Nurse Administration

• Nurse Administration (MSN and MSN/MBA): Part-Time / Full-Time

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.

Our Master of Science in Nurse Administration program is designed to prepare nurses to assume a leadership role in nursing administration. Through the development of competence in the multifaceted role as a nurse administrator, students engage in responsible decision-making, innovative problem solving, and the development of leadership styles designed to be effective in managing an organization. The program emphasizes the acquisition of essential management skills, including:

• Organizational assessment
• Budgeting and accounting
• Principles of management
• Information systems
• Ethical behavior in organizations

I. Core Courses (9 credits)

• Nursing 501 Theoretical Basis for Role Development in Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
• Nursing 502 Epidemiology: Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
• Nursing 503 Bases of Research for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)

II. Clinical Sequence (12 credits)

• Nursing 513 Management and Organizational Behavior in Nursing Administration (6 cr)
• Nursing 533 Organizational Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Delivery Systems (6 cr)

III. Business Courses (18 credits)

• MGMT 584 Operations and Supply Management (3 cr)
• ACCT 511 Financial and Managerial Accounting (3 cr)
• INFT 520 Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 cr)
• MKTG 510 Marketing Foundations for the Digital Age (3 cr)
• INFT 572 Strategic Information & Technology Management (3 cr)
• MGMT 581 Principled Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development (3 cr)

MSN in Nurse Administration Courses (PDF)

MSN in Nurse Administration Course sequence (PDF)

The MSN in Nurse Administration has an MBA option for a dual degree. Upon graduation an MBA is earned. Our MBA program is  AACSB accredited— the gold standard for MBA programs. It's the hallmark of excellence in business education and has been earned by less than five percent of the world's business programs.

I. Core Courses (9 credits)

• Nursing 501 Theoretical Basis for Role Development in Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
• Nursing 502 Epidemiology: Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
• Nursing 503 Bases of Research for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)

II. Clinical Sequence (12 credits - serves as elective credits for the MBA)

• Nursing 513 Management and Organizational Behavior in Nursing Administration (6 cr)
• Nursing 533 Organizational Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Delivery Systems (6 cr)

III. Business Courses (18 credits)

• MGMT 584 Operations and Supply Management (3 cr)
• ACCT 511 Financial and Managerial Accounting (3 cr)
• INFT 520 Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 cr)
• MKTG 510 Marketing Foundations for the Digital Age (3 cr)
• INFT 572 Strategic Information & Technology Management (3 cr)
• MGMT 581 Principled Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development (3 cr)

MBA Portion of the MBA/MSN Program (15 credits)

• MGMT 515 Principled Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development (3cr)
• MGMT 593 Strategic Management (3 cr)
• LAW 550 Law, Ethics, and Public Policy (3 cr)
• INFT 568 Healthcare Informatics (3 cr)
• MGMT 582 Global Business Management (3 cr)

MSN in Nurse Administration/MBA Program Courses (PDF)

MSN in Nurse Administration Course sequence (PDF)

MSN Nurse Administration

• Articulate a vision for nursing administration in the context of healthcare organizations and complex healthcare delivery systems
• Identify leadership models used in nursing leadership that assume risk-taking behaviors to enhance quality healthcare and compare the specific roles of organizational managers and leaders
• Implement team-building strategies that create partnerships and collaboration across healthcare disciplines, identify marketing strategies and establish advocacy for healthcare consumers in order to establish or propose solutions to a health issue
• Utilize advanced analytical critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills and ethical decision making to manage change, resolve conflict and enhance quality healthcare
• Articulate methods to use resources effectively for cost-effective quality outcomes to include human, fiscal and environmental resources, information and communication technology as well as social and healthcare policy

MSN Nurse Administration with MBA Study Track

• The students apply knowledge of organizational and systems leadership, management and consultation theories as they assume leadership and managerial roles to assist clients to meet their healthcare needs
• Students evaluate the impact of organizational structure and function on the healthcare delivery system and subsequently use technological systems and a variety of strategies to enhance positive change processes and effectiveness in the delivery of healthcare and the attainment of client goals within their practice setting
• Students collaborate with clients, support systems, and other healthcare professionals to influence the healthcare environment in managing and coordinating care for clients
• Students develop an understanding of, and familiarity with healthcare financing and economics
• As advanced practitioners, students also assume an active role in evaluating social and healthcare policies in their area of specialization

The MSN/MBA Nursing Administration program admits students on a rolling basis. Completed applications should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester in which a student is applying.

Application requirements include:

• Graduate school application and fee.
• A license to practice professional nursing in your current state of residence.
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.
• Resume which includes description of professional nursing and clinical experience.
• Typed career goals.
• One completed recommendation form and 2 additional names with contact information.

• Q: Do I need professional experience in order to be admitted?
  A: No- You can apply for admission as soon as you complete your BSN program.
• Q: Are the MSN Nurse Administration and MSN-MBA separate programs?
  A: Yes! The MSN Nurse Administration is both delivered as a stand-alone degree and as a dual degree with the MBA program.
• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A: Courses are offered 100% online and are available in both part-time and full-time formats.
• Q: When can I start?
  A: Applications are accepted for the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
• Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply?
  A: No- the GRE is not required for admission.
• Q: If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
  A: Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information available here under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.

• Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Scholarship Program
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Johnson and Johnson
• Teach.com
• Nurse Journal