As an MSN Healthcare Leadership student, you’ll gain a strong foundation in organizational leadership principles such as budgeting, strategic planning and change management. Learn the 'people side' of nursing leadership with content focused on the employee experience.
Accelerated online course delivery, paired with practicums that can be completed in your workplace, offers you flexible yet comprehensive training that prepares you for national certification in nursing leadership through ANCC or AONL. Our graduates work in nursing leadership roles across all health care settings.
New RN-MSN entry
Applications opened November 1, 2024, for Fall 2025 admission into our new RN to MSN Healthcare Leadership pathway. The college accepts all associate's RN degrees (ADN, AAS, ASN, AAN, AN). A current unrestricted RN license is required for admission consideration. Students will complete four university bridge courses before entering their MSN program of study.
The MSN in Healthcare Leadership requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in 12 to 18 months. All didactic coursework is online, in distance format. Courses are accelerated and delivered in seven-week terms. You may take classes on a full-time (two courses per term) or part-time (one course per term) basis.
Full Time
A full-time student starting in Spring 2023 would be completed by Fall 2023
2023: 2 courses each in Spring A, Spring B, 2 courses each in Summer A, 2 courses each in Fall A, Fall B
Part Time
A part-time student starting in Fall 2022 would be completed by Summer 2024.
2022: 1 course each in Fall A, Fall B
2023: 1 course each in Spring A, Spring B; 1 course in Summer A, 1 course each in Fall A, Fall B
2024: 1 course each in Spring A, Spring B; 1 course in Summer
A part-time student starting in Spring 2023 would be completed by Fall 2024.
2023: 1 course each in Fall A, Fall B, 1 course in Summer A, 1 course each in Fall A, Fall B
2024: 1 course each in Spring A, Spring B; 1 course in Summer A, 1 course each Fall A, Fall B
Required Courses
- NURS 700 - Theoretical & Conceptual Foundations for Nursing
- NURS 734 - Conceptual Basis of Health Systems
- NURS 720 - Clinical Application of Population Analysis
- NURS 738 - Financing Health Care
- NURS 740 - Facilitative Processes in Health Care Leadership
- NURS 741 - Coordinating Processes in Health Care Leadership*
- NURS 742 - Integrative Process in Health Care Leadership*
- NURS 790 - Research Methods for Nursing
Students must choose one of the following courses:
- NURS 717 - Application of Basic Statistics for Nursing & Nursing Services Management
- BIO 700 - Introduction to Biostatistics
- EDRM 710 - Educational Statistics I
Students must choose one of the following courses:
- NURS 791 - Seminar in Clinical Research
- NURS 799 - Thesis
* NURS 741 and NURS 742 require a precepted leadership experience of 112 hours each in an approved clinical or other healthcare organizational setting, for a total of 224 hours.
Upon graduation and if you meet the experience criteria, you are eligible to sit for four credentialing exams:
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) through the American Organization of Nurse Executives
- Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) through the American Organization of Nurse Executives
- Certified Nurse Executive (NE-BC) through the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center)
- Certified Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC) through the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from previous undergraduate and any graduate work.
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended must be submitted, whether you received a degree or not. Applicants who attended a BSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered a competitive applicant.
- Three professional references - The professional recommendation form should come from individuals with a master’s or higher in a healthcare field who can evaluate your potential for success in a graduate program. (Letters of recommendation cannot be used in lieu of our recommendation form.) Recommendations from family members are not appropriate.
- A personal goal statement that reflects MSN program outcomes
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Current unencumbered RN licensure in the state of residence
- GRE not required
All application materials (except official transcripts) will be submitted via the
College of Nursing's graduate application portal.
Official transcripts must be sent to The Graduate School. Review the degree requirements before you apply.
The Healthcare Leadership program accepts students for spring, summer, and fall entry. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.
- Admission cycle for spring entry:
- Application opens: July 1
- Final deadline: October 31
- Application opens: July 1
- Admission cycle for summer entry:
- Application opens: November 1
- Final deadline: March 31
- Admission cycle for fall entry:
- Application opens: April 1
- Final deadline: June 30
- Application opens: April 1
MSN program costs depend on several factors. For estimated costs, view:
Graduate Programs Cost Estimates 2023-2024The Office of Financial Aid provides the full breakdown of the estimated cost to attend. For additional tuition and fee information, visit the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees website.
Financial aid is available. To determine your eligibility, complete the FAFSA form on the university’s Financial Aid website. The College of Nursing also offers general scholarships. In addition, other scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available through The Graduate School and the university’s Financial Aid and Scholarships office.
View our video Information Session with graduate program faculty and staff.
Contact Us
Phone: 803-777-9080
Email: NURSGRAD@mailbox.sc.edu
Address:
Williams-Brice Building, Room 208
1601 Greene St.
Columbia, SC 29208
Meet the Program Director
