Nursing roles and responsibilities are expanding as the healthcare system changes. You can grow your leadership and management skills when you enroll in an online nursing leadership master of science in nursing (MSN) program.
Your career in bedside nursing can give you the foundation needed to lead nurses. It can also help you develop innovative strategies that support the profession. Online MSN leadership programs can offer you the opportunity to cost effectively complete advanced education while working.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online MSN in nursing leadership programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Featured Online MSN Programs
Why Is Accreditation Important for an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership?
Two accreditation organizations help ensure that nursing programs meet state and national standards. These are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Nursing accreditation plays an important role in nursing education. There are many advantages to attending an accredited program, including:
- Accreditation is necessary for a nursing license or certification.
- Better employment opportunities as many healthcare institutions require a degree from an accredited program.
- Most doctoral programs or other master's programs do not accept applicants from an unaccredited program.
- Accreditation validates the quality of education and that it meets state and national standards.
- Federal financial aid is not offered to students in an unaccredited program.
- Private foundations and companies that offer scholarships and grants may also require accreditation.
- Students in an unaccredited program cannot transfer credits to an accredited program.
- Nurse educator positions also require a degree from an accredited program.
Learn More About the Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs and Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs of 2023
Mississippi College
- Clinton, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Mississippi College's School of Nursing, students can complete a 36-credit online master of science in nursing with a clinical nurse leader track. The college offers a full- and part-time track, which last two or four years, respectively.
Nurses learn how to make authoritative decisions in healthcare settings and prepare for the clinical nurse leader certification exam. The program also requires 400 hours of clinical placement with preceptor oversight, including 40 hours of clinical immersion.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing – clinical nurse leader track
- Campus: Clinton, Mississippi
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $681 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum 2.5 GPA; at least a "C" grade in a statistics or research course; current RN license; at least two years of experience recommended but not required
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 96% pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs of 2023
University of Iowa
- Iowa City, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Iowa offers a master of science (MSN) with a clinical nurse leader concentration. Learners complete 36 hours of coursework and 490 hours of practice experience. They can choose either a two- or three-year plan of study.
Although most of the degree takes place online, students visit the Iowa City campus for orientation. The program culminates in a clinical immersion capstone during students' last semester. MSN candidates implement and defend a capstone project before graduating.
- Program(s): Master of science – clinical nurse leader
- Campus: Iowa City, Iowa
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: For two-year plan of study: $41,330 for Iowa residents; $78,390 for out-of-state students. For three-year plan of study: $41,470 for Iowa residents; $78,550 for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license; at least one year of experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 21 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2018): 98% pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs of 2023
Montana State University
- Bozeman, MT
- 4 years
- Online
At Montana State University, the master of nursing program with the clinical nurse leader track prepares RNs to become nurse managers and chief nursing officers. The university facilitates the degree with a primarily online format through distance learning. At the end of the program, students sit for the clinical nurse leadership certification exam.
Students who qualify for the Rural Ready Nurse Practitioner Program can get involved with additional training in rural health outreach. They also become eligible for up to $17,500 to help cover tuition and travel costs.
- Program(s): Master of nursing – clinical nurse leader
- Campus: Bozeman, Montana
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Tuition: $5,712 per year for Montana residents; $18,514 per year for non-residents
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: About 21 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Primarily online
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 83.59% pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $78,343 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs of 2023
Lander University
- Greenwood, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students who graduate from the master of science in nursing (MSN) program at Lander University with a concentration in clinical nurse leader qualify to sit for the clinical nurse leader certification exam. MSN candidates enroll in courses like management of clinical outcomes and healthcare structure and finance in an entirely online format.
The degree requires 39 credits of coursework, in addition to 400 clinical practice hours. Students complete the clinical hours through an immersion program in their local areas. Learners also take on a graduate synthesis project toward the end of their studies.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing – clinical nurse leader
- Campus: Greenwood, South Carolina
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $3,270 per semester
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA; at least a "C" in a statistics course; current RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: About 21 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
Percent Online Enrollment
81%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs of 2023
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
- Fayette, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Central Methodist University offers a master of science in nursing with a clinical nurse leader specialization through online learning. The program requires 34 credits for completion, which include concentration courses like nursing leadership and healthcare finances and economics. Before graduating, students must enroll in two residency courses to carry out their clinical hours.
The school admits a cohort of 10-12 people per term, with students beginning their studies in August or January.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing – clinical nurse leader
- Campus: Fayette, Missouri
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $390 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with minimum 3.0 GPA; at least a "C" grade in a statistics course; current RN license
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 96.43% pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs of 2023
Spring Hill College
- Mobile, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Jesuit Spring Hill College, master of science in nursing candidates can complete a master's program with an executive leadership specialization in one year. The 36-credit degree does not require a campus residency component, but learners do participate in clinical hours as part of the program. Incoming students can transfer in credits, and they can choose either a part- or full-time option.
Currently, the college is awaiting pending legislation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for its online nursing programs.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing -- clinical nurse leader
- Campus: Mobile, Alabama
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (pending); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $411 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 23 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 96.78% pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
77%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs of 2023
Morningside College
- Sioux City, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of science in nursing (MSN) degree with a clinical nurse leader track at Iowa-based Morningside University teaches RNs how to advance their career with skills like coordination of care and evidence-based practice. The curriculum includes 38 credits of coursework and 500 clinical/practicum hours. The program also offers a full- or part-time track.
Before MSN candidates graduate, they participate in a one-day residency on the Sioux City campus. This serves as students' final capstone. During the program, learners also attend a three-day skills lab.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing – clinical nurse leader
- Campus: Sioux City, Iowa
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $590 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: About 21 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 80.77% pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs of 2023
University of Southern Maine
- Portland, ME
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Unlike many other nursing leadership programs, the MSN in nursing leadership and administration at the University of Southern Maine trains students in business management in addition to advanced nursing practice.
The online program facilitates six start dates throughout the year. Learners enroll in 36 credits in total. Some of the 12 courses cover business-related matters in healthcare, such as organizational theory and behavior and healthcare finance, budgeting and planning. Students complete the course with a two-part practicum.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing – nursing administration and leadership
- Campus: Portland, Maine
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; New England Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $430 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with minimum 3.0 GPA; at least a "C" grade in a statistics course; current RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 73.26% pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $95,169 for master's graduates according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Program
The following key metrics contributed to the overall ranking of the best online nursing leadership master's programs. Pay attention to these data points as you consider the MSN degree programs that could best meet your needs.
While each of our programs rank highly, take care to figure out which will be the best online MSN in nursing leadership program for you.
Admission Requirements
While many programs maintain similar admission requirements, some may request certain materials or expect students to complete prerequisites. Be sure you are qualified to attend a program before you apply.
Clinical Experience
Candidates must complete clinical experience to earn an MSN in nursing leadership. While many schools let distance learners fulfill their clinical requirements at a facility near the candidate's home, others might expect online students to travel to a certain location.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-reviewed process by an established agency. It validates the program meets established quality standards. Each of the programs in our ranking is accredited.
Program Graduation Rate
This gives a student insight into how many students finish their degree in a given time. It is often expressed as a percentage. The program graduation rate is one measure of a program's quality of education.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online programs do not use a consistent user interface or have consistent technological requirements. Students must evaluate the online learning format in light of their learning style and ensure they can meet the technological requirements.
How Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs Work
MSN leadership programs offer candidates a pathway to becoming effective nursing leaders. While most coursework is completed online, programs must also offer online nursing students as much hands-on clinical experience as possible to achieve their goals. Clinical experiences may also include real-time simulation and virtual reality training in nursing education.
Program length depends on whether the candidate is full time or part time. Many students can finish an online nursing leadership master's program in 2-3 years. Some programs offer students the opportunity to complete the program in less than one year.
Coursework includes business case analysis, nursing leadership and management, strategic planning, and managing resources. At the completion of the MSN leadership program, candidates may earn a nurse executive board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Applying to an an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Program
Master's in nursing leadership programs have admission requirements that candidates must meet to be accepted. Prospective students should compile the necessary admission material and request the necessary references. Typical MSN leadership programs requirements include:
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Admission Requirements
Before admission to a nursing leadership master's program, a candidate must have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program, an unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license, and completed an undergraduate statistics course.
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Admission Materials
Candidates must submit a copy of their nursing license, completed application, criminal background check and drug screening, official school transcripts, and letters of reference. Most administrative programs do not require RN work experience.
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GPA Requirement
Candidates are required to have a minimum GPA ranging from 2.5-3.2 depending on the MSN program.
Paying for an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs
The cost of a master's in nursing leadership program varies depending on the program's length, if the school is public or private, and if the candidate is an in-state or out-of-state student. While these programs can be costly, part-time, working students may be able to pay out of pocket. Consider the following financial aid options for nurses:
- Student Loans: Students may take out a federal government or private loan to help finance an MSN nursing leadership program. These must be paid back. Some loans can be deferred while the student is in school.
- Scholarships: Nursing scholarships are not repaid and are awarded based on meeting specific requirements. This often includes a minimum GPA. Some scholarships are designed for nursing students from specific populations.
- Grants: Grants are usually awarded on a need basis. They do not require repayment. Some grants for nurses also have other requirements, such as location, GPA, or membership in an organization.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement benefits for nurses. However, candidates must often sign a work commitment. The length of the commitment may depend on how much assistance you accept.
- Loan Forgiveness: Student loan forgiveness programs often come with requirements the candidate must meet. This can include a work commitment of at least two years and sometimes more. There are several loan forgiveness options for nurses.
What Can You Do With an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership?
Candidates graduating from an online MSN leadership program are qualified to work in healthcare institutions, home healthcare, and education. This includes roles as unit director, chief nursing officer, clinical nurse leader, patient care director, or dean of nursing.
Candidates must have an unencumbered RN license and employers may require relevant certification, such as a certified hospice and palliative care administrator or certified professional in health risk management.
Clinical Nurse Leader
These professionals oversee nursing teams and are responsible for coordinating care within a healthcare system. This can include clinics, urgent care settings, or independent practice.
Salary
$84,340
Payscale, November 2022
Learn More About CNLs
Nurse Administrator
Nurse administrators are highly trained professionals who oversee nursing staff in healthcare institutions or within a physician- or nurse practitioner-led practice. It can take up to eight years to achieve this goal.
Salary
$89,530
Payscale, November 2022
Learn More About Nurse Administrators
An MSN degree is highly flexible and offers nurses unique opportunities within healthcare. You may want to consider other highly paid MSN career choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSN in Nursing Leadership
How long does it take to get an MSN in nursing leadership?
Depending on the path the candidate chooses, it can take 6-8 years. A BSN program takes four years to complete. MSN nursing leadership programs do not require clinical experience. Nurses can complete a BSN and enroll immediately in an MSN leadership program, completing it in 2-4 years part time or full time.
What are the best careers for nurses with an MSN in nursing leadership?
The best career is one that satisfies and fulfills the candidate. A degree in nursing leadership offers ample opportunities. Candidates can choose to work in healthcare institutions, business settings, or home healthcare.
What courses can you expect to take while earning an MSN in nursing leadership?
Candidates can expect to take classes in organizational and system leadership, policy and advocacy, healthcare and technology, business case analysis, and strategic planning.
How can I know if an MSN in nursing leadership is right for me?
Candidates should do an honest appraisal of their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the type of work they enjoy. Nursing leaders are decision-makers, teachers, administrators, and strong communicators. Candidates who rather work with patients will be frustrated working in a nursing leadership role.
Page Last Reviewed: November 7, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
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