Nursing Leadership and Administration Concentration in Nursing
A nursing leadership and administration concentration prepares nurses for management roles in healthcare organizations, including nurse manager, director of nursing, and chief nursing officer positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual wages for registered nurses were $93,600 in May 2024. Nurse leaders in administrative roles often earn significantly above this median, particularly in hospital and health system settings.
Quick Answers
What is a nursing leadership and administration concentration in nursing?
A nursing leadership concentration is a focused set of courses within an MSN program that prepares nurses for management, executive, and administrative roles in healthcare organizations.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework covers healthcare finance, organizational management, quality improvement, strategic planning, and leadership practicum in healthcare administration settings.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer nursing leadership concentrations fully online, with practicum hours completed at local healthcare organizations.
Back to Nursing Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Healthcare management, administration, and executive leadership
- Degree level: Master’s (MSN) or post-master’s certificate
- Career alignment: Registered Nurse / Nurse Manager ($93,600 median RN, BLS May 2024)
- Certification: AONL (CNML or NEA-BC) certification options
- Online fit: High – coursework is management-focused
- Practicum: Administrative leadership practicum at healthcare organizations
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Nursing Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Finance | Budgeting, cost analysis, reimbursement models, financial planning |
| Organizational Management | Staffing models, workflow optimization, change management |
| Quality Improvement | Patient safety metrics, process improvement, accreditation standards |
| Strategic Planning | Mission alignment, service line development, competitive analysis |
| Healthcare Policy | Regulatory environment, advocacy, policy impact on nursing practice |
| Leadership Practicum | Supervised experience in administrative or executive nursing roles |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- Does the program include a leadership or administrative practicum?
- Does the program prepare you for AONL certification (CNML or NEA-BC)?
- Is the curriculum aligned with AONE competencies for nurse leaders?
- Can all coursework be completed online?
- Is the program accredited by CCNE or ACEN?
How nursing concentrations compare
| Concentration | Focus Area | Related BLS Career | Median Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner | Primary care across lifespan | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Adult-Gerontology | Acute/primary care for adults and elderly | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health | Mental health assessment and treatment | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Nurse Educator | Teaching in academic and clinical settings | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
| Nursing Informatics | Health IT, data management, EHR systems | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
| Nursing Leadership | Healthcare administration and management | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.