Feb 14, 2025  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Nursing Leadership (NLMS) - MS


Grad Nursing - Nursing Leadership MS Image


46 credits

3.0 GPA required.

A Plan of Study is available on the Master of Science in Nursing website.

Nursing Program Description


Graduates of the MS programs are prepared for a variety of advanced nursing roles (e.g. nurse educators andnurse leaders). These graduates also have the foundation for continued graduate studies (i.e. DNP or PhD). 

Nursing science core courses, taken by all graduate students, build on students’ baccalaureate nursing knowledge to integrate scientific underpinnings for practice, understand nursing information management and decision making, and advocate for health promotion. Students develop evidence-based knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and safety of health care while demonstrating leadership and professionalism. Courses within the selected programs of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nursing Leadership provide specialized knowledge and practice opportunities in each advanced nursing role. A unique feature of this program is the targeted emphasis on the nurse’s use of advanced knowledge and skills of health promotion with individuals and families in diverse populations to address health care needs within complex environments.

Nursing Leadership


Students who elect the Nursing Leadership program are prepared for formal and informal leadership in any healthcare setting. In addition to the core courses, content focuses on elements of leadership in practice, and across the care continuum; responsibilities of nurse leaders in research, education, and clinical practice; human capital management; fiduciary and economic governance; strategic project management; the functions of the nurse leader in the organization, system, and community; and on issues and trends in advancing the nursing profession. Clinical practicums for the Nursing Leadership program offer students the opportunity to apply nursing leadership principles under the guidance of a qualified preceptor. Graduates of the program are prepared for eligibility for the following certification exams after meeting additional eligibility criteria related to work experience: American Organization for Nurse Leaders (AONL) exam to become certified as an Executive in Nursing Practice (CENP) or a nurse manager and leader (CNML) or certification for Nurse Executive (NE-BC) or the Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Certification may also require a certain number of years of experience in a formal leader position.

Clinical Courses (9 credits)


Learners will work with their advisor and the Clinical Placement Coordinator to arrange practicum opportunities that meet student learning needs and career goals.

Clinical Hours: 540


1 clinical credit = 60 hours of contact time