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
This course emphasizes the synthesis of concepts, principles, and theories from nursing and related disciplines for advanced practice roles. Students will integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical judgment to navigate complex healthcare scenarios. The course will enhance students' ability to analyze patient care, refine decision-making skills, and develop the advanced practice competencies required for effective healthcare delivery.
- NGR 6803 - Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
This course prepares students to critically appraise and integrate evidence into advanced nursing practice, focusing on translating research into clinical practice. Students will learn advanced methods for evaluating research, applying evidence to improve patient outcomes and leading evidence-based initiatives. The course includes formulating clinical questions, conducting systematic literature reviews, developing evidence-based intervention plans, and exploring ethical considerations in healthcare policy and practice.
- NGR 6893 - Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
3 Credit Hours
Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
This course emphasizes the organizational structure and leadership within healthcare systems, with a focus on healthcare financing, economic impacts, and the role of advanced practice providers in advocating for systemic change and quality improvement. Students will critically analyze and integrate organizational policies, considering socio-economic, ideological, historical, and technological factors. Through practical application, students will develop competencies in aligning processes with strategic organizational goals to enhance healthcare delivery and drive effective change.
- NGR 6638 - Population Health Promotion and Management
3 Credit Hours
Population Health Promotion and Management
This course focuses on complex concepts and theories relevant to population health within the healthcare delivery continuum. Students will integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills, applying systems thinking throughout the four spheres of care to optimize population health outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the role of the advanced practice nurse in optimizing population health outcomes, engaging in effective partnerships, and advocating for strategies that mitigate health inequities.
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
- NGR 6793 - Fiscal Administration for the Health Professional
3 Credit Hours
Fiscal Administration for the Health Professional
This course will focus on developing competencies in applying financial concepts and theories to healthcare settings. Students will gain foundational skills in financial management to assess the fiscal well-being of healthcare systems and make informed, data-driven decisions. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate their ability to analyze financial data and apply financial principles to address various healthcare service needs and challenges.
- NGR 6872 - Information Technology and Data Analysis for Healthcare Professionals
3 Credit Hours
Information Technology and Data Analysis for Healthcare Professionals
This course advances skills in information technology and data analysis for healthcare. Students will explore how technology supports health strategies, educational resource development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By analyzing data and healthcare systems, students will work to improve outcomes and equity. The course emphasizes integrating advanced data analysis and informatics principles to apply evidence-based strategies in addressing complex health challenges within interdisciplinary teams.
- NGR 6734 - Project Development and Management for Healthcare Professionals
3 Credit Hours
Project Development and Management for Healthcare Professionals
This course will equip students with foundational competencies in project management that are tailored to healthcare settings. Students will explore key project management principles, develop strategic project plans, and acquire essential skills for managing projects effectively. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to formulate, implement, and oversee project plans that support organizational objectives and assess project success.
- NGR 6728 - Nursing Leadership Seminar I
3.0 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Seminar I
This This course explores competencies in nursing leadership and management, preparing students for the nurse executive role. The student will investigate leadership models, theories, and styles while understanding the roles and functions of management. Through critical inquiry, students will analyze complex organizational systems and develop an evidence-based plan. Prerequisite: NGR 6111 AND NGR 6638 AND NGR 6803 AND NGR 6893. Co-requisite: NGR 6728L.
- NGR 6728L - Nursing Leadership Practicum I
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Practicum I
This practicum offers experiences in nursing leadership and management. Guided by a preceptor and faculty partner, students will apply leadership models and theories to analyze complex organizational systems and investigate areas of interest. The course emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge to the practice of the nurse executive role. Prerequisite: NGR 6111 AND NGR 6638 AND NGR 6803 AND NGR 6893. Co-requisite: NGR 6728.
- NGR 6729 - Nursing Leadership Seminar II
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Seminar II
Building on foundational competencies in nursing leadership, this seminar course prepares learners for executive roles in nursing. Students will deepen their exploration of leadership models, theories, and styles, gaining a comprehensive understanding of management roles and functions. Through critical inquiry, students will analyze intricate organizational systems and strategically develop evidence-based plans. Prerequisite: NGR 6728/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6729L.
- NGR 6729L - Nursing Leadership Practicum II
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Practicum II
This practicum immerses students in experiences essential for executive roles in nursing. Students will apply leadership models, theories, and styles to strategic planning, budgeting processes, policy development, and problem-solving within healthcare organizations. Through active engagement, students will deepen their understanding of management roles and functions, analyze complex organizational systems, and develop evidence-based solutions to address real-world challenges. Prerequisite: NGR 6728/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6729.
- NGR 6727 - Nursing Leadership Seminar III
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Seminar III
This course enables students to integrate evidence-based practice principles into healthcare system enhancements. Students will apply problem-solving skills to evaluate organizational dynamics and identify barriers to change, developing strategic plans that drive innovation and improvement within healthcare settings. Prerequisite: NGR 6729/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6727L.
- NGR 6727L - Nursing Leadership Practicum III
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Leadership Practicum III
This practicum will focus on creating and applying evidence-based proposals in healthcare organizations. Students will systematically evaluate evidence and use evidence-based models to critically analyze and integrate relevant research into clinical practice, enhancing patient care and organizational effectiveness. Prerequisite: NGR 6727* AND NGR 6729/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6727.
- 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.