Nurse smiling at a parent and child during an appointment.

Nurse Executive Online MSN Program Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

 
Want to be at the forefront of nursing’s transformation? Help shape the future of patient care and healthcare delivery with Walden’s CCNE-accredited program.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

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Nurse smiling at a parent and child during an appointment.

Nurse Executive Online MSN Program


Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
  • 02 Step 2: Contact Information

Why Choose Walden?

SET YOUR PACE AND COSTS

With Tempo Learning®, you can personalize the length, cost, and pacing of your MSN online program.

A HIGHER LEVEL OF SUPPORT

With Practicum Pledge™, our dedicated Field Placement Team helps you navigate the process and works with you to achieve a successful placement.*

INNOVATIVE LEARNING

Benefit from in-person and virtual online MSN learning experiences that are personalized, interactive, and impactful.

SHAPE POSITIVE CHANGE

Gain the knowledge and credentials to promote a more equitable healthcare system—and become a beacon of change for your community.

QUALITY CURRICULUM

Our MSN online program is aligned with standards established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

RECOGNIZING EXAMPLARY NURSES

Walden is honored to partner with The DAISY Foundation to acknowledge, inspire, and empower uniquely compassionate nurses.

Program Details

Curriculum and Learning Tracks

We have a path to success for every level in your nursing career.

Choose the BSN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Curriculum Course-Based

Degree Completion Requirements

  • 53–63 quarter credits
    • Core courses (23 cr.)
    • Specialization courses (25 cr. with option to add sub-specialties 10 cr.)
    • Capstone course (5 cr.)

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN

This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 855-694-2946.

 

Curriculum Tempo Learning

The Tempo Learning® degree completion option is ideal for busy working professionals like you. Your progress is measured by the mastery or demonstration of skills, abilities, and knowledge in a particular area of expertise (AoE).

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN

Each competency has been carefully designed by expert faculty with input from employers, with your education and future employment in mind.

Degree Completion Requirements

  • 53 quarter credits
    • Core Competencies (23)
    • Specialization Competencies (30)

Choose the RN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) entering the MSN program with a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing.

Curriculum Course-Based

Degree Completion Requirements

  • 79 quarter credits
    • Foundations courses (26 cr.)
    • Core courses (23 cr.)
    • Specialization courses (25 cr.) with optional sub-specializations (10 cr.)
    • Capstone course (5 cr.)

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN

This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-694-2946.

Curriculum Tempo Learning

The Tempo Learning® degree completion option is ideal for busy working professionals like you. Your progress is measured by the mastery or demonstration of skills, abilities, and knowledge in a particular area of expertise (AoE).

Each competency has been carefully designed by expert faculty with input from employers, with your education and future employment in mind.

Degree Completion Requirements

  • 78 quarter credits
    • Foundation Competencies (25)
    • Core Competencies (23)
    • Specialization Competencies (25)
    • Capstone Competencies (5)

View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN

If you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor's in nursing degree, you can use these tracks to get started on your doctoral nursing degree.

Admission Requirements

Program Admission Considerations (RN-MSN): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN)

Program Admission Considerations (BSN-MSN): A bachelor's degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts.

More information for international applicants.

Personalized Practicum Support

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After you register for the Walden University Practicum Pledge™ (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure your site and preceptor to help you find a match. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your degree journey.

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAMOUNT
Tuition53 quarter credit hours$495 per quarter hour$26,235
Program FeePer quarter$175$1,050
   $27,285*
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION
-$4,950

$22,335†*

*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.

†*Represents course-based learning format, BSN-MSN track, no optional sub-specializations, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAMOUNT
Tuition26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours$425 per quarter hour$11,050
  53 MSN quarter credit hours$495 per quarter hour $26,235
Program FeePer quarter$175$1,400
   $38,685*
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION
-$4,950

$33,735†*

*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 35 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.

†*Represents course-based learning format, RN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.

Walden’s Tempo Learning® program options follow a subscription-based pricing format. Students are billed a flat rate for each three-month subscription term. All pricing is represented in U.S. dollars and is subject to change.

ProgramSubscription Period TuitionSubscription Period PROGRAM FeeSubscription Period Time Frame
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)$3,000*$1753-month subscription period
You may be able to complete your MS in Nursing degree in 14 months for under $13,000 for select specializations.*

*Represents Tempo Learning® format, BSN-MSN option, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs will depend on your individual pace and transfer credits. A student’s pace is usually determined by their experience, ability to work independently, and availability. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.

 

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for this program. Our financial aid advisors can help you identify funding opportunities to help you pay for your education.

With Tempo Learning, you may be able to complete your MSN degree in as few as 14 months for as low as $13,000 for select specializations.*

*Represents BSN-MSN option, Tempo Learning® format, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Scholarship Details for more information.

Program Outcomes

Become a Champion of Better Patient Care

In leadership, confidence is everything. Walden’s nursing administration MSN program focuses on engaging practice and realistic preparation to help embolden you for challenges beyond the classroom. Explore topics such as policy and advocacy, management strategy, finance, human resources, and quality management as you build the skills and poise to be an effective nursing leader.

Career Outlook

As the need for healthcare services grows over the next decade, organizations will require qualified nursing leaders to meet that demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28% from 2021 to 2031.2

An MSN leadership and management degree can empower you to create extraordinary, effective solutions to today’s most critical healthcare challenges. Open new doors to your future and become the leader and changemaker you were always meant to be.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Walden’s online MSN-Nurse Executive program will be prepared to:

  • Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
  • Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
  • Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
  • Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
  • Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
  • Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.

Resources

FAQ About Walden's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive Specialization

What is a nurse executive?

Nurse executives are leaders in the healthcare field. These nurses are skilled in organizational policy, staff management, strategic planning, budgeting, mentoring, and a host of other high-level duties.

What are the education requirements for the role of nurse executive?

The path many RNs take to top leadership positions includes a master’s degree in nursing, the academic credential most employers prefer or require. Many healthcare organizations also require several years of nursing management experience. As you explore nursing school options, look for an online MSN program that’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The best master’s in nursing programs offer a nurse executive specialization to help sharpen your skills, expand your knowledge, and prepare you to lead at the highest levels in healthcare. A leadership in nursing focus may include courses in finance and economics, human resources, and strategic planning, along with core courses on improving care, technology, research, leadership, and much more.

Where do nurse executives work?

Nurse executives manage healthcare facilities, medical offices, or departments of all sizes and kinds. Whether these nurses lead sprawling healthcare facilities or moderately sized medical offices, they must use well-developed leadership, business, and communication skills. They must draw on deep experience and knowledge and adhere to the highest professional standards.

What does a nurse executive do?

A nurse executive’s role is similar to those of top executives in other industries. Nurse executives may oversee drafting organizational policies, strategic planning, budgeting, supervising a team of direct reports, and a host of other high-level duties. Simply put, nurse executives are leaders.

What’s it like to take an MSN-Nurse Executive program online?

Learning Environment

Walden’s MSN-Nurse Executive program’s online classroom features state-of-the-art learning technologies, media, and support materials. From interactive simulations, engaging case studies, and a robust online library, you will be highly prepared to earn your credentials as a nurse executive.

Student Support

Walden’s MSN program offers a robust support staff that is dedicated to your success, which includes student success advising, graduation counseling, and practicum coordinators. 

Quality Program

Walden’s MSN-Nurse Executive program, developed by scholar-practitioners who are also industry experts, is taught by didactic faculty who are 100% doctorally prepared.1 This expertise helps ensure that the program curriculum covers relevant, real-world scenarios that allow students to develop the skills nurses need to be successful. Walden’s MSN program with a specialization in Nurse Executive is consistent with the Nurse Executive Competencies from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL).

1100% of College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally prepared; clinical faculty are either doctorally prepared or are APRNs with many years of advanced practice training as a licensed nurse practitioner.

What makes Walden’s MSN-Nurse Executive program different from others?

Walden’s MSN-Nurse Executive program is developed by industry experts who have been working in the field as nurse executives. Students are presented with case studies and real-world scenarios that immerse them in the role of the nurse leader/executive so they can engage in effective decision making and address issues in the healthcare workplace related to finance, human resource management, and effective leadership strategies to promote inclusivity, diversity, collaboration, and teamwork.

How does Walden prepare me for certification?

Walden’s Nurse Executive specialization is consistent with the Nurse Executive Competencies from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). Although Walden does not offer certification in this area, optional Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). In addition, optional certification as a Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) and Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) is offered by AONL.

Why should you earn your MSN with a specialization in Nurse Executive online?

Online education offers a convenient way for working professionals to advance their nursing careers. When you decide to earn your master’s in nursing from an online university, you can complete your coursework right from home. Plus, online MSN programs let you choose when in the day you attend class, providing you with the level of flexibility you need to complete your degree while you continue to work full time. Walden’s Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Executive is delivered through an online learning platform that connects you with expert faculty and the resources and support you need to be successful throughout your program and beyond.

What are some courses you might take in an MSN program with a specialization in Nurse Executive program?

Here are two examples of the online courses you will take while earning your MSN with a specialization in Nurse Executive at Walden:

Managing Human Resources
Nurse mentoring and personnel leadership are essential functions of nurse administrators. Students in this course review the nurse administrator’s role and responsibilities, and current legal, ethical, professional, and practice policies and standards. You'll also learn about technology that supports human resources tasks and about the value of staff satisfaction and interorganizational collaboration.

Finance and Economics in Healthcare Delivery
Learn about the fundamentals of finance and budgeting in healthcare delivery and apply financial principles, such as budgeting processes used in multiple healthcare settings and the nurse administrator’s responsibilities within the context of leading and managing resources. Explore budget development and management of operational and capital resources, and also explore the influence of private and public policies and budgeting models.

 
Is our MSN-Nurse Executive program accredited by the CCNE?

Yes, Walden’s MSN-Nurse Executive program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In fact, three of Walden’s nursing degree programs are CCNE accredited: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.

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1Bureau of Labor Statistics | Medical and Health Services Managers

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

Program Note: The MSN program with a specialization in Nurse Executive, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, or Public Health Nursing is not a licensure-leading program and will not prepare students as nurse practitioners.

Note on Certification: Walden’s MSN program is designed to provide the academic degree required to apply for national certifications. Because no graduate program can guarantee that graduates will achieve national certification, we encourage students to consult the appropriate credentialing center for the specific requirements. It is an individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information about certification programs, students should contact the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.nursingworld.org/ancc, or other certification websites.

Note on Competency-Based MSN Specializations
Walden University is currently unable to accept applications for the competency-based MSN specializations in Nurse Executive, Nursing Education, and Nursing Informatics from residents of the following states: Alaska, New York, and Rhode Island.

Walden University’s competency-based options are priced as an all-you-can learn model, where students subscribe to three-month learning periods instead of paying for courses or credit hours. Walden offers monthly starts, the first Monday of every month, for the competency-based option.

Note on Field Experience and Relocating
Students who are considering relocating are advised to contact their Student Success Advisor prior to any decision to relocate in order to determine how relocation may impact progress in their program. Advisors can provide information and guidance on how relocating may result in possible changes, restrictions, and/or additional requirements affecting field experience. Each Board of Nursing and Higher Education Authority governs the field experience rules and regulations in their respective states, and students may be unable to complete field experience in the state in which they plan to relocate. While Walden is committed to working collaboratively with students to secure field sites across the United States, it is imperative that students contact their Student Success Advisor immediately when considering relocating.