Nursing Administration
Build expertise in nursing leadership, healthcare operations, and team management while preparing to lead in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environments.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing Administration (MSN NA) program consists of 30 graduate-level semester credit hours, of which 15 are foundation, 12 are concentration, and 3 are elective (including the option of coursework, project, or internship).
Admitted students must declare a concentration. The program includes 4 concentrations: Professional Issues in Nursing, Nursing Administration Theory and Practice, Healthcare Quality Management, and Population Based Nursing. The MSN program does not require a hands-on, clinical component. The program may be completed entirely on campus, entirely online, or through a combination of on-campus and online courses.
- 30-credit curriculum with 4 specialized concentrations in nursing leadership
- No clinical component required — designed for working registered nurses
- Flexible learning: fully online, on-campus, or hybrid
- Capstone Project, Internship, or coursework completion option
- Prepares RNs for executive-level leadership roles in healthcare
Our mission is to prepare nurse leaders who drive quality, safety, and equity in healthcare — equipping registered nurses with the strategic and administrative expertise to lead at every level.
Program Objectives
The MSN in Nursing Administration is designed to address the significant national and state need for graduate-level nurses with a focus on leadership. This program recognizes that all nurses may be called upon to lead, regardless of their specific role. It also addresses the critical shortage of nurse administrators as the current workforce reaches retirement age.
The program’s objective is to prepare registered nurses who hold an accredited bachelor’s degree for executive-level roles. Students develop strong strategic and organizational skills to improve policies impacting patient outcomes and staff relations. The curriculum covers advanced administrative theory, financial management, and healthcare policy.
Nursing Leadership
Synthesize leadership theories and HR principles to improve nursing care and staff relations across diverse clinical environments.
Financial Management
Appraise strategic, operational, and financial planning processes to strengthen healthcare institution performance.
Healthcare Quality
Apply leadership skills to design, coordinate, and evaluate safe, high-quality patient care and quality management systems.
Nursing Informatics
Leverage information systems and technology to support evidence-based nursing practice and organizational decision-making.
The MSN NA curriculum equips nurses with the analytical, ethical, and executive leadership skills needed to transform patient care, advance health equity, and lead high-performing nursing teams.
Curriculum
The MSN NA program requires completion of the following 30 credit hours across three core areas.
Credit Hour Summary
Admission Requirements
Application Submission
Submit a completed Graduate Admissions Application with the non-refundable application fee of $50.
RN License & Bachelor’s Degree
Current unencumbered RN license issued in the U.S with bachelor’s degree in nursing or in a related field from an accredited college or university in the United States or degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree (outside U.S.) i.e. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Home Nursing, Nursing education, Critical Care Nursing, Physiotherapy, Auxiliary Nurse & Midwife, General Nursing and Midwifery.
GPA Requirement
Admission requires a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of 2.0.
Academic Transcripts
Official transcripts are required. The prospective student must arrange to have an evaluation of your foreign transcript by one of the recognized Education evaluation companies. The cost for foreign transcript evaluation is the responsibility of the student.
Professional Resume
A current professional resume detailing your academic background and relevant nursing work experience.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to your qualifications and leadership potential.
Statement of Purpose
A detailed statement covering your career goals, professional interests, and reasons for pursuing the MSN in Nursing Administration.
GRE (Optional)
GRE Optional.
English Language Proficiency
Proof of English Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo Score Report). Non-native English speakers who did not complete post-secondary education exclusively in the English language must provide proof of English language proficiency
Proof of Funds
Documentation demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support your graduate studies.
The MSN NA welcomes registered nurses from all clinical backgrounds who are ready to step into leadership. Your patient care experience is the foundation of your administrative excellence.
Degree Outcomes
Successful completion of the MSN NA Program will enable students to:
Integrate critical thinking and creativity to enhance nursing administration and advance the quality of nursing practice.
Synthesize leadership theories and human resources principles to improve nursing care across diverse clinical and organizational environments.
Appraise strategic, operational, and financial planning processes within healthcare settings to drive institutional performance and sustainability.
Apply leadership skills to design, coordinate, and evaluate safe, high-quality, patient-centered care programs and services.
Leverage information systems and technology to support evidence-based nursing practice and improve administrative decision-making.
Analyze administrative challenges and implement effective resource solutions to optimize staff performance and organizational outcomes.
Advocate for policies that improve public health and strengthen the nursing profession at local, state, and national levels.
Incorporate organizational and administrative concepts into personal leadership values and pursue career advancement in nursing administration.
As a certified nursing administrator, you will shape the future of patient care, staff excellence, and healthcare policy. Trust Belcroft University to help you lead with purpose and precision.
Credit for Prior Learning
A maximum of six credits of transfer credit or other approved prior learning credit may be applied toward a master’s degree program. Credit may be granted based on official transcripts, verified work experience, or professional certifications and must be approved by qualified faculty or the Admissions Department. Such credits are recorded as “Credit for Prior Learning,” carry no letter grade, and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Accepted Sources
- Official Transcripts
- Verified Work Experience
- Professional Certifications
- Up to 6 Credits Max
Key Conditions
- No Letter Grade Assigned
- Excluded from GPA
- Faculty Approval Required
Your years of clinical nursing experience and professional certifications carry real academic value. Belcroft University recognizes your prior learning while upholding the rigorous standards of the MSN NA program.
Career Options
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this program. The MSN in Nursing Administration can academically prepare you to pursue:
Chief Nursing Officer
Serve as the top nursing executive, setting clinical standards, leading nursing staff, and shaping organizational health strategy.
Nurse Executive
Oversee nursing operations at a senior level, aligning clinical goals with organizational mission, finance, and workforce planning.
Nursing Administrator
Manage nursing departments and personnel, ensuring compliance, quality care delivery, and efficient resource utilization.
Director of Nursing
Lead nursing divisions across facilities, driving policy implementation, staff development, and patient safety initiatives.
Nurse Manager
Supervise unit-level nursing teams, coordinate staffing, and maintain high standards for clinical performance and patient satisfaction.
Healthcare Administrator
Lead healthcare organizations and programs, improving operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and patient outcomes.
The MSN NA program empowers graduates to lead with clinical expertise and administrative acumen — opening doors to the most impactful executive roles across hospitals, health systems, and community organizations.
Work Settings
The MSN in Nursing Administration degree can academically prepare you to work in settings such as:
Hospitals
Community Health Organizations
Public Health
Urgent Cares
Outpatient Facilities
Clinics
Long-Term Care Facilities
MSN NA graduates are prepared to lead across every corner of the healthcare system — from bustling urban hospitals and community clinics to long-term care facilities and public health agencies.