7 Best (FASTEST) Nursing Leadership Online Programs
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
What Are The Best (Fastest) Nursing Leadership Online Programs In The Nation?
(Based on our
Ranking Methodology, the following are the 7 best fastest Nursing Leadership online programs. You can complete these programs in 12 months or less.)
Programs Offered: MSN
Specialty Offered: Healthcare Leadership
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: If you are a registered nurse interested in earning a graduate degree and transitioning to a position in healthcare leadership, there are so many options! One way to accomplish your goal without disrupting your current career and daily life is to pursue a degree through a fast-track nursing leadership online program, like the one offered at the University of South Carolina. Applications to this program are accepted on a rolling basis, and new cohorts are admitted three times yearly in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
The program offers exclusively online didactic coursework with seven-week terms featuring accelerated course content. To earn the MSN in Nursing Leadership, you will complete 30 credit hours. The
curriculum includes classes like Theoretical & conceptual Foundations for Nursing, Facilitative Processes in Healthcare Leadership, Research Methods for Nursing, and Financing Healthcare.
The MSN Nursing Leadership online program integrates practicums that you can complete in your current place of employment. Your practicums will complement the program’s didactic coursework and prepare you to take and pass your nursing leadership national certification exam once you complete the program.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the nursing leadership online program at the University of South Carolina in as few as 12 months.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the program offered at USC is contingent upon meeting the following criteria. You must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earned from a nationally accredited nursing program and possess an unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in the state where you reside and will complete clinicals.
You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all previous undergraduate and any graduate coursework you have completed. In addition to completing the College of Nursing graduate application, you must also provide official transcripts from any college or university you attended. You must submit three professional recommendations, a personal goal statement reflecting MSN program outcomes, and a current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
Why Choose This Program
• If you have not yet earned a BSN but want to attend USC, you are in luck! The school has introduced a new RN-MSN entry option for the MSN Nursing Leadership program. The first class will offer admission in the fall of 2025!
• At the University of South Carolina, there are many options to assist with funding your education. The College of Nursing offers several
general scholarships. Additionally,
The Graduate School and the
Financial Aid and Scholarships office offer other financial aid and scholarship opportunities. A financial aid advisor can discuss available options and assist you with applications.
• USC reports that its graduates have excellent success rates on the national certification examinations. Student success on the exam is a strong indication that this is one of the best fastest nursing leadership online programs.
Programs Offered: MSN
Specialty Offered: Nursing Administration & Leadership
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: The University of Southern Maine offers an accelerated online nursing leadership program designed with working professionals in mind. With six start dates offered each year, you can begin earning your degree when you are ready!
The program features a
36-credit curriculum that consists of seven-week courses, which are primarily delivered asynchronously. When you pursue this program, you will gain advanced skills relevant to advanced nursing practice and business management. You will take classes, including organizational Theory & Behavior, Information Management & Healthcare Technology, Leading Change in Complex Healthcare Environments, and Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice.
Between courses, you will complete 270 practicum hours, which provide opportunities for hands-on learning and leadership skills development. You will be prepared with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in positions such as Chief Clinical Officer, Clinical Supervisor, Director of Nursing, and Nurse Manager.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The fast-track online nursing leadership program at the University of Southern Maine is designed to be completed in 12 months.
Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the online nursing leadership program at the University of Southern Maine must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program and hold a current, unencumbered RN license. You must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and pass an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of “C” or higher.
You must complete an online application, provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended, and provide a resume or curriculum vitae that includes volunteer, professional, and community experience. Finally, you must submit a personal statement explaining your professional goals, experiences, and reasons for choosing USM to earn your degree and demonstrate your understanding of the nurse administrator role and your reason for choosing this path.
Why Choose This Program
• The program offers a two-part practicum experience through which you will engage in activities to help develop competence in professional, personal, and leadership practice. Although the program is online, you will have the support of a clinical advisor who will coordinate your practicum assignments and be available to assist you throughout your experiences.
• At the University of Southern Maine, the Office of Graduate Studies offers opportunities for
scholarships, professional development, and
graduate assistantships.
• At the USM, you will learn from dedicated faculty who are actively involved in healthcare policy, patient care standards, and nursing education at both state and national levels. Many faculty members of the fast-track nursing leadership online program are published authors in leading nursing journals, and several hold positions as board members of both state and national nursing associations.
Programs Offered: MSN
Specialty Offered: Integrative Nursing Leadership
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: If you are a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse ready to take a step forward in your career but need a flexible learning option, Mercyhurst University offers one of the best shortest nursing leadership online programs and could be just what you are searching for! With applications accepted on a rolling basis and three start terms each year, it is easy to choose a time when you want to begin earning your degree and get started on your way to achieving an MSN in Nursing Leadership.
The MSN Integrative Nursing Leadership program features a 32-credit curriculum designed with working professional nurses in mind. The program is formatted in mini half-semester terms that include an average of two courses each. You will study subjects including Health Concerns of Vulnerable Populations, Healthcare Policy Analysis & Advocacy, Theoretical & Philosophical Foundations of Care, and Leadership & Organizational Behavior.
The program includes an immersive experience during which you will spend 60 hours working with a preceptor. During this Integrative Nursing Capstone, you will implement a safety initiative improvement process, which initially begins in the course "Quality, Safety, & Value in Healthcare". You will also prepare for the Patient Safety Certification Examination during this capstone. The program culminates with the completion of a faculty-approved manuscript that you must submit for publication based on your chosen patient safety topic.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At Mercyhurst University, you can complete the fast-track online nursing leadership program in 12 months if you enroll full-time.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Integrative Nursing Leadership MSN program at Mercyhurst University, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited university and have an unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. You must provide official transcripts from any post-secondary school you have attended and submit a personal statement discussing your professional goals as they relate to nursing leadership.
Why Choose This Program
• At Mercyhurst University, program faculty and staff genuinely care about student wellness and success. As a nurse and healthcare educator, one thing I like about this school and its approach to education is that it incorporates techniques designed to teach students resilience and
self-care, which are essential if you want to succeed in nursing leadership.
• The nursing leadership online program at Mercyhurst University follows a
person-centered model of care, which has been proven to improve patient and professional outcomes.
• The MSN Integrative Nursing Leadership program at Mercyhurst boasts a diverse faculty with many years of experience in various fields. Their knowledge, experience, and insight will be instrumental in helping you prepare to transition to a leadership role as you advance your education and career.
Programs Offered: MSN
Specialty Offered: Leadership & Administration
Program Length: 10 Months
Program Details: Are you ready to advance your skills and prepare to lead healthcare organizations? Do you need a distance-learning option that you can complete in a short time? If so, Southern Utah University has a fast-track nursing leadership online program worth considering. The program offers six start dates each year, which means you can choose a time to begin earning your degree that is best suited for you and your current lifestyle and needs.
The
30-credit pathway features classes, including Innovation & Information in Nursing Leadership, Ethics in Nursing Leadership, Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Leadership, and Managing People & Organizations. You will complete 90 clinical hours relevant to nursing leadership. With approval from the program director, and as long as project outcomes are satisfied, you may complete your Leadership Capstone in conjunction with your current job.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Southern Utah University offers one of the fastest online nursing leadership programs. You can complete this program in as few as 10 months!
Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN Leadership & Administration program at Southern Utah University must have a valid, unrestricted RN license and possess a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing school. You must have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale and provide official transcripts from the college or university that granted your nursing degree.
Why Choose This Program
• Southern Utah University offers
pay-by-the-course tuition, making it easier to budget the cost of your degree without sacrificing or waiting to pursue your academic goals.
• If you are truly motivated and like the idea of earning two advanced degrees, Southern Utah University offers an
MSN-MBA dual degree option. Through this program, you can earn the MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration and Master of Business Administration concurrently!
• Southern Utah University has a solid reputation for providing high-quality nursing education and offering a supportive learning environment to all students, including those enrolled in distance learning programs like the online nursing leadership program.
Programs Offered: MSN
Specialty Offered: Nursing Leadership
Program Length: One Year
Program Details: Wilmington University is home to another of the shortest online nursing leadership programs. Whether you want to focus your career on healthcare policy, entrepreneurial and management roles, public health, epidemiology, academia, or healthcare and the law, you can find a nursing leadership niche at Wilmington!
The MSN Nursing Leadership program requires you to complete 36 credits. The curriculum consists of 21 MSN Leadership Core courses, nine concentration-specific credits, and six final capstone credits. Core coursework for each concentration is identical and includes courses such as Leadership Roles in Advanced Nursing Practice, Enhancing Health Equity: Teaching, Technology, & Social Determinants, and Politics & Policy in the Healthcare System.
Depending on the leadership concentration you choose to pursue, you may take classes such as Forensic Nursing: Clinical & Legal Implications, Clinical Teaching & Evaluation, Global Leadership, or Epidemiology Health Professions. Students in all concentrations complete a Final Capstone Course in Nurse Leadership.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The fast-track online nursing leadership program at Wilmington University is designed to be completed in one year.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the program offered at Wilmington University, you must be a graduate of a nationally accredited baccalaureate nursing program and have a current United States R.N. license. You must complete a graduate application and submit an application fee, provide official transcripts from any college or university you have attended, and pass an undergraduate Statistics course with a minimum grade of “C,” or take the GMAT and have a minimum score of 308.
Why Choose This Program
• At Wilmington University, you can get a head start on earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice by using electives from the MSN Nursing Leadership program to complete some doctoral-level coursework. This option, known as the
Dual-Credit Advantage, is an excellent way to accelerate your career to the highest level of clinical nursing practice in less time than a traditional DNP program.
• Wilmington University believes everyone who wants to earn a degree should have the opportunity to do so. By offering
low tuition rates, the school puts the dream of achieving your MSN in nursing leadership within reach!
• The program faculty at Wilmington University are seasoned nurses and active practitioners who understand what it is like to balance work, family, and earning an advanced degree. Faculty are dedicated to helping you succeed in the program and achieve your goals after graduation.
Programs Offered: MSN
Specialty Offered: Nursing Leadership & Management
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: Weber State University is home to another excellent option for RNs searching for online nursing leadership programs. Program start dates vary based upon administrative approval, the number of qualified applicants, and available funding. Up to 15 students are admitted to each new cohort.
The MSN Nursing Leadership & Management program features a
32-credit curriculum that is delivered over three semesters. You will study Leadership & Accountability, Healthcare Systems & Healthcare Economy, Collaborative Approaches to Population Health, and Scope & Practice of Nursing Administration. In this program, you will learn to apply leadership principles, including budgeting, performance measurement, and ways to develop and retain a competent nursing workforce. The program culminates in a residency experience focused on nursing leadership.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The fast-track nursing leadership online program at Weber State University is formatted to be completed in 12 months.
Admission Requirements: Applicants for the online nursing leadership program at Weber State University must be graduates of an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited bachelor's nursing program. You must have a minimum grade of "B-" in all nursing courses you have taken. While a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred, if your GPA is 2.5-2.99 and you have two or more years of full-time work experience as an RN (or three years part-time), you may be considered for admission. You must possess an active RN license or be eligible to obtain an unrestricted RN license. If you are unlicensed at the time of admission, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and gain licensure before progressing to the second semester of the program. You must provide a curriculum vitae or professional resume, admission essay, and copies of your official college transcripts.
Why Choose This Program
• At Weber University, master’s- and doctoral-prepared faculty will guide you on your journey to earn your MSN in Nursing Leadership and Management. Their combined decades of experience, insight, and real-world experience will be invaluable when it comes to preparing you with the knowledge and skills you need to become an effective nurse leader!
• Weber University reports graduates of the fast-track online nursing leadership program have excellent national certification exam pass rates and job placement rates following program completion. This speaks well of the program's quality and the level of preparation you will receive as a student there.
Programs Offered: MSN
Specialty Offered: Administrative Leadership In Nursing
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: Northeastern State University is home to another featured fast-track online nursing leadership program. The program offers six start dates each academic year, which makes it easy to begin earning your degree at a time that is right for you.
To earn the degree, you must complete a minimum of
31 credits. The curriculum includes 19 credits earned from the core MSN curriculum and 12 credits of administrative leadership coursework. The MSN core coursework lays a foundation in advanced knowledge of research, evidence-based practice, and cultural competence in nursing. The curriculum then builds upon that foundation with leadership-relevant courses, including Advanced Leadership Development, Healthcare Finance & Economics, and Human Resource Management.
The program includes 200 field hours, which are completed under the supervision of an experienced nurse leader mentor.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The fast-track nursing leadership online program at Northeastern State University is a 12-month program.
Admission Requirements: At Northeastern State University, there are two entry pathways: the Traditional Pathway and the Non-Traditional Pathway. Candidates for the Traditional Pathway must possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NEA-accredited and regionally accredited college or university. Candidates for the Non-Traditional Pathway must possess an Associate degree in Nursing AND a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
All candidates must have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. You must provide official transcripts from each college or university you have attended and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for all undergraduate coursework attempted or a 3.0 GPA in your bachelor’s degree program. You must complete an approved Statistics and Research course with a grade of “C” or higher.
Why Choose This Program
• Northeastern State University introduced the first stand-alone nursing program designed for RNs in Oklahoma in 1982. Since then, the school has continued to add new ways for registered nurses to earn higher degrees and advance their careers. This long history of educating nurses is a true testament to the school’s dedication to student success and the profession of nursing.
• At NSU, dedicated faculty and support staff are easily accessible and will guide you through every step of the program. Their goal is your success, not only as a student but as a graduate following completion of the program as you transition your career and move into leadership positions in nursing.
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.