MS in Nursing: Nurse Administrator

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Students enrolled in the online Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Administrator program at Kaplan University have the opportunity to study organizational theory and behavior, the macro- and microeconomics of both for-profit and nonprofit health care systems, strategic planning and budgeting, human resource management, developing personnel policy, and managing health care information with the use of information technologies and the application of HIPPA. Students can also examine ethical and legal aspects of health care, the development of health care policy, the financial factors effecting health care systems, and the historical and philosophical foundations of nursing theory. Coursework also addresses the role of the advanced nurse, health promotion and disease prevention, and the application of statistical methods to nursing research. The program includes a practicum and requires an evidence-based project proposal.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Administrator program should be interested in administration and management of health care organizations. Applicants to Kaplan University's programs should have a high school diploma or GED and be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. Since the program is offered online, applicants should have access to a computer.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Administrator program consists of 63 credits. Requirements include 35 major credits and 28 nurse administrator specialization credits.

Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Nurse Administrator Requirements

• Advanced Nursing Roles
• Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing
• Advanced Statistics for the Health Sciences
• Inquiry and Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in a Diverse Community
• Ethical and Legal Perspectives of the Health Care System
• Health Policy, Financing, and Organization of Health Care Delivery Systems
• Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Health Care Finance, Strategic Planning, and Budgeting
• Human Resources Management
• Information and Health Care Technologies
• Nurse Administrator Practicum (Requires a criminal background check)
• Evidence-Based Project Proposal

What Are My Post-Graduation Opportunities?

Career Opportunities

After you complete Kaplan University's Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Administrator program, you may be prepared to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Nursing Administrator certification exam.* After certification you could seek employment at hospitals, medical offices, insurance companies, and health care facilities. You could choose to pursue positions such as the following:

• Nurse manager
• Director of nursing
• Unit manager

Advanced Degrees

The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Administrator program at Kaplan University is intended to provide you with the foundation needed to continue with doctoral studies. Earning a Ph.D. could allow you to further your technical skills and knowledge which may allow you to pursue additional career options. Below are some Ph.D. degrees you could pursue:

• Ph.D. in Nursing
• Ph.D. in Nursing Science
• Ph.D. in Nursing with a specialization in Nursing Administration
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)