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Embrace your desire to drive change by earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) in leadership in nursing and health care systems from the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou).
You applied yourself to receive a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and now persevere in the face of several challenges to uphold patient care. In uncovering your calling, you鈥檝e found that leadership and advocacy are integral parts of your psyche.
From day-to-day operations to keeping pace with the latest developments in nursing, take a step toward a career as a nurse leader or nurse executive through this blended online and in-person course of study. An MSN core with specialty courses in nurse leadership strengthens your understanding of management, health care policy, technology, informatics and finance to improve patient outcomes and help you transform your organization from within.
Completion of the MSN in leadership in nursing and health care systems further prepares you to pursue Certified Nurse Manager and Leader and Executive Nursing Practice certifications through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. Course duration: 3 to 5 years (part time).
Program structure
The MSN in leadership in nursing and health care systems consists of two parts: MSN core courses (13 credit hours) and specialty courses in leadership (19 credit hours).
Although this degree program uses a blended format, most courses are held online. Certain components are in person:
- You鈥檒l attend a required two-day campus orientation in the summer before you officially start the program
- Select leadership courses may involve on-campus visits
- Clinical experiences are integral to the program but can be fulfilled close to home under the observation of an approved preceptor
Through the core courses, you鈥檒l receive a thorough introduction to advanced nursing roles and related professional issues, the analysis and application of scientific research, using evidence-based practice as a tool for change and the role of public health, policy and advocacy in nursing.
Course work
Once you begin the leadership in nursing and health care systems specialty, courses will cover:
Financial analysis, decision-making and resource-management techniques in health care
Deriving data to improve patient safety and outcomes
Organizational behavior theories
The principles of health care leadership, management and evaluation
Career prospects
Meet the growing demand for health care managers and leaders. Between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 32% more positions for medical and health services managers.
Within this field, Mizzou鈥檚 online MSN in leadership in nursing and health systems trains you to make an impact as a:
Clinical manager in any health care operation providing front line clinical guidance and leadership
Nursing executive in any clinical setting with a focus upon fiscal and clinical excellence
Nurse entrepreneur in business or innovative health care settings
Nurse consultant providing insight into managing general clinical operations, patient safety initiatives and human resource challenges
September 2025
Sinclair School of Nursing
915 Hitt Street,
COLUMBIA,
Missouri,
65212, United States
Baccalaureate or master鈥檚 degree nursing from a program accredited by a national organization responsible for nursing accreditation and by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate nursing course work.
Current licensure as a registered nurse.
Successful completion of a graduate-level statistics course (e.g., STAT 7020).
If English is not your native language, please submit a TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet-based test), an IELTS score of at least 7, a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of at least 66 or a Cambridge C1 Advanced score of at least 190.
Application Deadlines: Fall: January 31; Spring: September 30; Summer: January 31
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
