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Nursing (MSN), Master of Science Degree - Nurse Leader Track

Program Location Distance Education/Online
Program Credits

30 Credits - Effective Spring II 2023

(For Spring I 2023 Enrollment use Winter 2022 Catalog for Program Information)
Program Length*

2 Trimesters, 32 Instructional Weeks

or

3 Trimesters, 48 Instructional Weeks 

or

6 Trimesters, 96 Instructional Weeks

Time to Complete 8 Months, 12 Months, 24 Months

* Program length may vary. WCU distance education programs may not be available to residents in all states.

Clinical Hour Requirement:  this track requires a total of 135 precepted clinical hours.

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1141.00, 25-1072.00, 11-19111.00

The Nurse Leader track helps to prepare the graduate for the challenges of leading health care organizations through these times of constant change and innovation, which demands highly qualified leaders with a well-rounded understanding of clinical, managerial, and business concepts. Students will learn the theories and concepts of leadership models, research utilization, strategic planning, and financial management, as well as policy development, ethical concepts and practices, and opportunities to collaborate with other health care disciplines. The program helps prepare the nurse leader to lead processes and teams and apply analytical and problem-solving skills to enhance the quality of patient care outcomes in a variety of settings.

Completion of this program would support eligibility requirements necessary to apply for certification with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Nurse Executive (NE-BC).  

Leader Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply innovative leadership strategies and organizational management within complex healthcare systems. (HR/Leadership)
  2. Employ continuous process improvement using evidence to improve outcomes and impact patient safety and quality measures. (Quality and Safety)
  3. Develop strategic initiatives using performance metrics to improve outcomes. (Business Management)
  4. Incorporate health policy, regulation, and compliance standards to facilitate positive patient experiences. (Health Care Delivery)
  5. Analyze business acumen and strategies for financial literacy in complex healthcare systems. (Finance)
  6. Develop entrepreneurial strategies for healthcare systems management. (Entrepreneurship)

MSN Nurse Leader Track Curriculum

MSNC 500Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics, & Finance

3
MSNC 505Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice

3
MSNC 510Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care

3
MSNC 515Health Promotion and Disease Management

3
MSNL 600Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

3
MSNL 605Business Management for Advanced Nursing Practice

2
MSNL 610Leading Change in Complex Healthcare Systems

2
MSNL 615Leadership Communication & Conflict Management

2
MSNL 620Financial Management for Advanced Practice Nursing

2
MSNL 625Healthcare Quality, Safety, Policy, and Ethics

2
MSNL 630Entrepreneurship for Advanced Nursing Practice

2
MSNL 635CNurse Leader Practice Integration Experience

3
Total Credit Hours:30.0

MSN with Nurse Leader Track Program Costs

For program costs, please see the Distance Education Tuition and Fees section.