The Best Online Nursing Leadership Programs
Credit: FatCamera / E+ / Getty ImagesEarning a graduate degree in nursing leadership can expand your healthcare knowledge, introduce new career opportunities, and increase your earning potential. This degree can land you a role as a nurse manager, nursing director, or even a chief nursing officer.
Read more to learn about how nursing leadership programs work, eligibility requirements, career options post graduation, and the top-ranking online nursing programs for prospective nurse leaders.
Why Is Accreditation Important for an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership?
Choosing an accredited nursing leadership program is important because it increases the likelihood graduates will be adequately prepared for clinical and community-based leadership roles. Nursing school accreditation proves a nursing program meets specific educational standards established by accrediting bodies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Accredited MSN leadership programs undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure graduates have a high chance of meeting leadership role competencies such as communication, relationship-building, professionalism, and business skills. Accreditation also makes candidates eligible for financial aid and gives them the ability to transfer course credits to other accredited schools.
All nursing leadership programs in our rankings are accredited.
Learn More About the Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs and Schools
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$18,200
- Out-of-state$18,200
- In-State$11,610
- Out-of-state$11,610
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate29%
- Students Enrolled4,667
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
University of Iowa
- Iowa City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$8,073
- Out-of-state$30,036
- In-State$10,079
- Out-of-state$26,026
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled30,318
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Montana State University
- Bozeman, MT
- 4 year
- 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
- In-State$5,654
- Out-of-state$25,087
- In-State$5,089
- Out-of-state$19,660
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled16,218
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Lander University
- Greenwood, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$10,700
- Out-of-state$20,300
- In-State$8,856
- Out-of-state$16,844
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled3,513
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
- Fayette, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$5,950
- Out-of-state$5,950
- In-State$6,075
- Out-of-state$6,075
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled3,429
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Spring Hill College
- Mobile, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$39,336
- Out-of-state$39,336
- In-State$7,182
- Out-of-state$7,182
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled1,191
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Morningside College
- Sioux City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$32,460
- Out-of-state$32,460
- In-State$5,400
- Out-of-state$5,400
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled2,411
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern Maine
- Portland, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$8,064
- Out-of-state$21,532
- In-State$7,776
- Out-of-state$21,348
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled8,022
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online 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. This list was created before 2025.
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
Nursing leadership programs are designed for nurses who desire to lead in the healthcare field in various capacities and settings. In preparation of this role, candidates must take business-related courses, such as nursing management, healthcare business, and resource management. Prior to graduation, students are required to develop a leadership project and present it to faculty.
Nursing leadership programs can be completed entirely online and last about 2-3 years, but school choice and enrollment status can influence the time it takes to finish. Some programs can take less than a year if students already hold a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN). Registered nurses (RN) with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can finish in about three years through an RN-to-MSN bridge program.
Applying to an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Program
Every school has its own eligibility requirements for entry into nursing leadership programs, but generally candidates must fill out an application and submit documents that show they have the educational and professional qualifications to lead other nurses. This includes proof of RN license, clinical experience, and soft skills for nurses.
- Admission Materials: Candidates must hold an RN license and BSN, show proof of a completed statistics course, and have at least one year of experience, although for some schools this is not required.
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 (some schools will accept a 2.5, but this is not as common)
- Other Requirements: Internet access and computer software for course access; recommendations letters and resumes or CVs can help prove clinical experience and soft nursing skills.
What Can You Do With an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership?
Graduates from online MSN leadership programs 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 a nursing school.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Leadership Programs
To become a nurse leader, you need an undergraduate nursing degree, RN license, nursing experience, then a graduate nursing degree. Degree programs for prospective nurse leaders include clinical nurse leader, executive leadership, and nursing leadership and administration.
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