Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nursing Leadership
Attain a competitive advantage for leadership nursing roles.
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Nursing Leadership, MSN Overview
University of West Florida’s online nursing leadership master’s degree program will give you the skills and knowledge needed to pursue administrative roles in areas such as nursing informatics, case management, risk management, quality improvement and more. As you learn from nurse educators who are highly experienced in the field, you’ll build a strong foundation in nursing leadership and project management.
Designed for working nurses, the online program features an asynchronous format that allows you to fit your studies into your busy schedule and can be completed in 24 months.
Our nursing leadership online program will develop your nursing leadership skills and equip you with the tools you need to improve healthcare processes and outcomes. You’ll study topics that include:
- Financial concepts, principles and theories used in the healthcare industry
- Using technology and information systems to assess programs and outcomes of care, financial decision making and patient safety and care systems
- Development and implementation of basic project plans that can support organizational objectives in a healthcare organization
- Nursing leadership models, styles and theories, along with the functions and roles of management
- Strategic organizational decision making within the healthcare system
- Improvement of processes and outcomes in a healthcare organization
It also includes three practicum courses in which you will acquire 90 hours of practical experience in a nursing leadership role. An additional 135 hours focuses on identifying and resolving a healthcare organization issue through strategic planning, policy development and more.
Accreditation
The master’s degree in nursing at UWF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Licensed RNs with a BSN who want to advance into executive nursing roles
- Nurses hoping to enter professions in case management, informatics or risk management
- Current nurses seeking better job opportunities and want to increase their earning potential
Learning Outcomes
- Implement financial principles, concepts and theories in a healthcare environment
- Evaluate the financial status of healthcare systems and decisions
- Discern information using various analysis, classification and management tools
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online nursing leadership master’s degree program includes a total of 39 credit hours. Through the program’s common core courses, you’ll explore advanced topics in nursing. The nursing leadership specialization courses, a total of 27 credit hours, focus on subjects that will help you become a strong nursing leader.
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
3 Credit Hours
Foundations of Nursing Science
The course includes the synthesis of concepts, principles and theories of nursing and related disciplines as applied to the role of the nurse in advanced practice.
- NGR 6803 - Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
This course explores complex concepts and theories including rapid critical appraisal of evidence in preparation for translation to nursing practice. The course includes the evidence-based practice process and steps in evidence-based quality improvement project implemention. The course prepares the nurse to function as a catalyst for change.
- NGR 6893 - Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
3 Credit Hours
Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
This course assists the learner to synthesize organizational theory and leadership to influence health policy within the context of current complex healthcare systems. The learner will analyze policy from a socio-economic, ideological, political, historical and technological perspective while integrating clinical management processes and utilization of community resources. Content will focus on the organizational structure of healthcare systems, healthcare financing and economic implications and the role of the provider in policy making.
- NGR 6638 - Population Health Promotion and Management
3 Credit Hours
Population Health Promotion and Management
The purpose of this course is to involve the learner in recognizing the span of population health in the healthcare delivery continuum. Learners will explore their role in managing population health by engaging in effective partnerships and advocacy strategies that mitigate health inequities. Emphasis is on the role of the advanced practice nurse in population management through systems thinking, health promotion and illness prevention, to optimize population health outcomes.
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
- NGR 6793 - Fiscal Administration for the Health Professional
3 Credit Hours
Fiscal Administration for the Health Professional
The focus of this course is on the application of financial concepts, principles and theories in the healthcare industry. Foundational financial management processes equip the student with business and financial skills for assessing the fiscal status of healthcare systems and data driven decisions. The course culminates with the development of a business case for an identified service or problem resolution.
- NGR 6872 - Information Technology and Data Analysis for Healthcare Professionals
3 Credit Hours
Information Technology and Data Analysis for Healthcare Professionals
The focus of this course in on the use of information systems/technology to evaluate programs of care, outcomes of care, financial decision making and patient safety and care systems to influence quality improvement. The course introduces methods for making sense of both small and big data through analysis, categorization and management.
- NGR 6734 - Project Development and Management for Healthcare Professionals
3 Credit Hours
Project Development and Management for Healthcare Professionals
This course provides a foundation for project management as it applies to healthcare. Development of health project ideas, implementation strategies and skill sets for project management and sustainment are specific foci. At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to develop, execute and manage a basic project plan that is capable of supporting organizational objectives linked to measures of success for a single project.
- NGR 6728 - Nursing Leadership Seminar I
3.0 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Seminar I
This initial specialization seminar course explores complex theories and concepts in nursing leadership and management, beginning the preparation of the learner for the nurse executive role. The course will investigate leadership models, theories and styles as well as roles and functions of management. Complex organizational systems are explored to include structure, mission, philosophy, goals, objectives, basic financial management, human resources, accrediting processes and the political environment. Prerequisite: NGR 6111 AND NGR 6638 AND NGR 6734 AND NGR 6793 AND NGR 6803 AND NGR 6872 AND NGR 6893.
- NGR 6728L - Nursing Leadership Practicum I
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Practicum I
The Nurse Executive Role Practicum course provides the student with 90 hours leadership role practicum to become proficient in applying concepts, principles and theories from previous courses to the role and functions of the nurse leader/executive. The student is guided by a designated leader/executive preceptor and faculty partner. Prerequisite: NGR 6111 AND NGR 6638 AND NGR 6734 AND NGR 6793 AND NGR 6803 AND NGR 6872 AND NGR 6893. Co-requisite: NGR 6728.
- NGR 6729 - Nursing Leadership Seminar II
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Seminar II
This is the second of the Nursing Leadership Seminars with the focus on nursing administrators/leaders making strategic organizational decisions within the healthcare system. The course explores healthcare as a business, the organizational culture and strategic planning. Quality outcomes, both healthcare and financial as well as the development and management of projects are explored. The impact of external regulatory factors on a complex healthcare system(s) are assessed. Prerequisite: NGR 6728/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6729L.
- NGR 6729L - Nursing Leadership Practicum II
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Practicum II
The Nurse Executive Practicum II provides the student with 135 hours of a focused role immersion practicum concentrating on strategic planning, budgeting processes, policy development, identification and/or resolution of a healthcare organization problem or challenge. Prerequisite: NGR 6728/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6729.
- NGR 6727 - Nursing Leadership Seminar III
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Seminar III
In this course the student synthesizes and applies concepts, models and principles of evidence-based practice to improve processes and outcomes in the healthcare system. Organizational dynamics and resistance to change are appraised in the processes of project development and implementation. The student formulates strategies to serve as a catalyst for change. Prerequisite: NGR 6729/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6727L, NGR 6835.
- NGR 6727L - Nursing Leadership Practicum III
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Practicum III
This course focuses on the proposal development process and is centered on principles of evidence-based nursing practice utilizing an evidence based model for evaluating available evidence for its applicability to practice. Leadership behaviors which promote change and implementation of evidence-based practice is a primary focus. Prerequisite: NGR 6727 AND NGR 6729/L.
- NGR 6793 - Fiscal Administration for the Health Professional
Some UWF academic programs prepare students to sit for licensure in Florida. In order to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations for professional licensure, UWF is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of Florida. UWF cannot confirm whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure outside of the State of Florida. Please contact applicable licensure board(s) in any state you may want to pursue licensure prior to beginning the academic program in order to determine whether the program meets licensure requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm program eligibility for licensure in any state outside Florida.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into UWF’s nursing leadership online program, you must:
- Have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an NLNAC, ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale or a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of coursework on the BSN
- Successfully complete an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better
- Possess a current unencumbered U.S. registered nurse license (express admission students are required to become licensed as a registered nurse to practice in a state or territory of the United States by the end of the first semester of enrollment to progress in the program)
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended
- Submit a copy of your curriculum vitae that includes your work history, educational background and community service involvement
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Full Online Program Tuition | $425 per credit hour | $16,575.00 |
| Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 9) | $425 per credit hour | $12,750.00 |
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to six semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 844.372.9390 or request information.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Military Students
UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our nursing leadership online program, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.
Nurse Administrators
Responsible for hiring nursing staff and ensuring that nurses are providing the best quality care, nurse administrators may also directly work with patients. They may also collaborate with a facility’s upper management to determine ways to improve patient care. Nurse administrators earn an average wage of $84,328 per year.
Nurse Case Managers
Generally employed at a hospital or nursing home, nurse case managers collaborate with patients and their providers to decide on the type of required care. Sometimes, they may assess the patient and perform exams. The average annual salary for nurse case managers is $70,153.
Healthcare Administrators
Healthcare administrators manage the medical and health services of an entire facility, department or medical practice. They strive to improve the quality and efficiency of their organization’s care services and ensure that the organization is current on regulations. Healthcare administrators earn a median salary of $98,350 per year, and employment is expected to grow 20 percent through 2026.