Overview of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Program focusing on Healthcare Administration
Majors Overview March 26, 2018This article talks about Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with a focus on Healthcare Administration and its educational requirements, coursework, career options, job and wage outlook, and certification options.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Program focusing on Healthcare Administration
Working registered nurses (RNs) seeking management positions in healthcare organizations can benefit from enrolling in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with a concentration in healthcare administration. Coursework is a combination of advanced nursing theory and administrative and business training relevant to nursing. Students learn ways of managing patient intake, financial aspects of a clinical office, and employee scheduling. They also learn about maintaining employee benefits plans. Students can also expect to become adept in healthcare informatics and develop their administrative abilities.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and submit evidence of current nursing licensure as well as professional liability insurance. Submission to a health exam, passage of a criminal background check and holding of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification are other requirements for admission; drug testing may also be necessary at some schools.
Coursework
Coursework may combine business and nursing administration topics and incorporate a practicum or internship that involves working in an administrative environment. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Accounting
•Leadership
•Human Informatics
•Healthcare Economics
•Quality control
•Patient safety
•Team management
•Managed care
•Research methods
Career Options
Program graduates may seek entry-level management positions within healthcare systems in work settings such as hospitals, universities, healthcare organizations and nursing care facilities. They may choose from possible career options such as:
•Shift Manager
•Project Manager
•Nursing Manager
Job and Wage Outlook
Medical and health services managers and administrators are expected to see a faster-than-the-national-average 20% job growth, over the 2012-2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2016, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $96,540 (BLS).
Certification Options
Program graduates may volunteer for professional certification in nursing administration or management, as offered by numerous professional organizations, including the American Nurses Credentialing Center.