution towards the transformation of nursing practice. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Advanced Nursing Practice	4
NRSG612 This course provides an overview of the development and relationship of nursing theory, research, and practice. Students will explore the process by which theory and research is critically appraised and translated into evidence-based practice in the development of clinical outcomes. An appreciation for diverse research methods and research appraisal is integrated into the course. Course assignments focus on evidence-based practice applications. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Integrating Theory and Research for Evidence-Based Practice	4
NRSG615 This course is designed to establish the foundational knowledge for understanding and practicing nursing informatics in healthcare settings. This course will also examine other technologies to deliver and enhance care. Consideration is given to the use of information technology to support decisions that promote safety and quality in patient-centered care, and concerns about protecting information and system integrity are addressed. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Healthcare Informatics and Technologies	4
NRSG617 This course provides a critical analysis of socioeconomic, political, legal, ethical, and global factors that affect nursing and healthcare delivery. Issues of cost, quality, and access are considered with emphasis on healthcare reform, including financing and payment systems, delivery models, health information management, and the integration of healthcare services to affect safety and quality. The means of influencing policy making will be discussed. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare	4
NRSG625 This course is based on a multifaceted definition of community. The promotion of healthy societies worldwide, through health improvement and disease management/prevention activities, is explored through an interprofessional approach. Additionally, the impact of genomics and genetics relative to health promotion/disease mitigation is studied. The effects of social, political, and environmental conditions are examined in relation to healthcare access, quality of care, patient values and preferences, and cultural relevance. The contributions of advanced nursing providers to improving patient and population health outcomes are analyzed. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Promoting and Preserving Health in a Diverse Society	4
NRSG640 This course is the culmination of the concepts developed in the MSN program. Students complete individual assignments that encompass program competencies and reflect a synthesis and application of prior coursework. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	MSN Capstone	4
	Total Credit Hours:	24

Courses - Concentration		Credits
HCM632 This course studies healthcare systems and the delivery of healthcare. In addition, factors such as access, population health and health policies will be examined to assess their influence on healthcare systems.	Systems in Healthcare	4
HCM670 This course is designed to provide an overview of human resource management in healthcare. This course will introduce principles, concepts, functions and applications of human resource management. Topics include: healthcare professions, workforce planning, performance evaluation, compensation and benefits, job analysis and design and labor relations. While most of this course focuses on human resources in the healthcare setting, implications of human resources in other important industries and settings may be discussed.	Management of Human Resources in Healthcare	4
HCM676 This course concentrates on the financial operations of a healthcare organization including the development of capital budgets, operating budgets and cash flow budgets. Financial statements will be analyzed for variances. Students will be required to apply concepts such as time value of money, risk and return, investment decision analysis and lease valuation assisting in the understanding of financial operations of a healthcare organization.	Healthcare Finance	4
NRSG620 Students utilize experiential learning in the nursing practice setting to examine the factors that influence the change and planning processes for the delivery of quality healthcare. Barriers that may affect strategic planning will be identified. Following an analysis of those factors, innovation through the development of a strategic plan will be demonstrated. Sixty hours of experiential learning in the nursing practice setting is required for this course. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Strategic Planning	4
NRSG622 This course examines leadership skills necessary for the implementation of safety and quality improvement processes. Students will analyze factors affecting the delivery of safe patient care and optimum patient outcomes. Knowledge from emerging sciences and evidence–based practices will be incorporated into innovation for quality care. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Innovation for Quality Care	4
NRSG630 This course uses experiential learning to examine current nursing administrative practice issues. Based on newly learned nursing leadership theories, students apply domains of nursing leadership/administrative knowledge to the nursing practice setting. The objective is to use a variety of leadership strategies to achieve positive patient care delivery outcomes. Sixty hours of experiential learning in the nursing practice setting is required for this course. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	New Knowledge and Innovations in Nursing Leadership	4
	Total Credit Hours:	24

Total Credit Hours: 48

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Learning Outcomes

MSN Program Learning Outcomes:

Synthesize knowledge from nursing and a variety of sciences in diverse settings for the purpose of improving nursing care
Apply organizational and systems leadership concepts to promote quality patient care
Evaluate performance improvement processes designed for the purpose of providing quality patient care
Apply research outcomes and evidence-based practice to recommendations for improved patient care
Synthesize health policy processes established for the advocacy of quality healthcare
Integrate interprofessional collaboration to the management of patient and population health outcomes
Apply organizational, client-centered, and culturally appropriate concepts to clinical prevention and population care to identified populations

MSN - Nursing Administration Concentration Learning Outcomes:

Integrate effective communication and relationship-building strategies in diverse communities of interest that drive change towards quality organizational outcomes
Apply leadership principles and systems thinking that positively influence human resources in the healthcare environment
Demonstrate ethical personal, professional and fiscal accountability in the advocacy for clinical enterprise and nursing practice

Faculty

Dr. Rose Nieves

University Dean

Dr. Rose Nieves is the Dean of the College of Nursing for Colorado Technical University. In this role, she leverages her vast experience as a nursing leader, educator and healthcare provider to help assess, mold, develop and direct the College of Nursing.

Dr. Kelly White

Executive Program Director

Dr. Kelly White is the Executive Program Director of Nursing and Health Studies at Colorado Technical University. With more than 25 years of experience in nursing education and leadership, she has actively participated in the changing needs of nursing students, faculty and in the transforming healthcare arena.

For more faculty profiles please visit our Leadership and Faculty page.
For more information visit the College of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Admission to this program requires an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States. All students must maintain this licensure throughout the program of study.

Students must have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an institutionally accredited institution. A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 for the last 90 quarter (60 semester) hours of study undertaken for full acceptance into the program.

Prior to starting the nursing program all applicants must submit an unofficial or official copy of college transcript from their BSN degree for review. Applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program who meet all general admission requirements, but who have a CGPA for the BSN degree between 2.75 to 2.99 for the last 90 quarter (60 semester) hours of study, may be granted provisional admission. Students must successfully complete their first two MSN courses with a minimum of 3.0 GPA to be granted full admission to the nursing program or be administratively withdrawn.

Students must successfully complete NRSG610 first before advancing to other courses in the MSN program. No other program courses may be taken prior to NRSG610.

At this time, Colorado Technical University cannot accept inquiries for the MSN-NA program from residents of the states of Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia.

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FAQs

What is a Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Nursing Administration (MSN-NA) degree program?

CTU’s Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a Concentration in Nursing Administration (MSN-NA) is designed to help registered nurses prepare to pursue potential nursing leadership and management positions.

Heading a team of nurses and healthcare staff to provide better patient care and improve the work environment takes organization and leadership. Our graduate nursing program is based on real-world nursing practices and focuses on evidence-based nursing, informatics, policy-making, health promotion, and more. Graduates of this program may be better positioned to pursue leadership or manage teams of nursing staff.

What will I study in this MSN degree program?

In this Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, candidates study program core and nursing administration concentration courses, including but not limited to, Integrating Theory and Research for Evidence-Based Practice, Promoting and Preserving Health in a Diverse Society, Management of Human Resources in Healthcare, and New Knowledge and Innovations in Nursing Leadership.

In the Nursing Administration (MSN-NA) concentration, candidates are taught to apply new systems of thinking to effect positive change. They will study how to communicate effectively, understand relationship-building strategies to drive positive change, and demonstrate ethical personal, professional, and fiscal accountability.

Students will participate in practicum experiences (immersion experiences) under the direct supervision of a preceptor. Students in the MSN-NA are required to participate in two practicum courses, 60 hours each, for 120 hours total. Candidates may be able to complete their practicum with their place of employment (if appropriate). Students may not complete practicum hours in their current department or with in-line supervisors. Information about the practicum requirements can be found in the Nursing Learning Center where the Master of Science in Nursing Practicum Guide is located. The Clinical Coordinator also partners with students to assist with practicum related questions.

Students must disclose if they are requesting to do their practicum with their employer. Students may not complete practicum hours in their current department or with in-line supervisors.

To speak with an advisor, request information here.

When and where can I begin my nursing master’s degree program classes?

This MSN degree program is offered online and starts every 5 weeks. For more information, you can speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-855-230-0555) or request it online. Once you’ve completed the online request, you can expect to hear from an advisor within 24 hours to answer any questions you may have and to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.

How many credits are required to graduate from this nursing degree program?

This Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is comprised of 48 credit hours that are divided between both core nursing education and the area of concentration. Candidates may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Why should I pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a Concentration in Nursing Administration at CTU?

At CTU, our nursing courses are built around our proprietary intellipath® learning system, an adaptive learning technology that recognizes what candidates already know, anticipates what they’re ready to learn, and tailors the course materials accordingly so they can move quickly over the content they already know. This is similar to the computerized adaptive testing nurses use to enter the profession.

The structure of the MSN-Nursing Education and MSN-Nursing Administration concentrations are designed to allow the working nurse to advance in his/her MSN degree while continuing to work within the community. We provide registered nurses the flexibility to attend classes while working with 100% online courses and access to our handy mobile app. There is no waitlist, no GMAT/GRE, and MSN-NA candidates may be able to complete their practicum hours within their local community.

Is the Master of Science in Nursing degree program at CTU accredited?

Yes, The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Master of Science in Nursing degree, Post Graduate APRN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs at Colorado Technical University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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Program Disclosure Information for the Master of Science in Nursing

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Employment and Completion Rates

Employment Rate: 83.33%*

Reporting Period: 1/1/2020 through 12/31/2020 program graduates
Date Submitted: 02/2022

Completion Rate: 76%

Reporting Period: 1/1/2018 through 12/31/2018 program entrants
Date Submitted: 02/2022

* Nursing Employment Rate Calculation:

Number of employed graduates/completers, divided by the number of eligible graduates/completers.

This Employment Rate is calculated separately for each program; e.g. baccalaureate and master’s. In calculating this Employment Rate, CTU counts graduates/completers as “Employed” if they report employment at any job within 12 months of program completion.
This rate excludes graduates who have elected not to be employed.

Nurse Practitioners Certification Exam Pass Rate

As reported by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANP) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

MSN-FNP* Graduate Exam Pass Rate: 90%

*There were no PGC-FNP exam pass rate information completers available for the period of 1/1/2022 to 12/31/2022.