An online master’s degree in nursing may prepare individuals for leadership and managerial roles in a healthcare setting. In this one to two-year program, students may learn how to organize and maintain healthcare facility records, manage healthcare staff, and foster relationships between medical staff and physicians. Program coursework may include core nursing coursework including healthcare finance, advanced nursing roles, and organizational behavior.

Upon completion of the program, students may either seek employment or further their education by pursuing a doctoral degree. Master’s-level graduates may obtain employment in government health programs, hospitals, medical clinics, outpatient therapy programs, and hospice facilities.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 22% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for master’s-level nursing degree programs may include core nursing classes as well as electives of the student’s chosen specialized path. These courses may teach students how to manage nursing staff and healthcare professionals, maintain and manage a budget, and set and carry out goals. Core online nursing courses may include the following:

• Advanced Nursing Roles
• Foundations of Advanced Nursing
• Advanced Statistics for Health Sciences
• Ethical and Legal Perspectives in Healthcare
• Leadership and Organizational Behavior
• Healthcare Finance
• Healthcare Technology

Career Options

Master’s-level graduates may seek opportunities in hospitals, group medical practices, nursing homes, hospice facilities, and home health programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services management employment opportunities are projected to increase by 22% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Nurse Manager
• Director of Nursing
• Chief Nursing Officer
• Hospital Unit Manager
• Clinical Manager

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete a master’s degree program may have the opportunity to enhance their education by enrolling in a doctoral degree program. A doctoral degree in nursing may provide students with advanced skills in leadership, healthcare management, and patient advocacy. Employers may require a bachelor’s degree at minimum to qualify for a nurse management position; however, some employers may require a master’s degree.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook