The job market for aspiring nurses is growing tremendously, as healthcare professionals continue to be in high demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for Registered Nurses are expected to experience an above average growth of 12% in the years from 2018 to 2028. The job growth rate for Medical and Health Services Managers is even higher, at 18% in the same time period.
Therefore, if you are planning on joining the nursing administration field, now would be a great time to do so. The following guide on the best online nursing administration degrees would be of help.
What Is Nursing Administration?
Nursing administration relates to the study of leadership roles in nursing. It refers to a number of management, supervisory, and executive occupations in a variety of healthcare settings. Leadership roles in nursing are taken up by chief nursing executives at the top level, by directors of nursing at the middle management level, and nurse managers at the practice level.
Best Online Nursing Administration Degrees
Numerous colleges across the US offer stellar online nursing administration programs. These include the likes of the George Washington University, University of Cincinnati, University of Houston, Bradley University, University of Houston, and Clarkson College, among many others. The program structure of these degrees varies according to college and degree level. Bear in mind though that most of the nursing administration programs are at the master’s level.
What Can You Do with an Online Nursing Administration Degree?
There are a variety of career options for graduates of online nursing administration degrees. Let’s take a look at a few of these.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Also known as healthcare executives, these professionals plan and direct all medical health services under their command. They manage entire teams and facilities and are required to quickly adapt to the changing marketplace.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $100,980 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 18% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $115,160 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 36,940 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $150,040 |
Top Executives
The field of nursing requires top level executives to manage its various functions. The following data has been extracted from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for all kinds of Top Executives.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $104,690 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 6% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $123,030 (General and Operations Managers) | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 259,550 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New Jersey | $164,090 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What to Expect from an Online Nursing Administration Degree?
Online Nursing Administration degrees expose students to a variety of subjects such as Health Care Research Analysis, Leadership Styles and Development, Organizational Development, Managing Change in Healthcare, Financial Management, Resource Management, Health Policy, Nursing Theory, and Medical Ethics, etc. Most of these programs would conclude in a Master of Science in Nursing Administration credential. Students will also be expected to complete a thesis project or an internship.
How to Choose an Online Nursing Administration Degree?
Consider the following factors when choosing an online nursing administration degree:
- The program’s accreditation
- Length of the program
- Admission requirements
- Fee structure
- Online instruction facilities and support
- Online resources
- Job placement rates
- Learning outcomes and goals of the program
- Internship placements
Online Nursing Administration Degree Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for online nursing administration degrees would vary according to the level of the program and the institute you are applying to. For instance, to get into Liberty University’s Online Master of Science in Nursing Administration program, students will have to submit the application, along with a fee, show a minimum of 1 year of experience as a registered nurse, possess a current license to practice as an RN, submit a Statement of Essential Attributes, unofficial college transcripts, and proof of English proficiency.