Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Leader
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, skilled nurse leaders are needed now more than ever to guide their organizations towards effective change. Take the next step in your career and become a transformational leader in healthcare with your MSN in Nurse Leadership from Houston Christian University.
HCU’s MSN in Nurse Leadership program is designed to equip nurses with the critical competences needed to take on top-level, nonclinical leadership positions in the workplace. Our curriculum generates confident, Christian nurse leaders who are on the path to administration and leadership roles in hospitals, private practice, government agencies, long-term care facilities, community service organizations and private corporations.
At HCU, we put our students first, fostering a close knit learning environment enriched with personalized support. Through a blend of 100% online courses and a practicum experience, you can be on the pathway to success in as little as 24 months all for an affordable price – from anywhere in the United States.
MSN: Nurse Leader Curriculum Overview
MSN: Nurse Leader Program at a Glance
- 35 Credit Hours – Taken 100% Online
- 24 months – To complete
- $20K – Affordable tuition
Nurse Leadership Program Structure
HCU’s MSN in Nurse Leadership program courses are 100% online and asynchronous. At 35 credits, students can complete the program in as little as 24 months. The MSN in Nurse Leadership program is practicum based; providing nursing students with an opportunity to integrate theory and clinical practice under supervision from a mentor.
Online MSN in Nurse Leadership Curriculum
Industry-Aligned Curriculum Enriched with Christian Values
The MSN in Nurse Leadership curriculum is rooted in HCU’s 10 Pillars, enabling students to approach nurse leadership with a well-rounded perspective.
At HCU, our students come first. We understand that graduate school is a big commitment, so we offer personalized support to every student. We set you up for success as a nurse leader.
HCU works to match each student with a clinical supervisor within their organization. This mentorship opportunity helps students maximize their networks and create growth opportunities.
Course Summaries and Highlights
- Theory Integration: Explores theories from social, psychological, medical, nursing, and interpersonal relations as foundations for nursing research, practice, and scholarship.
- Research Integration: Teaches students to integrate appropriate research for resolving clinical issues using evidence-based practice that incorporates patient preferences, clinical expertise, and research data.
- Leadership for Quality, Safety and Health Policy: Examines leadership principles in complex healthcare organizations, quality improvement processes, and policy development with emphasis on political, demographic, and economic influences.
- Advanced Patho-Pharmacology: Explores physiological, pathophysiological, and pharmacologic processes to prepare nurses for roles in leadership and education.
- Leadership Roles & Operations: Introduces leadership roles, styles, and operations in nursing service organizations through 90 clinical hours of practical application.
- Healthcare Finance: Covers healthcare economics principles, reimbursement, budgeting, variance, economic evaluation methods, and business plan development for healthcare programs.
- Advanced Health Assessment and Leadership for Population Health: Focuses on health assessment of patient populations with emphasis on epidemiology, vulnerable populations, and leadership skills for quality management and disaster response.
- Healthcare Operations Immersion: Explores competencies essential for organizational nursing leadership through 90 clinical hours examining administrative, financial, legal, and quality improvement activities in healthcare organizations.
- Healthcare Operations Immersion Clinical: Provides hands-on experience with healthcare operations specialists examining administrative, financial, legal, and quality improvement activities necessary for healthcare organizations.
- Organizational Theory and Culture: Introduces organizational theory, culture, and practice principles in nursing services administration through 120 clinical hours.
- Advanced Healthcare Informatics: Explores core concepts, skills, and tools of health information technologies to promote safety, improve quality, and enhance consumer-centered care.
- Nurse Leader Residency: Integrates previous course content through 200 clinical hours of precepted experience in various non-hospital healthcare systems.
MSN Program Distinctions and Opportunities
Industry-Aligned Curriculum
Industry-aligned coursework and hands-on clinical experiences ensure you are prepared for real-world scenarios in healthcare.
Personalized Support
We’ll match you with a success coach who will assist you with registration, organization, and academic guidance.
Faith-Based Education
The curriculum at HCU encourages students to be passionate nurses leaders who are dedicated to guiding their organizations and communities towards success.
Affordable
Our tuition is competitively priced to deliver immediate ROI. Make the most of annual tuition reimbursement from employers to complete the program affordably.
Nurse Leadership Career Outlook
HCU partners with numerous healthcare organizations, including the Texas Medical Center, to connect students with leading healthcare experts and top facilities so they can hone their clinical skills.
What Our Students And Faculty Are Saying
Learn About the Other MSN Degrees
Review the different Master of Science in Nursing degrees to see which one is the best fit for you: Practitioner, Educator, or Leader.Admissions and Aid
Applicants must be graduates of an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program and hold an unencumbered RN license. They also need at least one year of professional nursing experience. Our admissions team works closely with each student to help them maximize transfer credits.
Take the next steps towards your nursing career:
- Review the steps to becoming a nurse and applying to our online Houston Nursing program
- Review HCU’s Admission Requirements for Prospective Nursing Students
- Submit your application to join the Nursing program
- Contact our admissions advisors if you have any questions.