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Master's Degree

RN to MSN
Nursing Leadership and Administration

Calendar

CLASSES START
May 6th

20 Mo.

Program Length

52

Credits

Online

Format

ADN/ASN

Required

Master's Degree

RN to MSN
Nursing Leadership and Administration

Reach for your highest career goals in nursing

AccreditationCCNE accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
ClinicalsHands-on clinicals—we pledge your clinical placement!
Format100% online classes
CertificationPrepare to sit for the Nurse Executive-Board Certified (NE-BC) credentialing exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
PathwaysGo from ADN to MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration (NLA) in our accelerated RN to MSN program, or earn your BSN on the way in our RN to BSN to MSN-NLA track
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
Nurse Leader Who Went from ADN to Nurse Executive Speaks with Physician
US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2024

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online graduate nursing programs in 2024

RN to MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration
US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2024

Overview: RN to MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration

The Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership and Administration degree is a 52-credit graduate program (RN to MSN) which prepares you for a career as an executive or administrator in nursing. 

The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in community and public health nursing, health policy and management, nursing informatics, research methods and evidence-based practice, and much more.

SVG
Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

SVG
Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

SVG
Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

SVG
Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

SVG
Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start May 6th

Learn More Today

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Curriculum

RN to MSN-NLA classes and curriculum details

Herzing’s RN to MSN curriculum provides students with the knowledge, skills and expertise to become nurse leaders in diverse healthcare and academic environments. Classes include foundational courses, core courses, specialty courses and direct care and leadership courses.

All classes are delivered online with 180 required clinical hours as part of the MSN-NLA degree.

ProgramMonthsiCredits
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Leadership and Administration - Accelerated RN-MSN (MSNNLAA)2052

i. Average number of months for students to complete program

RN to BSN to MSN-NLA track

This track combines our online RN to BSN and BSN to MSN-NLA degree programs. You can view their respective curriculums with all course information here:

Required Bridge Courses

All courses, 16.00 semester credit hours, are required prior to completing graduate level coursework.

Required Core Courses

18.00 semester credit hours required

Required Specialty Courses

18.00 semester credit hours are required.

Tuition & Cost

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the RN to MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration program is $615 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find my estimate

 Scholarships & Financial Aid

You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.

Find scholarships and grants 

 Military/Veteran Discounts

Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

VA/Military benefits 

Requirements

RN to MSN-NLA program enrollment prerequisites

Enrollment requirements are the same whether you choose the accelerated RN to MSN-NLA or RN to BSN to MSN-NLA track. Prerequisites include:

  • Live in a state where Herzing University is authorized to offer the RN to MSN program
  • Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which they practice
  • Hold an associate degree (ADN/ASN/AASN) in nursing from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • Participate in an interview to identify your goals and determine if the program is right for you

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

MSN Clinical Placement Pledge Herzing Badge

Your clinical placement is our pledge.

We understand securing clinical placement as part of an RN to MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration program is one of the biggest concerns students face. At Herzing, we offer guidance and support through our step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process to ensure you can get the clinical practice experiences you need.

As a Herzing student, we’ll encourage you to find your own preceptor and clinical sites as there are many benefits to doing so. However, we provide extensive support should you find difficulty along the way. With Herzing, you are never on your own.

Because of our strong relationships with healthcare providers across the U.S. and our comprehensive Clinical Guidance Process, we are confident in our ability to help you find clinical placement. So much so that if you are unable to find a clinical site on your own, we pledge to step in and help you secure clinical placement.*

* Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the enrollment documents.

Choose your path to go from RN to MSN-NLA

RN to BSN to MSN-NLA Track

Earn your BSN on the way from RN to MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration and graduate with your master’s degree in nursing.

  • Curriculum built to help earn a BSN and MSN faster
  • How long? 28 total months on average
  • Earn a bachelor’s degree that is often required by employers
Accelerated RN to MSN-NLA

Bridge directly from an ADN to MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration in the Herzing Accelerated RN to MSN program.

  • Curriculum built to accelerate your MSN-NLA completion
  • How long? As few as 20 months
  • Ideal for nurses who are not required by their employer to hold a BSN

Classes Start May 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee
Careers

Your career options in nursing leadership & administration

Earning a master’s degree in nursing in leadership and administration can position you for many types of roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, private practices and more.

Duties typically span both strategic leadership and operational management, including:

  • Setting and managing departmental budgets
  • Defining policies and procedures
  • Working with committees and boards to set goals for nursing staff
  • Collaborate with community partners and internal stakeholders to strategically plan for the growth of an organization
  • Recruiting, hiring and arranging professional development for nursing staff
  • Coordinate with medical staff and represent the nursing department in meetings with other hospital or healthcare executives

Job outlook

 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is expected to rise 28% from 2022-2032, much higher than the average across all U.S. occupations.*

It’s an excellent time to begin working towards entering a field poised for significant growth.

How can I continue advancing my career? Nurse managers, executives and administrators may pursue additional credentials in a post-master’s certificate program. Herzing University offers post-master’s certificates in nursing education, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Nursing administrators fall under the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) medical and health services manager category. According to the BLS, the average salary for medical health and service managers is $127,980 per year ($61.53 per hour).*

Discover how much nurse administrators can make by state and find salary estimates in the area near you.

There are many different types of nursing leadership styles with varying levels of effectiveness depending on the working environment, including:

  • Democratic
  • Transformational
  • Authoritarian (or "autocratic")
  • Transactional
  • Laissez-faire

...among several others. There are many unique theories of nursing leadership you’ll want to become familiar with throughout your development as a nurse leader. Understanding the right leadership techniques for you and your colleagues is crucial to keep morale high, ensure lines of communication are clear, maximize productivity and improve patient care.

Getting a master’s degree from an accredited nursing school is the biggest step you need to take to become a nurse administrator. If you have an ADN/ASN, BSN or RN diploma and hold a current, active and unrestricted license as an RN, you are eligible to enroll in the Herzing University online MSN program in nursing leadership & administration right now.

The idea of earning a MBA degree is often overlooked by nursing students – but it can be a very valuable way for a nurse to advance in their profession.

Understanding the motivations behind financial decisions made by hospital CEO’s and CFO’s is crucial to getting a seat at the table in the decision-making process. Working towards a master’s degree in business administration can put you in a position to advance professionally on the business side of healthcare. Learn more about why nurses should consider getting an MBA.

However, hospitals looking for a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) will most often prefer candidates with an MSN in Nursing Leadership. They will certainly consider a RN with an MBA, but the Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing is the top-tier credential most employers will be looking for.

With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:

You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.

A master’s degree may not always be required, but you will very likely need to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or be currently enrolled in a postgraduate program.

Attaining a master’s degree best qualifies you to apply for the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) and help you find the position you desire.

A nurse leader sees the big picture without losing sight of the day-to-day. They are active in helping organizations move forward in response to an evolving healthcare industry.

Leaders in nursing have the administrative understanding and business expertise to make educated decisions and achieve the optimal balance between what’s best for the organization and what’s best for the patient(s). The importance of nursing leadership is highly evident when organizations struggle to find this balance.

Read more about the most important qualities and characteristics of leadership in nursing and what it takes to earn a higher level of roles and responsibilities as a nurse.

We offer multiple options for current nurses of all types, including pathways for ASN/ADN, BSN, and MSN degree holders.

View our available online Nursing Leadership and Administration programs.

Students considering career pathways between nursing vs. healthcare administration can potentially discover the best of both worlds. With the right experience, credentials, and additional education—yes, nurses can become a healthcare administrator. Deep experience as a nurse can be a major differentiator between you and other applicants for the position.

However, most employers will be seeking prospects with a doctoral, master or bachelor degree in healthcare administration. Herzing University offers a bachelor degree program in healthcare administration and an advanced online MHA program in healthcare administration for students seeking a career in these advanced roles.

Disclosures

Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master's degree program in nursing at Herzing University - Madison are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Herzing Tuition Wizard

When do you want to start classes?

The program has an automatic transfer of credits, and allows you to transfer up to additional credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credit hours.

  Transfer Credit Hours
RN to MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration Online Campus
Tuition
Cost per Credit$615.00
Base Tuition$31,980.00
Savings from Transfer Credits (9 x $615.00 )(-$5,535.00)
Estimated Tuition Cost*$26,445.00
Fees
One-time Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Learner Resource Fee$530.00
Estimated Total Fee*$2,650.00
Total Semesters 1
RequiredNeeded
55
Total Credits
RequiredNeeded
5243
Estimated Cost 2
Base CostYour Cost
$34,630.00$29,095.00
Estimated Savings*
$5,535.00

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Who Can Apply

Recipients and the amounts of the scholarships vary.

Requirements

Scholarship recipients, amounts, and terms and conditions are determined by Herzing University and its donors and are subject to change. An endowment is an amount of money (fund) that is given to the University with a stipulation that the funds are invested to earn annual interest rather than spent immediately. Students and alumni can learn more through the following channels: email give@herzing.edu, call (262) 735-6189, or visit https://www.herzing.edu/make-donation-herzing-university.

Who Can Apply

Any student in a degree-seeking program that makes on-time, out of pocket payments toward tuition and fee expenses.

Requirements

The amount of the payments made that exceed the amount of excess loan funding received will be used to calculate total award. Eligible students must make on-time payments, according to a predetermined payment plan. Restrictions may vary.

  • Matching percentage is based on student’s EFC at the time of application.
  • Student’s with a Pell eligible EFC will receive a 100% match
  • Students will non-Pell eligible EFC will receive 50% match
  • Students who do no complete the FAFSA will automatically qualify for the 50% match.
Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need, who are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Requirements

Must show financial need and are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Who Can Apply

Available to Herzing graduates who have re-enrolled in a higher-level degree

Requirements

Alumni may qualify as many times as they re-enroll in a higher-level degree

Who Can Apply
  • ASN or BSN: Must have completed the TEAS Assessment Score of 78+ or Kaplan Test Score of 66+.
  • MSN: must have a 3.8+ GPA upon entering the program.
Requirements
  • Applicants in the ASN and BSN, must maintain a 3.0 GPA while enrolled.
  • Applicants in the MSN program must maintain a 3.8 GPA.
Who Can Apply

Employees of a business participating in the Herzing Partnerships Program

Requirements
  • Documentation showing proof of employment is required
  • Recipients must be packaged at direct cost (receiving financial aid for tuition and fees only)

Questions?

Reach out to a member of the Financial Aid team at the Online campus:

Financial Aid Team
(866) 508-0748
fa@herzing.edu

1 

Actual semesters to complete are dependent upon university approved transfer credits and program mapping.

2 

Estimated program length, estimated number of semesters, and estimated program shown above are standard by program for each student based on: a student taking a full-time course load each semester, the student not having any transfer credits (from previous Herzing experiences or from other post-secondary institutions), and successful completion of each course.

Current tuition rates for all programs are effective through the Summer 2024 semester.