Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration)
Hours: 36 Online
About
The Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration) program at Fort Hays State University is designed for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers by transitioning into leadership and administrative roles in healthcare settings. This program equips students with essential skills in strategic planning, resource management, and leadership necessary for effective nursing administration.
Grounded in evidence-based practices, the curriculum enables students to navigate complex healthcare systems, develop key management competencies, and gain a thorough understanding of healthcare policy. Delivered in a flexible online format, the program accommodates working professionals and prepares them to take on administrative positions and lead initiatives that enhance patient care and healthcare outcomes.
Why pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration) at Fort Hays State University?
The Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration) program distinguishes itself by combining academic rigor with real-world application. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the program is directly applicable to healthcare settings. It uniquely integrates leadership skills with healthcare management, equipping students to lead effectively.
FHSU offers a distinct combination of foundational nursing skills and modern administrative practices, preparing graduates to meet the evolving demands of healthcare leadership. The program’s commitment to an up-to-date curriculum, which includes the latest healthcare technologies and policies, ensures that students are prepared to lead and innovate in complex healthcare environments.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for registered nurses aspiring to lead and innovate in healthcare administration. Offered in a flexible online format, it supports working professionals seeking to advance their careers in nursing management and administration. The curriculum develops advanced nursing skills, leadership abilities, and strategic planning expertise to prepare graduates as influential nurse leaders across healthcare settings. It is especially suited for those interested in health services management, nursing informatics, and quality improvement. The following prospective students will benefit from the program:
- Nurse managers looking to refine their leadership and strategic management skills
- Nurse administrators aspiring to oversee nursing services and departments
- Healthcare professionals seeking to transition into nursing administration programs
- Recent BSN graduates aiming to gain advanced nursing practice skills
- Healthcare leaders striving for innovative solutions in population health
Learning Outcomes
The Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration) program prepares students for advanced leadership roles in healthcare. Graduates gain a thorough understanding of strategic planning, healthcare policy, and management. They develop the ability to apply evidence-based practices to improve patient care and healthcare outcomes. The program emphasizes building comprehensive skills in strategic leadership, policy management, quality improvement, and team development. The essential learning outcomes are:
Demonstrate Self-Responsibility for Continuous Professional Learning
Integrate Theoretical Models for Improving Healthcare Outcomes for Clients, Families, and Populations
Employ Systematic Inquiry and Quality Improvement Strategies to Enhance Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Health Care Outcomes
Exhibit Leadership Excellence in Systems to Collaborate and Communicate Practice Problems Through Interdisciplinary Teams
Demonstrate Clinical Competence in Master’s Prepared Nursing Roles
Evaluate Health Care Systems, Policy, and Finance to Improve Client Care Within the Health Care System
Implement Safety and Quality Initiatives in Health Care to Improve Health Outcomes and Promote Culturally Responsive, Timely, and Equitable Patient-Centered Care
Utilize Informatics to Plan, Examine, and Enhance Safety and Quality Processes in Health Care Organizations
Real-World Applications
The program equips students to address real-world challenges in healthcare administration. Through case studies, simulations, and practical problem-solving exercises, students learn to manage teams, optimize hospital operations, and implement effective patient care strategies. These hands-on experiences are essential in developing the skills necessary to succeed in high-level administrative roles.
Coursework combines strategic planning, healthcare economics, and leadership theories with practical applications, ensuring graduates understand key concepts and effectively apply them to improve healthcare outcomes and operational efficiency.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Staying current with industry trends is crucial in healthcare administration. The Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration) program incorporates the latest advancements in healthcare technology, policies, and management practices into the curriculum. This includes adopting digital health records, telehealth services, and advanced data analytics that are embedded in the coursework to reflect the evolving healthcare environment.
Faculty members are active professionals and researchers who bring practical insights and innovations into the classroom. This ongoing integration of current knowledge ensures that the program and FHSU graduates remain at the forefront of the field, well-equipped to lead and adapt in a dynamic healthcare landscape.
Hands-on Activities
Students in this program gain practical, hands-on learning experiences. Through virtual simulations, interactive case studies, and project-based assignments, students develop strategies to navigate real-world healthcare challenges. They also participate in discussions and workshops with healthcare leaders, gaining valuable insights into industry best practices and current challenges.
In addition, apprenticeships with healthcare organizations offer additional opportunities to apply classroom concepts in real-world settings. This blend of coursework and real-world experience is designed to equip students with effective leadership and management skills that are essential for success in nursing and healthcare administration.
What You’ll Learn:
- Enhance patient care management skills
- Advance your knowledge of healthcare systems
- Improve quality and safety in healthcare
- Foster team leadership and staff development
- Navigate healthcare laws and regulations
How You’ll Learn:
- Strategic planning in healthcare settings
- Leadership training for senior nursing roles
- Resource management in nursing practice
- Developing and implementing healthcare policies
- Crisis management and conflict resolution
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,139.02* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers a variety of nursing programs designed to support students pursuing advanced careers in healthcare management, nursing education, and clinical practice. Each program focuses on developing specialized skills and expertise, ranging from nursing research fundamentals to curriculum design in nursing education. The following is a list of complementary programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education)
- Master of Professional Science (Public Health Administration)
- Master of Business Administration (Healthcare Management)
Information about the Department of Nursing
FHSU’s Department of Nursing provides programs and courses incorporating the latest technology in a feedback-driven, student-focused environment, where you will interact with highly qualified faculty eager to share their rich clinical and nursing experiences. This supportive environment ensures you are well-prepared for an in-demand degree that leads to a rewarding career.
- Certificate
- Master's
- Online
