If you’ve earned your Master of Science in Nursing Administration degree, you’ve already set yourself up for a rewarding career. Yet, there’s another step that can elevate your hiring potential even further: a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Administration.
The following covers essential information that MSN-prepared nurses should consider while expanding their career opportunities with further education.
Job Outlook: A Rapidly Growing Field
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a much faster than average growth rate for jobs in the “medical and health services manager” category — a 32% increase by 2030. This rise equates to approximately 51,800 openings per year, on average.
One primary reason for the swell is America’s aging population. Accompanying the need for physicians and nurses is the demand for professionals in administrative roles to manage those healthcare workers and the facilities in which they work. Varying roles exist to meet such a responsibility, including:
- Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). CNOs oversee the daily operations of a healthcare facility. Sometimes, this role is described as the “top of the food chain” in the nursing world. Salary varies by geographic location and type of institution but averages about $136,250 per year, per ZipRecruiter. As CNOs gain greater experience throughout their career, they can make as much as $219,000 annually.
- Nurse Administrator. This position covers a range of administrative tasks, including regular performance reviews, attending executive meetings and developing training and personnel procedures. ZipRecruiter reports the average annual salary for a nurse administrator as $72,867, potentially reaching $131,000.
- Director of Case Management. Every patient has a case manager on their side, and every case manager has a director on theirs. Responsibilities of this role include coordinating care management operations, implementing policies/procedures and ensuring proper allocation of resources. In some instances, directors speak directly with patients and their families. According to ZipRecruiter, a case management director’s salary averages $114,149 per year but may be as high as $196,000.
What Will You Learn in a Post-Master’s Certificate in Administration Program?
Coursework in a Post-Master’s Certificate in Administration program covers a vast expanse of competencies and builds upon one’s MSN education. The online program at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is a perfect example of what MSN-prepared nurses will learn throughout the certificate program, such as:
- theories of leadership and organizational behavior
- types of administrative and managerial roles in healthcare organizations
- financial planning, budgeting and reimbursement systems in healthcare
- optimal ways to mitigate workforce/workplace issues
- importance of evidence-based decision-making
UTA customizes the program for each nurse based on a “gap analysis” of their MSN transcript and previous work experience. So, students could waive some courses based on this assessment. If an evaluation determines that an MSN-prepared nurse needs more preparation, the student can add more classes to bolster their skills.
Tuition, Program Duration and Admission Requirements
Students can complete the Post-Master’s Certificate in Administration program at UTA entirely online, providing flexibility and convenience surrounding nurses’ current employment (and family) schedules.
Tuition is affordable with pay-by-course options. Students can choose from multiple start dates throughout the calendar year, and nurses can complete the program in as few as seven months. To submit an online application, MSN-prepared nurses just need to meet three foundational requirements:
- official transcripts that reflect at least a 3.0 GPA in an MSN degree program
- active/unencumbered registered nurse license
- two years of experience working as an RN
Still on the Fence?
It’s understandable for nurses to face uncertainty when contemplating a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Administration. You may already have a great job and feel comfortable in your current state. Or, you’re concerned about the financial and time investment required to earn the certificate.
The truth is, the healthcare field is an increasingly competitive one. By dedicating yourself to this certificate in nursing administration, you’ll be able to advance your career in ways you may not have thought possible.
Learn more about The University at Texas Arlington’s online Post-Master’s Certificate in Administration program.
