Some of the 136,090 RNs employed in the "Quaker State" are taking the education track to advancement with master's in nursing administration degree programs in Pennsylvania. Located in Appalachia, Pennsylvania is the 33rd largest state with a dense population of 12.8 million. Since its royal charter in 1681, Pennsylvania has grown dramatically to produce an economic output worth $644 billion annually. From Pittsburgh east to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has a massive health services sector for future administrators. Its 10 largest employers include the Geisinger Health System, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, Highmark Inc., and St. Luke's University Hospital. It's estimated that Pennsylvania employs 13,040 health administrators, including senior APRNs like Chief Nursing Officer, for a mean annual wage of $96,780. If you're seeking a prestigious, lucrative promotion into clinical leadership, the following are 11 master's-level accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania.

California University of Pennsylvania

Eberly College of Science and Technology

Occupying a 92 rural acres in the Pittsburgh Metro with a Canonsburg extension and large virtual campus, California University of Pennsylvania is a public, co-educational higher learning institution enrolling over 9,400 Vulcans in the PASSHE system. Noted as Pennsylvania's 35th top public university on Niche, CalU is ranked America's 456th best master's-level college in Washington Monthly. The Guide to Online Schools also placed CalU third for distance education nationwide. In fact, the Eberly College of Science and Technology holds the 104th best online graduate nursing degrees according to the USNWR.

MSN in Nursing Administration & Leadership

Starting every Fall and Spring term, the MSN in Nursing Administration & Leadership at CalU is a 20-month, 100 percent online program where registered nurses develop the advanced skills for prevailing against healthcare issues. Cohorts are limited to 35 students for interactive online discussions via Desire2Learn where business and clinical practice meld. The 30-credit curriculum delves into health promotion, financial management, health policy, information systems, healthcare law, and more. Within the "class lounge," students talk directly to experienced, full-time faculty who hold eCertification. Theories are then applied with a preceptor-based administrative practicum in nurses' own communities. Admission will require a BSN degree and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

MBA in Nursing Administration

Another of the online CCNE accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania at CalU is the MBA in Nursing Administration. Available full- or part-time via Desire2Learn, the program gives registered nurses broad perspective on the best business practices for medical settings. The 36-credit curriculum erects a broad business core with online courses in managerial accounting, economic analysis, strategic planning, human resources, and marketing. RNs are prepared for middle to senior management within as little as 24 months. Completing clinical practicum is optional with organizations like West Penn Hospital and Excela Health-Frick Hospital. Nurses seeking dual credential for extra marketability can also pursue the 54-credit MSN/MBA program.

Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

250 University Avenue

California, PA 15419

(866) 595-6348

[email protected]

http://www.calu.edu/academics/graduate-programs/index.htm

Carlow University

College of Health & Wellness

Established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1843, Carlow University is a private, nonprofit Catholic ACCU institution committed to forward-thinking instruction for over 2,150 Celtics studying on its 13-acre campus in downtown Pittsburgh's famed Oakland district. Listed among the Washington Monthly's top 20 best private colleges for the buck, Carlow is ranked the North's 118th best regional university by the USNWR. Niche also distinguished Carlow as America's 146th "Best College for Nursing." The College of Health & Wellness retains 74 percent of students within their CCNE accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania.

Education and Leadership, Nursing (MSN)

Currently charging $801 per credit, the Education and Leadership, Nursing (MSN) program starts every August to prepare credentialed RNs for assuming advanced clinical administrative roles that revolutionize nursing care. The 33-credit curriculum is completed fully online in 20 months full-time or longer part-time with adult-oriented, interactive instruction. Web courses nurture students' knowledge in fiscal management, professional communication, healthcare quality, pathophysiology, adult education, and program evaluation. Passing a 10-week leadership internship is required instead of a capstone thesis. Without taking the GMAT, nurses can also pursue the accelerated, 51-credit MSN/MBA dual degree. Carlow's alumni are excelling in evidence-based practice at St. Vincent Hospital, Magee Women's Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, and more.

Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

3333 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

(800) 333-2275

[email protected]

http://www.carlow.edu/Master_of_Science_in_Nursing_Concentration_in_Education_and_Leadership.aspx

Cedar Crest College

Nursing Division

Endowed for $14.5 million, Cedar Crest College is a small private, nonprofit liberal arts institution historically tied to the United Church of Christ since 1867 to educate around 1,800 Falcons from its 84-acre suburban campus on Allentown's West End and online. Named the 375th top private school overall on Forbes, Cedar Crest is deemed the North's sixth best college and second best value by the USNWR. Niche applauded Cedar Crest as the 23rd "Hardest College to Get Into in Pennsylvania." The Nursing Division boasts a 92 percent NCLEX exam pass rate with high-quality healthcare preparation.

Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Administrator Track

As one of the few ACEN accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania, Cedar Crest's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offers two tracks: Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator. Registered nurses selecting the latter will focus on improving the effectiveness of healthcare operations with smart business decisions and collaborative relationships. The 36-credit curriculum is completed with evening, face-to-face courses in Allentown or asynchronous, seven-week online courses. The Nursing Division's 17 full-time faculty teach small classes centered on quality management, financial budgeting, human resources, health policy, disease prevention, and more. Each MSN major takes a leadership course with 84+ hours of community service. Specialty skills are also integrated into the final "Evidence-Based Practice" project.

Accreditations

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

100 College Drive

Allentown, PA 18104

(610) 437-4471 ext. 3342

[email protected]

http://www.cedarcrest.edu/ca/academics/nursing/masters.shtm

Drexel University

College of Nursing and Health Professions

Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Drexel University is a private, nonprofit RU/H institution endowed for $650.3 million that's educating over 26,350 Dragons, including 10,900 post-graduates, from its 77 urban acres in Philadelphia's University City district and online. Crowned America's 78th "Most Diverse College" on Niche, Drexel is ranked the 96th best national university and 14th most innovative school by the USNWR. The Wall Street Journal also placed Drexel 82nd overall for student outcomes and engagement. Within the College of Nursing and Health Professions, nurses find the 35th best online MSN nationwide too.

Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership in Health Systems Management Concentration

Drexel Online offers master's students six tracks for its CCNE accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania, including the MSN Leadership in Health Systems Management Concentration. Clinical nurse leaders are trained for evidence-based decision making in today's fast-changing healthcare environments. RNs take online courses part-time to sharpen their senior leadership style. Topics addressed in the 48-credit curriculum include organizational behavior, human resources, strategic management, finance, biostatistics, and patient safety. Didactic theory and case studies are supplemented with two clinical practica in licensed health facilities. Online nursing courses costing $913 per credit are accessible nationwide, excluding Louisiana and South Dakota. There's also a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate for Nursing Leadership and Health Systems Management.

Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

1601 Cherry Street

Philadelphia, PA 19102

(267) 359-5692

[email protected]

http://drexel.edu/cnhp/academics/graduate/MSN-Nursing-Leadership-in-Health-Systems-Management/

Gannon University

Villa Maria School of Nursing

Belonging to the NAICU, Gannon University is a private, co-educational teaching institution affiliated with the Catholic Church to promote "Health, Knowledge, Holiness" in its more than 4,400 scholars from a 38-acre urban campus in Erie, an All-America City Award winner. Ranked America's 260th best small college on Niche, Gannon is recognized by the USNWR as the North's 51st top university and 10th best value. Gannon consistently makes the Washington Monthly's top 100 master's-level universities nationally. The Villa Maria School of Nursing offers accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio.

Master of Science in Nursing: Specialization in Nursing Administration

Reaffirmed by the CCNE in 2015, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program gives Gannon Golden Knights the opportunity to add the Specialization in Nursing Administration for leadership preparation. RNs are transformed into nurse executives with the business analytical skills to systematically make positive changes in complex healthcare arenas. The 42-credit, three-year option is primarily completed face-to-face in the Morosky Academic Center in Erie. Sample courses will explore nursing research methods, organizational leadership, health policy, medical law, and more, including an elective on Native American health. Nurses also complete 980 practica hours and master's thesis work. Partnerships exist with over 40 Pennsylvania health systems for a commendable 100 percent placement rate.

Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

150 W. Sixth Street

Erie, PA 16541

(814) 871-7474

[email protected]

http://www.gannon.edu/Academic-Offerings/Health-Professions-and-Sciences/Graduate/Nursing-Administration/

Holy Family University

School of Nursing & Allied Health

Chartered in 1954, Holy Family University is the youngest of Philadelphia's four private, nonprofit Catholic liberal arts institutions carrying a $14 million endowment to educate over 1,900 Tigers from its 47 urban acres in Torresdale and satellites from Newtown to Bensalem. Ranked America's 190th "Best Value College" on Niche, HFU was named the 237th best master's-level university for civic engagement by Washington Monhtly. College Factual also placed Holy Family in the top 15 percent of U.S. colleges for health professions. The School of Nursing & Allied Health maintains CCNE approval for six accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania.

Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration

Adhering to the AACN's MSN Essentials, the Master of Science in Nursing helps BSN-level registered nurses across Philadelphia pursue three advanced specialties of clinical practice: Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, or Public Health Nursing. The first customizes the 30-credit curriculum to train competent leaders with the operational skills to protect patient safety in effective healthcare workplaces. Rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition, the 10 required courses span from pharmacology and health promotion to healthcare financing and quality management. Evening and weekend class schedules are designed for full-time working RNs. Clinical practicum is integrated for at least 240 supervised hours in settings like Shriners Hospital for Children or Lankenau Medical Center.

Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

9801 Frankford Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19114

(267) 341-3293

[email protected]

https://www.holyfamily.edu/choosing-holy-family-u/academics/schools-of-study/philadelphia-school-of-nursing/graduate-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing

Immaculata University

College of Graduate Studies

Since opening as Villa Maria College in 1920, Immaculata College has evolved into a private, co-educational Catholic institution for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with over 4,200 Mighty Macs studying on its 375-acre main campus in Malvern and extensions. Named America's 178th best research university on Forbes, Immaculata is the 152nd best national college according to the USNWR. Niche also commended the Chester County school for the 11th "Safest College Campus." The College of Graduate Studies houses two accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania for BSN holders with a 3.0 GPA or better.

Master of Science in Nursing: Administration Track

Fulfilling qualifications for the ANCC Certified Nurse Executive Exam, the Master of Science in Nursing: Administration Track at Immaculata uses a cross-disciplinary model of clinical education. Registered nurses develop their career as middle and senior managers who foster smooth healthcare operations that comply with legal and ethical regulations. The 39-credit program can be completed on-campus or off-campus at partnering facilities like Christiana Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes. RN cohorts enhance their collaboration skills in small classes with a student-faculty ratio of 9:1. Addressed topics range from pathopharmacology and health assessment to policymaking and financial management. Graduation requirements also include a three-credit administration practicum and capstone project defense.

Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

1145 King Road

Immaculata, PA 19345

(484) 323-0068

[email protected]

http://www.immaculata.edu/academics/departments/nursing/programs/msn

La Salle University

School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Within the Philadelphia Big 5, La Salle University is a private, co-educational Catholic research institution endowed for $87.48 million that's educating over 5,800 Explorers from its 130-acre urban campus in the Benfield neighborhood, off-campus extensions, and online. Graded A- for diversity on Niche, La Salle is ranked the North's 35th best university and 19th most veteran-friendly school by the USNWR. Money magazine lauded La Salle as the eighth best value nationwide. The School of Nursing and Health Sciences also mentors practitioners with the United States' 149th best master's degree for nursing.

MSN in Nursing Administration

Housed in St. Benilde Tower, La Salle's Master of Science of Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Administration is another of the Catholic CCNE-accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania. From a Lasallian perspective, the 41-credit curriculum instills the leadership abilities required for overseeing nursing staff in diverse healthcare systems. Costing $895 per credit, advanced core courses delve into patient safety, nursing informatics, financial accounting, managerial decision making, and even self-assessment. RNs can study at the Philadelphia campus or satellites at Bucks County Center, Abington Hospital, and Pennsylvania Hospital. Clinical experience is integrated with 250+ field study hours. Interested nurses with only an associate degree can prepare in the RN to MSN Bridge Program.

Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

1900 West Olney Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19141

(215) 951-1432

[email protected]

http://www.lasalle.edu/nursing-msn/master-of-science-in-nursing/nursing-administration/

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

College of Nursing

Classified as a public, land-grant and space-grant RU/VH institution, Pennsylvania State University is "Making Life Better" for 99,100 Nittany Lions systemwide from its 5,448-acre headquarters in University Park to its 20 Commonwealth locations and online. Rated America's 12th best college for nursing on Niche, Penn State is deemed the 50th best national university and 14th top public school by the USNWR. Furthermore, PSU's World Campus is applauded for the ninth best online graduate education. The College of Nursing maintains both ACEN and CCNE approval while adhering to the Institute of Medicine's guidelines.

Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Administrator Option

Penn State Online offers two evidence-based, accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania and beyond for registered nurses seeking a Master of Science (MSN). The 37-credit curriculum develops on an advanced practice core before splitting into the Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator options. The former prepares nurse executives for ANCC certification to supervise healthcare operations that protect patient welfare. For $821 per credit, online students can flexibly dive into courses like healthcare informatics, workplace relations, and economics from anywhere 24/7. Nurses also arrange a location-based clinical practicum for 180 hours of administrative experience before the capstone project. RNs learn from PhD-level faculty trained at Johns Hopkins, Villanova, South Florida, and more.

Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

128 Outreach Building

University Park, PA 16802

(814) 865-5403

[email protected]

http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/nursing-masters/overview

University of Pennsylvania

College of Nursing

Carrying a research budget of $851 million, the University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League RU/VH institution using a multidisciplinary model to educate over 24,800 Quakers from 1,094 total acres in Philadelphia's University City section and New Bolton Center. According to the U.S. News, UPenn is America's eighth best university, 11th top value, and third best for vets school. Included in The Princeton Review's "Colleges That Create Futures," UPenn was also placed 13th globally by Times Higher Education. Furthermore, the College of Nursing is distinguished as the second top master's nursing school nationwide.

MSN in Nursing and Healthcare Administration

In partnership with the world-class Perelman School of Medicine, the MSN in Nursing and Healthcare Administration is provided to UPenn graduates whose leadership strengths are suited to overseeing clinical operations. The 15-course program spans 18 months full-time or longer part-time for RNs to satisfy the ANCC Certified Nurse Executive qualifications. Some complete the accelerated BSN-MSN option. Courses can be tailored further with minors in Health Informatics, Organizational Dynamics, or Quality Improvement and Safety Processes in Healthcare. Dual MSN/MBA and MSN/JD options exist for additional credentialing. Master's students complete an administrative consulting practicum in their leadership specialty. Past placements have included Mainline Health Systems, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Pennsylvania Hospital.

Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

418 Curie Boulevard

Philadelphia, PA 19104

(215) 898-4271

[email protected]

https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/academics/master-of-science-in-nursing-msn/

Stepping into a nurse administrator's shoes gives RNs greater authority in coordinating nursing operations for the best possible patient care. Shifting from the bedside to the boardroom is an in-demand move since 10-year job growth in health administration is expected to surpass 17 percent nationwide. Claiming one of these approximately 56,300 new jobs through 2024 will involve sharpening your knowledge of healthcare's business side. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the preferred degree for nurse executives to certify their clinical, analytical, communication, and managerial skills. Review the CCNE and ACEN accredited nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania to find your perfect match.

Related Resource: 30 Most Affordable Online Nursing Administration Degrees (MSN)