A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration
Master of Science in Nursing
Inspire teams and drive the success of your healthcare organization with a CCNE-accredited* online MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration from Capella. In this program designed for working nurses, you’ll be equipped with knowledge and best practices that can help you manage operations, lead change and communicate with other members of a healthcare team as a well-rounded nurse executive.
If you’re an RN with an associate degree, this program can help streamline your path to a master’s degree. Note: Capella does not award the BSN degree as part of this program nor upon completion.
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- CCNE accredited
- 3 Bridge courses
- 7 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 2 Practicum courses
- 66 Total credits (12 max transfer)
With FlexPath, you can earn your RN-to-MSN degree in 15 months and under $18,000.
Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by your degree program, transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
Explore nursing leadership and administration courses
- This degree requires a total of 33 program points in FlexPath or 66 quarter credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete three bridge courses, seven core courses, four specialization courses and two practicum courses
Show all descriptions
NURS5007
Leadership for Nursing Practice
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine and apply theoretical concepts and leadership competencies for nursing practice. Learners evaluate evidence-based best practices and behaviors that support effective nursing leadership in health care settings, and analyze strategies for coordination, delegation, and goal setting and performance improvement. Learners also assess concepts and principles of health care policy, legal and regulatory issues, and quality control in health care and the nursing profession. For MSN learners only.
4 quarter credits
NURS6222
Healthcare Safety and Quality Management
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the nurse leader's role in helping to effectively integrate into healthcare delivery systems the quality and safety principles that inform evidence-based changes and best practices. Learners demonstrate an understanding of the ways they can measure healthcare quality and safety; monitor and assess patient safety and outcomes; develop a transparent system for identifying and resolving medical errors and adverse patient outcomes; use data to monitor and improve patient care and outcomes; and support a culture of quality and safety. Learners are required to complete 50 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): NURS6026; NURS6020 or NURS6021
4 quarter credits
NURS6224
Healthcare Technology and Informatics
4 quarter credits
Learners gain and demonstrate the knowledge and skills nurse leaders need in order to utilize healthcare technology to enhance patient care and organizational outcomes. In particular, learners develop a strategy for technological integration and examine the ways in which they can use technology to evaluate patient data and organizational readiness. Learners also use the strategic planning process to assess, evaluate, and implement technology that promotes improved healthcare outcomes. Learners are required to complete 50 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): NURS6026; NURS6020 or NURS6021
4 quarter credits
NURS6226
Advanced Operations and Finance Management
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the nurse leader's role in establishing and managing an operations and capital budget. In particular, learners develop an understanding of how to incorporate variances or discretionary spending, manage the labor force within budget parameters, examine the availability and appropriate use of equipment and supplies, and apply finance principles to a strategic plan for achieving an organization's fiscal goals. Learners are required to complete 50 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): NURS6026; NURS6020 or NURS6021
4 quarter credits
NURS6080
MSN Practicum: Professionalism in Person-Centered Care and the Workplace Environment
4 quarter credits
Learners develop critical thinking skills, advanced knowledge, and preparation for master's-level nursing practice in a designated specialization. Learners create and implement a personalized practicum experience under the supervision of a preceptor at the practicum site of choice and record practicum experiences in a clinical log. During this practicum, learners begin the process of synthesizing professional and academic growth and practice while applying the content learned in the specialization courses to the practicum. Additionally, learners document progress, provide evidence of accomplishments, and track hours. Learners are required to completed 100 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): NURS6100, NURS6108, NURS6112, NURS6116; or NURS6200, NURS6222, NURS6224, NURS6226; or NURS6400, NURS6422, NURS6424, NURS6426; or NURS6620, NURS6622, NURS6624. NURS6626; or NURS6410, NURS6412, NURS6414, NURS6416.
4 quarter credits
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our nongraded, noncredit-bearing FlexPath Trial Course, you'll explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you'll learn
In this specialization, students examine advanced theories, research and evidence-based best practices for executive leadership and administration in nursing. Students will expand their knowledge of healthcare leadership, safety, ethics, finance and operations as they learn how to collaborate and communicate effectively with other members of a healthcare team. This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Allocate financial resources to meet organizational goals
- Lead and foster an organizational culture of quality and safety
- Apply knowledge of the structures and needs of a healthcare organization to lead problem-solving, improve outcomes and facilitate effective change
- Promote the integration of changing technologies to enhance patient care and effectiveness in healthcare organizations
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional and consistent with the expectations of a nurse leader
How much does the RN-to-MSN cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session
- $2,985 per 12-week billing session
- $125 resource kit
- 33 total program points
- 6 max transfer points
- $32 background check
- $2.99 CastleBranch service fee
$14,925
ACCELERATED PACE 13 months
$23,880
TYPICAL PACE 22 months
$38,805
SLOWER PACE 34 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs. Compliance requirements are determined by the practicum sites and may pose an additional cost.
By the end of your first billing session or quarter, you must complete a background check through CastleBranch, a third-party vendor.
As of February 13, 2025, CastleBranch imposed a service fee of $2.99, which is subject to change at their discretion.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts and how quickly you complete courses. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format assume average number of credits and are based on:
- “Accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students)
- “Typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students)
- “Slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students)
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $465 per credit
- $125 resource kit
- 66 total quarter credits
- 12 max transfer credits
- $32 background check
- $2.99 CastleBranch service fee
$30,690
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 39 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs. Compliance requirements are determined by the practicum sites and may pose an additional cost.
By the end of your first billing session or quarter, you must complete a background check through CastleBranch, a third-party vendor.
As of February 13, 2025, CastleBranch imposed a service fee of $2.99, which is subject to change at their discretion.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future – there are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
What are the MSN admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the RN-to-MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration must provide the following information for admission:
- A minimum of 135 completed undergraduate quarter credits or 90 completed undergraduate semester credits
- Your official undergraduate transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Verification of your current, unrestricted RN license to practice in the United States
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application (no application fee required)
- A background check
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 3.0, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an RN to MSN Nursing Leadership & Administration degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration.
Job titles to explore*
- Assistant director of nursing
- Assistant nurse manager
- Chief nursing officer
- Clinical director
- Clinical manager
- Clinical supervisor
- Director of ambulatory services
- Director of behavioral health
- Director of case management
- Director of clinical operations
- Director of clinical services
- Director of emergency services
- Director of nursing
- Director of rehabilitation
- Director of surgical services
- Executive director
- Nurse manager
- Nursing manager
- Program director
Employment settings to explore*
- Administration of Veterans Affairs
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Direct health and medical insurance carriers
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Home healthcare services
- Kidney dialysis centers
- Miscellaneous ambulatory healthcare services
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
- Offices of physicians (except mental health specialists)
- Outpatient care centers
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.