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Online MSN in Leadership in Health Systems Management
Drexel’s CCNE-accredited online MSN: Leadership in Health Systems Management prepares current RNs to step into senior administration or management roles. It is perfect for nurses who want to advance their career in the ever-complex healthcare environment.
The health systems management leadership program highlights two crucial skill sets needed by nurse leaders and executives. One revolves around the decision-making process. The other, on management of health information systems.
During the program, you will learn how to problem-solve and make ethical and data-driven decisions. In tandem, the emphasis on leadership will help you understand finance, legal issues, marketing, strategy, and organizational structures.
MSN in Leadership in Health Systems Management Program at a Glance
- 45 quarter credits (equivalent to 30 semester credits)
- No on-campus requirements
- Flexible scheduling of your adminstration clinical practicum in a variety of settings
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the master’s degree in nursing at Drexel University
- Those who consistently take two courses per quarter will finish in two years, one class a quarter will take closer to four years
- The online lectures are delivered via Blackboard Collaborate, which functions as a virtual meeting similar to a webinar, and are both challenging and engaging
- Experienced faculty from Drexel’s acclaimed College of Nursing and Health Professions
- A three-year tuition lock for those who complete the program within 3 years
- Ranked #45 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked #12 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report
Health Systems Management Clinical Practicum
The practicum course is completed over the span of two quarters and is the final course in your MSN. It requires 160 hours over the course of 20 weeks at a predetermined practicum site with an approved preceptor. You will declare your intent to complete the practicum 6 months in advance of the course. During this time, we will guide you through a mandatory compliance process, and the Leadership Track Director will work with you to identify an acceptable practicum site and preceptor. Typically, we can find a practicum site that is very convenient for you and does not result in an additional traveling burden.
What is Nursing Management?
Nurse management is broad way to describe nurses who plan, organize, lead, staff, and direct other nurses or functions within medical and health services. Not only are nurse managers in charge of patient care, they also make decisions about governance, budget, schedules, and personnel.
What Can I Do with a Nursing Management Degree?
Most employers today seek nurse executives with a master’s degree and experience as an RN. Having a nursing management degree might help you pursue jobs in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, and beyond. The array of titles nurse managers hold include:
- Clinical Director
- Health Information Manager
- Health Manager
- Mental Health Program Manager
- Nursing Director
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Practice Administrator
How Much Can You Make with an MSN in Health Systems Management?
An MSN in Health Systems Management may be instrumental in boosting your earning potential. Nurse Managers report median annual salaries of $117,960, per the most recent BLS.gov estimates. While salaries fluctuate by location, work setting, and job title, RNs, on average, earned less ($93,600) in the same year than nurse managers.
Demand for skilled medical and health services managers is on the rise by 29% through the next few years. This growth rate is much faster than average and is likely to mean more jobs in healthcare facilities, hospitals, nursing facilities, group medical practices, and more. In all these settings, nurse managers may fill the following high paying jobs:
Job Title
Median Annual Salary*
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
$189,600
Nursing Director
$99,730
Clinical Manager
$99,730
Nursing Home Administrator
$84,260
Health Service Manager (Hospital)
$108,730
*Data from BLS.gov
Online Open Houses
Learn more about this and other nursing programs from our previously recorded online open house webinar series.
Questions? We're here to help!
For application related questions:
enroll@drexel.edu
For program related questions:
College of Nursing and Health Professions Program Team
CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
The MSN program at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Graduate students who utilize student loans (FAFSA) muct maintain a minimum enrollment of 4.5 credits per term.
| MSN Core Courses | ||
| NURS 500 | Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments | 3.0 |
| NURS 502 | Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 544 | Quality and Safety in Healthcare | 3.0 |
| RSCH 503 | Research Methods and Biostatistics | 3.0 |
| RSCH 504 | Evaluation and Translation of Health Research | 3.0 |
| Major Courses | ||
| PROJ 501 | Introduction to Project Management | 3.0 |
| NUPR 663 | Communication and Self-Awareness for Leadership | 4.5 |
| NUPR 664 | The Economics and Business of Healthcare | 4.5 |
| NUPR 665 | Managing Operations and Human Resources for Quality Outcomes of Care Delivery | 4.5 |
| Practicum Courses | ||
| NURS 568 | Practicum and Symposium in Healthcare Operations Management | 3.0 |
| NURS 569 | Practicum and Symposium in Technology and Management of Information in Healthcare Organizations | 3.0 |
| Electives | 7.5 | |
| Total Credits | 45.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Nurses with a non-nursing bachelor's may consider applying for the RN-BSN-MSN program to earn both a BSN and MSN concurrently, or apply to the RN to MSN Bridge Program.
- BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- If your GPA is lower, you're still encouraged to apply, but should ensure that relevant professional experience is included on your resume. You must also provide two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study.
- While specific clinical work and/or volunteer experience is not required, it may make your application more competitive.
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
- Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study
- If you have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, this requirement can be waived
- Personal statement describing your interest in the program and particular specialty
- Resume
- Copy of your United States RN license
- Additional requirements for International Students
An admissions interview may be required.
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1169 per credit. (A 10% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1298 per credit)
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Scholarship Opportunities
At Drexel, we understand that developing a plan to finance your education is a critical step in your decision-making process. That's why we encourage students who require financial aid to fill out the FAFSA as early in the application process as possible. Learn more about Drexel's financial aid policies. In addition, nursing students are encouraged to visit the AACN to review the many scholarship opportunities that exist through the organization.
Academic Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2025
September 22, 2025
December 6, 2025
December 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
Winter 2026
January 5, 2026
March 14, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 21, 2026
Spring 2026
March 30, 2026
June 6, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 13, 2026
Summer 2026
June 22, 2026
August 29, 2026
August 31, 2026
September 5, 2026
Apply for admission to Drexel University
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