The Best Online Nursing Leadership Programs
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: FatCamera / E+ / Getty ImagesEarning a graduate degree in nursing leadership can expand your healthcare knowledge, introduce new career opportunities, and increase your earning potential. This degree can land you a role as a nurse manager, nursing director, or even a chief nursing officer.
Read more to learn about how nursing leadership programs work, eligibility requirements, career options post graduation, and the top-ranking online nursing programs for prospective nurse leaders.
Why Is Accreditation Important for an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership?
Choosing an accredited nursing leadership program is important because it increases the likelihood graduates will be adequately prepared for clinical and community-based leadership roles. Nursing school accreditation proves a nursing program meets specific educational standards established by accrediting bodies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Accredited MSN leadership programs undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure graduates have a high chance of meeting leadership role competencies such as communication, relationship-building, professionalism, and business skills. Accreditation also makes candidates eligible for financial aid and gives them the ability to transfer course credits to other accredited schools.
All nursing leadership programs in our rankings are accredited.
Learn More About the Best Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs and Schools
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,200
- Out-of-state$18,200
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate29%
- Students Enrolled4,667
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
University of Iowa
- Iowa City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,073
- Out-of-state$30,036
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled30,318
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Montana State University
- Bozeman, MT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$5,654
- Out-of-state$25,087
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled16,218
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Lander University
- Greenwood, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,700
- Out-of-state$20,300
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled3,513
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
- Fayette, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,950
- Out-of-state$5,950
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled3,429
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Spring Hill College
- Mobile, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$39,336
- Out-of-state$39,336
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled1,191
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Morningside College
- Sioux City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,460
- Out-of-state$32,460
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled2,411
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern Maine
- Portland, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,064
- Out-of-state$21,532
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled8,022
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online nursing leadership programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list was created before 2025.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Program
The following key metrics contributed to the overall ranking of the best online nursing leadership master’s programs. Pay attention to these data points as you consider the MSN degree programs that could best meet your needs.
While each of our programs rank highly, take care to figure out which will be the best online MSN in nursing leadership program for you.
Admission Requirements
While many programs maintain similar admission requirements, some may request certain materials or expect students to complete prerequisites. Be sure you are qualified to attend a program before you apply.
Clinical Experience
Candidates must complete clinical experience to earn an MSN in nursing leadership. While many schools let distance learners fulfill their clinical requirements at a facility near the candidate’s home, others might expect online students to travel to a certain location.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-reviewed process by an established agency. It validates the program meets established quality standards. Each of the programs in our ranking is accredited.
Program Graduation Rate
This gives a student insight into how many students finish their degree in a given time. It is often expressed as a percentage. The program graduation rate is one measure of a program’s quality of education.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online programs do not use a consistent user interface or have consistent technological requirements. Students must evaluate the online learning format in light of their learning style and ensure they can meet the technological requirements.
How Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Programs Work
Nursing leadership programs are designed for nurses who desire to lead in the healthcare field in various capacities and settings. In preparation of this role, candidates must take business-related courses, such as nursing management, healthcare business, and resource management. Prior to graduation, students are required to develop a leadership project and present it to faculty.
Nursing leadership programs can be completed entirely online and last about 2-3 years, but school choice and enrollment status can influence the time it takes to finish. Some programs can take less than a year if students already hold a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN). Registered nurses (RN) with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can finish in about three years through an RN-to-MSN bridge program.
Applying to an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership Program
Every school has its own eligibility requirements for entry into nursing leadership programs, but generally candidates must fill out an application and submit documents that show they have the educational and professional qualifications to lead other nurses. This includes proof of RN license, clinical experience, and soft skills for nurses.
- Admission Materials: Candidates must hold an RN license and BSN, show proof of a completed statistics course, and have at least one year of experience, although for some schools this is not required.
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 (some schools will accept a 2.5, but this is not as common)
- Other Requirements: Internet access and computer software for course access; recommendations letters and resumes or CVs can help prove clinical experience and soft nursing skills.
What Can You Do With an Online MSN in Nursing Leadership?
Graduates from online MSN leadership programs are qualified to work in healthcare institutions, home healthcare, and education. This includes roles as unit director, chief nursing officer, clinical nurse leader, patient care director, or dean of a nursing school.
Candidates must have an unencumbered RN license and employers may require relevant certification, such as a certified hospice and palliative care administrator or certified professional in health risk management.
Nurse executives serve as chief nursing officers in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and other healthcare organizations. They oversee organizational operations, develop policies, and manage financial budgets.
Salary: $177,830
Payscale, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Leadership Programs
To become a nurse leader, you need an undergraduate nursing degree, RN license, nursing experience, then a graduate nursing degree. Degree programs for prospective nurse leaders include clinical nurse leader, executive leadership, and nursing leadership and administration.
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