How to Become a Nurse Administrator

How to Become a Nurse Administrator
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:

Key Takeaways

  • Some students earn a BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN, and go into a clinical practice setting, then get promoted into a nurse administrator position.
  • Many nurses who are interested in a nurse administrator position will go on to earn a master’s in nursing degree.
  • Many employers require nurse administrators to be certified through a Nurse Executive Board Certification.

The US healthcare system faces a shortage of nurses, which negatively impacts patient care. A nurse administrator helps oversee nursing teams in hospitals. They lead and guide their teams, using their medical know-how and leadership skills. If this is a career you’re interested in, then read this article to discover how to become a nurse administrator.

Nurse writing on a clipboard

How to Become a Nurse Administrator

Becoming a nurse administrator takes both learning and real-world practice. While it can be long and costly, there are ways to make it faster and cheaper. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to become a Nurse Administrator:

Earn a BSN

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is the best option for students who wish to pursue a career in nursing administration. Most states demand a BSN for a nursing license, so it’s ideal for learners to stick with this major if they are eyeing a career in nursing.

Students will learn the basics of nursing, such as health sciences, gain hands-on experience working as nurses, and build core soft skills. If you aim for nursing administration, consider adding a minor or specialization in management or human resources.

Costs for BSN programs can vary from $100 to $650 per credit. However, there are affordable options students can leverage.

Pass NCLEX-RN Exam

Once a student graduates with a BSN degree, they can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to gain RN licensure. It lasts around six hours and includes roughly 145 questions.

This examination evaluates proficiency in four key areas: Health Promotion and Maintenance, Physiological Integrity, Psychosocial Integrity, and Safe and Effective Care Environment. Each area is further divided into specific topics.

The NCLEX is pass-fail only. Students can prepare by using various study materials and practice tests. Most BSN degree holders take the exam within a month of finishing school.

Get a Job in the Clinical Practice Setting

To become nurse administrators, students need to work in a hospital or another acute care setting for a few years. This helps them gain useful experience that can set a solid foundation for their future. A clinical practice job includes managing day-to-day nursing tasks, which prepares students to lead other nurses later on. Many graduate nursing programs even require some clinical experience for admission.

The need for nurses is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032.

Earn an MSN

While you don’t necessarily need an advanced degree to become a nurse administrator, most do have at least a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. This degree can also potentially increase your salary bracket.

An MSN degree can prepare nurses for different careers, such as:

  • Nurse Administrator
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Practitioner

Costs for tuition vary. However, students can go for affordable on-campus or online programs to save money or consider applying for financial aid. Before diving into graduate school, it’s wise to consider your finances to see if it’s the right move for you.

Acquire Nurse Administration Certification

While it’s not mandatory for the job, many employers prefer or even require nurse administrators to be certified.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) provides a Nurse Executive Board Certification. To qualify, students need at least a bachelor’s or higher degree, over 2,000 hours of leadership experience (in the last three years), and 30 or more hours of recent continuing education.

They must pass a 3-hour, 150-question exam, which costs $295 to $395. Getting certified is vital for career growth, showing expertise and skill in the field.

Nurse reading a tablet while wearing a mask
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What is a nurse administrator?

A nurse administrator is a senior-level nurse who helps manage nursing staff. They make sure nurses follow the rules of the medical facility and provide excellent care to patients.

They’re also called head nurses, nurse managers, chief executives of nursing, or directors of nursing. Ultimately, they work to improve the quality of nursing practice at their facility.

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What do nurse administrators do?

A nurse administrator runs a nursing department in a hospital or an at-home nursing company. They start as registered nurses (RNs) and then specialize.

With more experience and education, like a master’s degree, they might lead a bigger team or other nurse administrators. They could also move up to become a nurse executive, making big decisions for a hospital or healthcare system.

Here’s what a nurse administrator typically does:

  • Hire, train, and manage nurses for a department in a hospital
  • Keep an eye on how nurses perform, making sure they provide quality care and follow rules
  • Take care of supplies and facilities for the nursing department
  • Inform the hospital administration about the nursing team’s needs and status
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Things To Know Before Becoming a Nurse Administrator

Becoming a nurse administrator can often lead to a fulfilling and promising career. However, before you start the process to take on this role, here are a few factors to keep in mind:

Accreditation

Selecting an accredited program for your BSN is extremely crucial. Accreditation means the program meets certain quality standards. Prospective students should also note that employers and licensing boards are more likely to recognize your degree if it comes from an accredited institution.

Cost

Earning a BSN degree can get expensive. Tuition alone can start at $40,000, not including other expenses such as fees for exams, licensing, housing, and transportation.

Luckily, there are ways to reduce expenses, such as scholarships and grants. We recommend students carefully research financial aid options before applying for the program.

Salary

On average, nurse administrators make around $110,680 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More nursing experience and higher education can increase a professional’s income potential.

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Best Accredited BSN Degree Programs To Become Nurse Administrators

To become a professional nurse administrator, students should start with a BSN degree from an accredited institution. Here are four US schools students should consider for their outstanding BSN degree programs:

UniversityAccreditationTuition
Ohio State University College of NursingCommission on Collegiate Nursing EducationIn-state $369 - $492; out-of-state $797 - $1062
University Of Pennsylvania School of NursingCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education$1954
University Of Washington School of NursingCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education$374
University of Wisconsin-MadisonCommission on Collegiate Nursing EducationIn-state: $9,273; Out-of-state: $37,161

Nurse sharing a folder file with a doctor
  1. #1

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #15 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    67K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,485
    Expenses: $17,700
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Ohio State University College of Nursing

    • Estimated cost per credit: In-state $369 - $492; out-of-state $797 - $1062
    • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    • Required credits to graduate: 121
    • Format: On-campus

    The College of Nursing at Ohio State University offers one of the best BSN degree programs in America. It blends general education (GE) course requirements such as arts, humanities, and science with a specific nursing science major.

    Before entering nursing, students take prerequisite courses for about a year. Then, they focus on nursing and related subjects for three more years.

    It typically takes four years to finish, including those prerequisites. Going part-time is also an option, but it’ll take longer to finish the program. To graduate, students need at least 121 credit hours. After finishing, graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $63,452
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $131,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

    • Estimated cost per credit: $1954
    • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    • Required credits to graduate: 120
    • Format: On-campus

    Established in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the US. According to US News, the University of Pennsylvania ranks at #6 among the top national universities.

    The bachelor of science in nursing program starts early in the freshman year, blending science, nursing, and liberal arts courses. Students can customize their education by exploring courses from Penn’s four undergraduate schools.

    As a Penn nursing student, you’ll have close support from faculty and gain hands-on experience in on-campus teaching hospitals and clinical sites in the region.

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  3. #3

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,242
    Expenses: $19,848
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Washington School of Nursing

    • Estimated cost per credit: $374
    • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    • Required credits to graduate: 120
    • Format: On-campus

    At the University Of Washington, Seattle, the BSN program is a two-year course that trains students to become registered nurses. Experienced, renowned professors and hands-on practice are two of the many reasons students should be considering this school for a BSN program.

    During the program, learners will gain over 1,000 hours of patient care experience under the supervision of licensed professionals. You’ll work at respected places like Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington Medical Center.

    This nursing school has an impressive graduation rate of over 98% each year, setting up students for thriving nursing careers.

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  4. #4

    University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Madison , WI
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Cost of Degree: $10,796
    Expenses: $17,198
    Starting Salary: $68,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Wisconsin-Madison

    • Estimated cost per credit: In-State $9,273; Out-of-State $37,161
    • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    • Required credits to graduate: 24-30
    • Format: Online

    The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s RN-to-BSN program lets registered nurses (RNs) get their degrees online at their own speed. They offer core classes in flexible seven-week or 14-week chunks, so students can study when it works best for them.

    You’ll learn about nursing research, community health nursing, chronic care management, and more. Before students can join the program, they must have an RN license, either a nursing diploma or an associate degree in nursing, a GPA of at least 2.5, and one letter of recommendation. All students have to do a 60-hour clinical capstone project close to home.

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Career Growth and Opportunities in Nursing Administration

A nurse administrator’s role is vital for the functioning of healthcare facilities and also offers a clear trajectory for career advancement and development. As healthcare systems continue to evolve and expand, the demand for skilled nurse administrators is expected to rise, opening up a plethora of opportunities for those in this field.

Two nurses looking at a doctor

Career Advancement

Nurse administrators begin their careers with a foundational knowledge of clinical nursing practices, which they can leverage to climb the administrative ladder. With experience, they may take on more significant responsibilities, such as overseeing multiple departments or entire healthcare facilities.

Opportunities for advancement include positions such as assistant director of nursing, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer (CNO). Each step up the ladder not only brings increased responsibility yet also often results in a significant salary increase and the opportunity to make impactful decisions that affect patient care and the organization’s success.

Specialization Opportunities

Nurse administrators have the option to specialize in areas such as informatics, healthcare policy, or specific clinical areas like pediatrics or gerontology. Specializing allows nurse administrators to focus on areas of interest or where there is a high demand for leadership.

This can lead to roles such as clinical nurse leaders, nurse informaticists, or policy advisors. Specialization often requires additional certification or education, which can be pursued alongside working through part-time or online programs.

Consulting and Education

Experienced nurse administrators can also transition into consulting roles, where they advise healthcare organizations on operations, efficiency, and compliance. This path allows for a flexible schedule and the opportunity to impact multiple organizations.

Additionally, nurse administrators with a passion for education and training may find fulfilling careers as faculty members in nursing schools, sharing their knowledge and shaping the future of nursing leadership.

Professional Development

Continuous professional development is vital in the dynamic field of healthcare. Nurse administrators can stay ahead by attending workshops, conferences, and advanced training sessions.

Professional organizations, such as the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), offer resources and networking opportunities to help nurse administrators stay current with best practices and industry trends.

Related Questions

How long does it take to complete a BSN program?

It usually takes four years to finish a BSN program at college. Students with a nursing diploma or an associate degree can complete the BSN in 2-3 years. Plus, some programs allow you to graduate and take the NCLEX-RN test in just 15 months.

Who do nurse administrators report to?

A nurse administrator reports to top management, like a president, executive officer, or nursing vice president. They’re a key part of the executive team at a healthcare place and manage various important duties. A hospital-level nurse administrator might report to a higher-up administrator who manages the whole health system in larger systems.

What is the fastest way to become a nurse administrator?

To become a nurse administrator, registered nurses should aim for further education like an MSN or doctorate. New students should get a BSN and become licensed RNs, while RNs without a bachelor’s degree should work towards upgrading to a BSN.

Conclusion

The path to becoming a nurse administrator varies based on leadership experience. While the basic requirements include having an RN license and a BSN, many employers may prefer candidates with a graduate degree, such as an MSN. Students who choose this path can have a promising career after graduating from an accredited program.

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