If you’re not sure what a nurse administration degree entails or what careers the education prepares students for, you’re not alone. The Master of Science in Nursing that focuses on providing advanced clinical care and prepares students for jobs like nurse practitioner.
A nurse administration degree is a graduate degree program that prepares experienced registered nurses (RNs) for leadership roles. Senior nursing roles are often administrative in nature, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. Nurse administration degree programs exist online and on campus, though they may require in-person clinical practicum experiences to graduate.
A Nurse Administration Curriculum
To develop the skills necessary to fill a leadership role, nurse administration degree programs often cover a wide variety of subjects.
Some courses are obviously nursing focused. A few examples include classes in:
- nursing theory
- advanced health assessment
- management of the care environment
- advanced nursing practice
- management of clinical outcomes
- research methods are a few examples
Other common coursework blends business and management topics with an emphasis on nursing. These courses include:
- financial management for nurses
- contemporary issues in nurse administration
- health policy
- nursing informational management
- health care finance
- human resources in health care
- structure and design of nursing services
Then there are other subjects often studied in nurse administration degree programs that are still more general. Some examples are classes in:
- conflict management
- leadership theories and strategies
- managing organizational behavior
- ethical decision-making
- strategic planning
Leadership Roles in Nursing
Some of the courses common in a nurse administration curriculum seem more at home in the field of business than nursing. Nurse administrators already have an undergraduate education – typically a bachelor’s degree – in nursing. They already know the theories and practical applications of providing nursing care to patients. To succeed in high-level administration roles, they need the business skills to:
- manage clinical programs
- promote the medical facility
- hire and train employees for nursing roles
- develop hospital policies and procedures
- establish realistic budgets for the nursing services their employer provides
According to the Houston Chronicle just a few possible titles a nurse administrator might hold are:
- chief nursing officer
- director of nurses
- president of nursing
- nurse executive
Nurse managers also work in management roles, though they generally work under the supervision of a nurse in a top leadership position, like nurse administrator. Hospitals are just one type of employers with a need for qualified nurse administrators. Nurses also find leadership positions in:
- clinics
- nursing homes
- home-based healthcare
Leadership roles in nursing can present many challenges. Today, a growing number of employers require master’s degrees for advancement into management roles in nursing, the BLS reported. Given these factors, earning a nurse administration degree is often a smart decision for RNs who aspire to roles like director of nurses and chief nursing officer.
Related Resources:
- 20 Most Affordable Online Master’s In Nursing Leadership and Nurse Administration
- What is the Best Degree Path to Becoming a Nurse?
- What is the Employment Outlook for Nurse Educators?
- What Do You Study in a Nurse Administration Degree Program?
- What Careers Can You Get with a Nurse Administration Degree?
- How Can a Registered Nurse Move into an Administration Role?