Overview
The healthcare landscape is constantly changing. With research indicating a clear link between higher levels of nursing education and better patient outcomes, it’s no longer a luxury to expand your knowledge; it’s a necessity.
The Nurse Administrator program enables the student to acquire advanced knowledge of organizational leadership, health policy, and evidence-based health care delivery. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership and administrative roles in a variety of healthcare settings.
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Why Penn State Nursing?
Our comprehensive curriculum provides you with an in-depth study of human health and development throughout the lifespan. You will also learn about providing health services in diverse care settings to individuals, families, and communities of varied cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds throughout the world.
Delivered online, this program is designed to meet the unique needs of working professionals. The flexibility of studying when and where you want can give you the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge while maintaining your current responsibilities.
What are my career options with a Penn State MSN?
Job growth for nurse administrators is expected to grow by 32% from 2019-2029, which means as a graduate of the program you’d be well positioned to capitalize on this growth! With many career opportunities in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community care facilities, mental health and substance abuse hospitals, home health agencies, colleges/universities, and even businesses, you’ll be prepared for roles like a chief nursing officer, nurse manager, and nursing director.
MSN-Administrator Courses
The curriculum is offered in both part-time and full-time academic plans. The part-time schedule consists of two courses per semester in fall and spring, with additional courses offered during the summer semester. With the full-time schedule, you would take three courses per semester in each fall and spring, with additional courses available during the summer semester
Required Courses
- NURS 501 Issues in Nursing and Health Care
- NURS 510 Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice
- NURS 830 Evidence-Based Practice I: Inquiry and Research Methods
Nurse Administrator Option Required Courses
- NURS 808 Population Health Perspectives
- NURS 813 Pharmacology, Pathology and Physical Assessment for Nurse Leaders
- NURS 836 Healthcare Informatics
- NURS 845 Healthcare Economics and Policy for Nurse Administrators
- NURS 846 Leadership Concepts and Theories for Nurse Administrators
- NURS 847 Human Resource and Work Force Issues for Nurse Administrators
Electives
Students in this option are required to take 3 additional elective credits chosen from a list of approved elective courses maintained by the graduate program office.
Culminating Experience
- NURS 848 Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Administrator Role (Capstone Course)
Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies.
Graduate Bulletin: https://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-education-policies/
Requirements for enrollment
At minimum applicants must have the following:
- are a registered nurse with a valid United States RN license
- have a bachelor’s degree in nursing
Apply now!
Priority application deadlines – March 1, June 30, October 1
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, to receive priority status apply by the previously listed deadlines.
Program details, including information on courses, can be found on the Penn State World Campus website.
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