Best Online Master’s in Nursing Administration Programs

Nurses who graduate from an online master’s in nursing administration program can become leaders in their field. These programs prepare nurses in administrative roles for increased responsibilities and supervisory roles in healthcare.

Master’s in nursing administration programs offer rigorous curriculums covering communication, leadership, and the global healthcare environment to prepare you to lead quality improvement initiatives and provide strategic planning and administrative oversight among nursing staff.

Explore what you can do with this degree and what to look for in your online master’s in nursing administration program.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

You’ll have a variety of career paths to choose from with an online master’s in nursing administration degree. You don’t only have to work in hospitals — many nurse administrators work at schools, government institutions, and physicians’ offices.

Possible career choices include chief nursing officer, director of nursing, nurse administrator, clinical nurse researcher, and legal nurse consultant.

The American Nurses Credential Center offers two examinations relevant to this field: the nurse executive certification and the nurse executive advanced certification. Eligibility for both certifications includes at least 2,000 hours of experience in a leadership or management role within the past three years. You’ll also have to maintain your nursing credentials.

The average annual base salary for a nurse administrator is $96,540, according to Payscale data from August 2024. However, the median salary for medical and health service managers — a title that includes some nursing administrators — is even higher, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

These professionals earned a median annual salary of $110,680 as of May 2023. Ultimately, however, a nurse’s salary varies depending on their geographical location, certifications held, and years of experience.

The career outlook for nurses with an online master’s in nursing administration degree is bright. Nurses with an MSN who become medical and health services managers work in one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. The job outlook for medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 28% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the national average for all jobs.

While evaluating online master’s in nursing administration programs, there are many variables to consider. The following metrics can help you identify the online program that will best meet your educational and personal needs.

The program should include coursework in the area you wish to pursue. For example, if working in the prison healthcare system is your first choice, the program you choose should address specifics about that system, such as how it differs from other healthcare systems.

Programmatic accreditation is a vital part of many master’s programs. It allows you to apply for federal aid, transfer credits to another program, and pursue a higher degree. All programs on this list are accredited.

The number of credits a program requires each term may be a vital consideration if you have outside responsibilities, such as those related to family or work. Consider a part-time program or one that offers asynchronous courses, which allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule without real-time interaction with peers or instructors.

All MSN programs require some type of clinical experience. However, each program is free to format clinical hours differently and may or may not offer assistance in finding a placement. Look for programs that offer you the ability to attain the skills or specialization you desire.

A program’s graduation rate is public knowledge. This information can give you an indication of the program’s level of difficulty and help you infer the likelihood you will graduate.

Accredited programs must include specific courses and clinical work, but the format and technology requirements vary between schools. High-end or expensive technology requirements can be frustrating, so be sure to check what your program requires.

Online master’s in nursing administration programs typically require 30-45 credits of coursework. Some programs may accept previously earned credits from an accredited institution, which could decrease the number of credits you must complete before graduation.

If you already have a BSN, you can typically complete the coursework and clinical practicums of an MSN program in two years or less. You’ll also complete in-person clinical hours by working alongside a licensed nurse administrator. The number of clinical hours required depends on your program.

Additionally, a program’s structure depends on the school. Some programs feature more flexibility in the curriculum or allow you to attend on a part-time basis.

There are typically multiple requirements for an online master’s in nursing administration program, but these can vary depending on the school. Additionally, the deadline for admission depends on the program. Some offer a rolling process that closes only when the program reaches capacity. Others offer several start times throughout the year.

Most online nursing programs require a current and unrestricted RN licensure, a resume or CV, transcripts from all previously attended schools, letters of recommendation, an application, and proof of clinical hours.

Most online MSN nurse administrator programs require a BSN degree from an accredited nursing school.

The minimum GPA for most programs is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some programs may also require a certain grade in a particular class, such as a minimum GPA of 2.0 in a bachelor’s-level statistics course.

Entrance exams for an online master’s program depend on the school. Some require the GRE or Miller Analogies Test (MAT). International students may also be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Because a master’s in nursing administration prepares nurses for administrative and management roles, most programs require at least one year of RN experience at the time of application.

Various factors can influence how much your nursing administration degree costs, such as whether you’re attending a public or private institution. Additional costs you might need to cover include research fees, textbooks, and distance learning fees.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average price of graduate tuition and fees was $20,513 as of the 2020-21 school year. Tuition may be lower at online vs. on-campus programs, but this is not always the case.

However, as an online nursing student, you may be able to save on traditional on-campus fees, such as room and board, parking and commuting costs, and facilities fees. You can also reduce out-of-pocket costs by exploring nursing scholarships and grant programs.