Nursing Administration & Health Systems Leadership Online Masters Program

Kent State's Nursing Administration & Health Systems Leadership concentration will prepare you for mid- to upper-level management, administrative, and leadership positions in a variety of healthcare settings.

The 100% online Nursing Administration & Health Systems Leadership MSN/Post-graduate Certificate concentration integrates management and nursing knowledge for students to develop skills and competencies in management, health care leadership, and advanced nursing.

In this concentration, students are exposed to a holistic approach to leadership and management. Courses cover essential managerial/executive competencies, with a unique emphasis on health care policy and the legal and regulatory issues facing the healthcare leader.

Practicum experiences pair students with healthcare administrators, managers, and executives from top organizations in the region for mentoring and development. Since there are two practicum courses, students can explore multiple leadership paths under the guidance of their faculty advisor.

Why Kent State?

  • Mentoring and advising from faculty who bring unique perspectives grounded in clinical and management experience, and bring excitement and interest to their teaching and research.
  • 100% Online courses.
  • Full- and part-time customizable academic plans.
  • Regional precepting experiences with healthcare leaders and managers.
  • Fall and spring semester start dates.
  • An exceptional, top-quality nursing program that’s affordable.

Our Commitment to Online Learning

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Courses are 100% online – students are never required to come to campus.

SEE IF a PROGRAM IS OFFERED IN YOUR STATE

 

Post-Master's Certificate

We also offer a Nursing Administration & Health Systems Leadership post-master's certificate for nurses who already hold a Master's degree or higher in nursing.

Learn more about the Nursing Administration & Health Systems Leadership post-master's certificate

Meet the Faculty

Learn more about the Nursing Administration & Health Systems Leadership course instructors:

Photo of Kimberly Cleveland

Kimberly Cleveland
Ph.D.,JD, RN, C-MBC, C-MPC
Associate Professor

Photo of Karen Mascolo

Karen Mascolo
DNP, RN
Associate Professor
Coordinator

Accreditation

Proudly CCNE Accredited

CCNE Accredited

The MSN, DNP, and Post-graduate APRN certificates at Kent State are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kent State: An NLN Center of Excellence

NLN Center of Excellence Seal

Kent State University is a three-time designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (2013-2017, 2017-2022, 2022-2026). We are recognized in the "Advancing the Science of Nursing Education" category for our dedication to innovative and evidence-based nursing education.

Online Learning at Kent State

E-learning is unparalleled at Kent State University.

A laptop sitting on a desk near a bookshelf with the Kent State University logo overlayed on the screenKent State online students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, without ever stepping foot on campus. From applying to the program to applying for graduation, Kent State provides the tools to complete these tasks online.

Although there are no on-campus requirements, online students are more than welcome to visit our campus in Kent, Ohio (or take a virtual tour online). You will be invited to various events throughout your time at Kent State, including our pinning (Convocation) and graduation (Commencement) ceremonies.

Some of the benefits to earning your graduate degree online from Kent State include:

  • Courses developed by expert faculty and delivered via Canvas, industry-leading learning management systems (LMSs).
  • Small class sizes and individualized attention from nurse educators with decades of practical experience.
  • Innovative learning activities tailored to the online environment.
  • 24/7 technical support through Kent State’s TechHelp.
  • Tests and exams proctored virtually – no need to go to a testing center.
  • FlashLine, the university’s centralized portal system, will allow you to schedule classes, track your degree progress, schedule advising appointments, pay your tuition, and more right from your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is your program online? Which courses are online?

The Nursing Administration & Health Systems Leadership and MSN/MBA dual degree programs are 100% online. Every course is delivered online using the latest distance learning technology.

Will I have to come to campus?

No. Kent State does not require online students to come to campus for orientation, intensives, etc. However, you will need to complete your clinical practicums with preceptors in-person at a location near you.

I do not live in Ohio. Can I complete this program in my state?

Kent State University is authorized to offer the Nursing Administration & Health Systems Leadership program and the MSN/MBA dual degree program in the following states:*

 

* In order to be compliant with federal and state laws related to online education and consumer protection, as well as State professional licensure/certification regulations, Kent State University may not be able offer online programs to students residing in certain states. In addition, some state laws may impose limitations that could affect a program of study, including inability to offer clinical practicum courses. Since these regulations undergo continuous updates (1) non-Ohio residents interested in pursuing any College of Nursing online program are advised to consult with their State licensing/certification agency and official Kent State information on state authorization before applying to this program (2) any student that is planning to move or practice in a different state after having been admitted to either the RN BSN, MSN or DNP programs must immediately inform the Office of Student Services at 330-672-7911 to determine whether or not he/she can continue in the program.

Will I complete my practicum courses where I live?

Yes, you will be completing your practicum courses in the state in which you reside and in which you have a valid RN license.

Will I need to find my own preceptors?

Yes, it is primarily the student's responsibility to locate a preceptor. However, your concentration coordinator and faculty will work closely with you to help you secure a preceptor.

Can I complete the degree part time? Can I work and go to school at the same time?

Yes. In fact, many students attend part-time (4-6 hours) and also work.

However, your concentration may require at least one full-time semester (8 or more hours). Also, intent for full-time study will be considered in the selection process for applicants who meet all admission criteria.

Will I be required to attend online lectures at a specific time, or can I complete the course on my own schedule?

Most courses are asynchronous, and you can complete the coursework as time permits while meeting weekly deadlines. Some courses may meet synchronously with scheduled meeting times. 


The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Kent State University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) concentrations within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and APRN Certificates, along with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-to-DNP) program qualify graduates to sit for national APRN certification and APRN licensure in Ohio.  States other than Ohio may have additional requirements to apply for or obtain an APRN license, including but not limited to specific state examinations, letters of recommendation, or proof of completion of an accredited nursing program. The College of Nursing is in the process of collecting information from all states and has not yet made a determination whether graduates from the Kent State University College of Nursing MSN, Certificate, and BSN-to-DNP programs meet the requirements for APRN licensure outside the state of Ohio.

Fulfill Your Purpose

Enrollment advisors can be reached at 330-672-7911.

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