9 Best MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Programs – 2024
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Are you a registered nurse considering earning a master’s degree in nursing? Are you passionate about improving healthcare quality and services and promoting patient safety? If so, an MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program is something worth considering.
Maybe you thought of earning your MSN and specializing in healthcare quality and patient safety but wonder, “What are the best MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs?” If that sounds familiar, you have come to the right place! In this article, I will share information with you about the 9 best MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs for 2024 and provide some insight into their advantages, disadvantages, and what you can expect to gain from these specialized programs.
WHAT EXACTLY IS THE GOAL OF AN MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAM?
The goal of MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs is to prepare registered nurses to serve as the link between healthcare technology, information systems, clinicians, providers, and consumers. These programs feature competency-based study plans to help you develop skills relevant to quality improvement, data analysis, information systems selection and optimization, and patient safety. These programs aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to lead organizational efforts that improve safety for patients and staff, to monitor quality metrics, and manage risks in the healthcare environment.
5 MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS AND ABILITIES YOU WILL GAIN IN AN MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAM
You will gain many versatile and essential skills in MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs. The skills you gain can be used in diverse clinical settings and roles. The following are five of the most important abilities and skills you will gain.
1. You will learn to integrate relevant theories and technologies into the delivery of healthcare services:
As a leader in healthcare quality and patient safety, you must understand and implement the use of theories and technologies designed to advance safe and effective patient care. As you pursue your degree, your instructors and clinical preceptors will guide you as you learn about theories and technologies and how they further the role of the quality and safety of risk management professionals.2. You will develop strong critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills:
The ability to provide safe, high-quality care will depend upon your ability to think, judge, and reason critically. Faculty and preceptors of MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs understand the importance of developing solid diagnostic reasoning and critical thinking skills and will work with you to help you develop and hone these essential skills.3. You will learn to communicate ideas through writing and oral communication, and visual delivery models:
Your ability to influence healthcare quality and patient safety issues is dependent upon your ability to demonstrate effective communication. Program faculty will challenge you to communicate your ideas through verbal and written presentations and the preparation of visual aids. You will learn to communicate your thoughts and engage others to promote team involvement in achieving healthcare and patient safety goals.4. You will learn ways of integrating culturally sensitive care that contributes to patient and population health and wellness:
Delivering culturally competent care to clients and leading teams with attention to culturally sensitive issues is an essential skill for any nurse specializing in healthcare quality and patient safety. MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs integrate instruction focused on evidence-based health disparities within populations and will teach you to provide culturally competent care to meet the needs of diverse populations and the teams you lead. When you demonstrate cultural competence, it helps build trusting relationships between you, your patients, and the teams you lead, which is vital for improving patient and organizational outcomes.5. You will learn effective project management skills that are essential in promoting healthcare quality and safety:
Promoting quality and safety in healthcare requires the ability to identify patient and organizational needs and develop projects to meet those needs. In your program, you will learn methods of identifying and measuring needs and how to create project plans to fulfill those needs through solid leadership and management skills.5 MAIN ADVANTAGES OF MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS
MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs prepare students with a broad range of knowledge and skills that are useful in practice. You can use what you learn to your advantage and impact nursing, patient care, and the healthcare industry. The following are five main advantages of earning your degree through one of this article’s featured programs.
1. You can positively impact patient outcomes:
One of the greatest advantages of MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs is they prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to impact patient outcomes on many levels. You can use your knowledge to implement policies and protocol that promote organizational and patient safety, which is essential in providing quality patient care.2. You can promote a positive work environment:
The knowledge and skills you gain in your Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety MSN program will be instrumental in helping you promote safe, positive work environments. Employees who work in a positive, safe environment deliver better quality care, which results in excellent patient satisfaction and job satisfaction ratings.3. You will earn a great income!:
If you are looking for a career path in nursing that offers good earning potential, you will not be disappointed by choosing one of these specialized programs. Graduates of MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs earn an average of $109,860 annually. This income is nearly twice the average income for most workers in the United States.4. You can help reduce healthcare costs:
One of the most concerning factors for healthcare consumers is the cost of healthcare services. When you earn your degree in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety, you will be instrumental in implementing policies that promote high quality patient care and patient safety measures, which can drastically reduce healthcare costs.5. You can help ensure healthcare facilities align with professional standards, regulations, and state, federal, and local laws:
When you graduate from one of the best MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs, you will have the knowledge needed to evaluate policies within healthcare facilities and promote compliance with professional standards and laws relevant to healthcare. The ability to promote compliance and ethical behavior is a key skill for healthcare leaders and can be instrumental in helping promote professional outcomes.2 MAIN DISADVANTAGES OF MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS
Considering the advantages of MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs is good, but it is also important to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages to determine if this career path is something you truly desire to pursue. The following are two of the main disadvantages of these programs.
1. You will have a lot of responsibility:
Any role you pursue in healthcare quality and patient safety involves having a high level of responsibility. You will work with teams of professionals to oversee and implement endeavors to create safer working environments, reduce patient and staff risks, and improve the quality of healthcare services. It takes dedication to assume a role like this.2. Not everyone wants to follow the rules:
One of the disadvantages of earning your degree through MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs is that no matter how hard you try, you cannot make everyone comply with best practices or follow the rules. Your program will teach you ways to lead by example and strategies for team building. However, you cannot make others do the right thing, which can affect the outcome of your efforts to promote quality healthcare and patient safety.WHO ACCREDITS MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS?
As a nurse and healthcare instructor, one of the most important tips I can give you about choosing a degree program is to find a program that is accredited. Accreditation guarantees the nursing school and program you attend meet quality standards of education to ensure you are prepared to practice safely in the role you pursue. The best MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
| S.NO. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 1 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
WHEN DO MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS START?
MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs start at various times, depending on the school. Some schools offer multiple start dates, while others begin classes only once each year. The following are examples of the start dates for five of the nation's best programs.
• Southern New Hampshire University’s MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program offers five start days per year and no waiting list, which means you can begin your program at a time most convenient for you.
• Fayetteville State University offers full-time and part-time program options, both with fall semester start dates.
• The MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program at the University of Northern Colorado is delivered in an online format and begins each fall term.
• Capital University accepts applications for admission on a rolling basis and admits students three times each year in August, January, and May.
• The University of Texas at Tyler begins classes for its program in the fall and spring semesters each year.
• Fayetteville State University offers full-time and part-time program options, both with fall semester start dates.
• The MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program at the University of Northern Colorado is delivered in an online format and begins each fall term.
• Capital University accepts applications for admission on a rolling basis and admits students three times each year in August, January, and May.
• The University of Texas at Tyler begins classes for its program in the fall and spring semesters each year.
HOW MANY CREDITS ARE THERE IN MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS?
The curriculum plans for MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs typically require students to complete between 30 and 50 credits. When applying to programs, you will provide copies of your previous college transcripts for review. Based on the review, you may need more or less credits.
• The MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program at the University of Texas at Tyler is a 36-credit program. You may transfer up to nine approved credit hours into the program.
• At Drexel University, you will complete 45 credits to meet graduation requirements for the Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety MSN program.
• The program offered at the University of Northern Colorado features a 30-credit curriculum.
• If you pursue your degree at Capital University, you will complete 44 credit hours.
• The Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety MSN program at Mary Baldwin University includes 36 credit hours of study.
• At Drexel University, you will complete 45 credits to meet graduation requirements for the Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety MSN program.
• The program offered at the University of Northern Colorado features a 30-credit curriculum.
• If you pursue your degree at Capital University, you will complete 44 credit hours.
• The Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety MSN program at Mary Baldwin University includes 36 credit hours of study.
HOW LONG ARE MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS?
MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs take between 18 months and three years to complete, on average. The time it takes you to complete your program will depend on whether you enroll part-time or full-time. The following list includes estimated completion time for some of the programs featured in this article.
• At Jacksonville University, you can complete the MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program in as little as 18 months.
• The program offered at Fayetteville State University can be completed in four semesters if you enroll full-time. Part-time students take an average of six semesters to complete the program.
• Drexel University offers part-time and full-time study options for its MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program. Part-time students typically complete the program in three years plus one quarter. Full-time students take an average of seven quarters to complete the program. The program is divided into four ten-week quarters per academic year.
• You can earn your MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety in as few as five terms at the University of Northern Colorado.
• Capital University’s program is available part-time or full-time. You can earn your degree in as little as two years if you enroll full-time, or you can create a schedule that works best for your life by taking longer to complete the program.
• The program offered at Fayetteville State University can be completed in four semesters if you enroll full-time. Part-time students take an average of six semesters to complete the program.
• Drexel University offers part-time and full-time study options for its MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program. Part-time students typically complete the program in three years plus one quarter. Full-time students take an average of seven quarters to complete the program. The program is divided into four ten-week quarters per academic year.
• You can earn your MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety in as few as five terms at the University of Northern Colorado.
• Capital University’s program is available part-time or full-time. You can earn your degree in as little as two years if you enroll full-time, or you can create a schedule that works best for your life by taking longer to complete the program.
HOW MUCH DO MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS COST?
MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs cost as little as $20,000 and up to $50,000 or more. If you take advantage of scholarships and grant opportunities, you could reduce the cost of earning your degree. The following are examples of the cost of some of the top programs in the nation.
• Tuition for the Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program at Southern New Hampshire University costs $637 per credit. The program requires 36 credits, which means tuition averages $22,932.
• At the University of Northern Colorado, tuition costs $706 per credit hour. Therefore, the 30-credit program costs approximately $21,180.
• Capital University calculates tuition at a rate of $710 per credit. The program features a 44-credit curriculum, which makes tuition cost $31,240.
• Fayetteville State University charges tuition based on whether you live in North Carolina or reside out of state. In-state students pay $321.55 per credit hour, and out-of-state students pay $936.30 per credit hour. The program requires 36 credits, which means you will pay between $11,575.80 and $33,760.80, depending on where you live. These cost estimates include some fees and book expenses.
• At Drexel University, tuition costs $1,101 per credit. The program features a 45-credit curriculum, making the total tuition cost $49,545.
• At the University of Northern Colorado, tuition costs $706 per credit hour. Therefore, the 30-credit program costs approximately $21,180.
• Capital University calculates tuition at a rate of $710 per credit. The program features a 44-credit curriculum, which makes tuition cost $31,240.
• Fayetteville State University charges tuition based on whether you live in North Carolina or reside out of state. In-state students pay $321.55 per credit hour, and out-of-state students pay $936.30 per credit hour. The program requires 36 credits, which means you will pay between $11,575.80 and $33,760.80, depending on where you live. These cost estimates include some fees and book expenses.
• At Drexel University, tuition costs $1,101 per credit. The program features a 45-credit curriculum, making the total tuition cost $49,545.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM GPA REQUIRED TO GET INTO MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS?
MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs usually require applicants to have a minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. Some schools consider your cumulative college GPA, while others may evaluate your GPA for your most recent credits earned or your BSN average. Having worked with admissions teams, I like to advise prospective students to achieve the highest GPA possible. This is important because admission to graduate nursing programs can be competitive.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS?
Admission criteria for MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs are determined by each school. Programs typically require candidates to have a BSN in nursing, a current registered nurse license, and to meet a minimum college GPA. You will also be asked to submit supporting documentation such as your official college transcripts, a resume or curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation. Some schools may also ask you to participate in an admissions interview.
• Candidates desiring admission to the MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program at Jacksonville University must be graduates of a CCNE-, NLN-, or ACEN- accredited BSN program and have an active, unencumbered RN license. You must complete a Jacksonville University online application and provide transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended. Additionally, you must submit a resume or curriculum vitae, statement of intent, two letters of recommendation, and a copy of your nursing license. A minimum undergraduate nursing GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. However, if your GPA is below 3.0, you may be asked to submit GRE/GMAT scores and additional letters of recommendation.
• To be considered for admission to the program at Drexel University, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited school and an NLN- or AACN-accredited nursing program. You need a minimum grade point average of 3.0, either cumulative or for the last 60 credits you completed. Additionally, the school requests official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended, two professional letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume, and a copy of your current, unrestricted United States RN license.
• If you are interested in enrolling at the University of Northern Colorado, you must apply to the UNC Graduate School by filling out an online application. You must submit official documents from each regionally accredited college or university where you earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, a personal statement, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a copy of your RN license.
• Admission to the MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program at Fayetteville State University is contingent upon meeting the following requirements. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field from a regionally accredited institution, a current, unrestricted RN license, and have a 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework or the last 12 hours of post-baccalaureate studies. Additionally, you must provide official transcripts for review, three letters of professional recommendation, and a written professional statement of interest.
• Prospective students for the program offered at the University of Maine must have a BSN from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must complete a Health Assessment, college-level Statistics, and college-level Research Methods courses with a grade of “B” or higher. In addition to completing an online application, you must provide official college or university transcripts, a resume, and letters of reference. Some applicants are asked to participate in an admissions interview.
• To be considered for admission to the program at Drexel University, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited school and an NLN- or AACN-accredited nursing program. You need a minimum grade point average of 3.0, either cumulative or for the last 60 credits you completed. Additionally, the school requests official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended, two professional letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume, and a copy of your current, unrestricted United States RN license.
• If you are interested in enrolling at the University of Northern Colorado, you must apply to the UNC Graduate School by filling out an online application. You must submit official documents from each regionally accredited college or university where you earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, a personal statement, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a copy of your RN license.
• Admission to the MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program at Fayetteville State University is contingent upon meeting the following requirements. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field from a regionally accredited institution, a current, unrestricted RN license, and have a 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework or the last 12 hours of post-baccalaureate studies. Additionally, you must provide official transcripts for review, three letters of professional recommendation, and a written professional statement of interest.
• Prospective students for the program offered at the University of Maine must have a BSN from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must complete a Health Assessment, college-level Statistics, and college-level Research Methods courses with a grade of “B” or higher. In addition to completing an online application, you must provide official college or university transcripts, a resume, and letters of reference. Some applicants are asked to participate in an admissions interview.
WHAT KIND OF COURSES WILL YOU TAKE IN MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS?
Although the classes you take in MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs vary from one school to another, the content for accredited programs is similar. You can expect to learn about Statistics, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Information Systems and Technology, Epidemiology, and Pathophysiology. The following are examples of some of the classes offered at some of our featured schools.
• At Fayetteville State University, you will take classes including Systems Leadership, Collaborative Practice, and System Thinking, Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Research Methods and Biostatistics, Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare Management and Policy, and Creating a Culture of Safety and Quality in Healthcare.
• The curriculum for the Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety MSN program at the University of Texas at Tyler features classes such as Healthcare Informatics for the 21st Century, Organizational System Leadership, Information Systems Life Cycle, Data Analysis and Healthcare Technology, and Health Policy/Population Health.
• Drexel University students study courses including Science of Safety, Human Factors, and System Thinking, Compliance Skills: Auditing, Investigation, and Reporting, Evaluation and Translation of Health Research, Research Methods and Biostatistics, and Analysis of Performance Standards in Healthcare Quality.
• Jacksonville University’s program curriculum includes classes like Health Law, Regulatory Issues, and the Business of Healthcare Quality Improvement, Nursing Leadership and Advanced Roles, Healthcare Quality/Culture, Interprofessional Teams, and Simulation, Improvement Science, Human Factors, and Systems Thinking, and Information Systems and Technology for Improved Healthcare.
• If you choose Capital University to earn your degree, you will take classes including Health Data Analytics, Performance Enhancement in Healthcare, Advanced Research and Evidence Based Practice, Healthcare Technology and Informatics, and Applied Healthcare Statistics.
• The curriculum for the Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety MSN program at the University of Texas at Tyler features classes such as Healthcare Informatics for the 21st Century, Organizational System Leadership, Information Systems Life Cycle, Data Analysis and Healthcare Technology, and Health Policy/Population Health.
• Drexel University students study courses including Science of Safety, Human Factors, and System Thinking, Compliance Skills: Auditing, Investigation, and Reporting, Evaluation and Translation of Health Research, Research Methods and Biostatistics, and Analysis of Performance Standards in Healthcare Quality.
• Jacksonville University’s program curriculum includes classes like Health Law, Regulatory Issues, and the Business of Healthcare Quality Improvement, Nursing Leadership and Advanced Roles, Healthcare Quality/Culture, Interprofessional Teams, and Simulation, Improvement Science, Human Factors, and Systems Thinking, and Information Systems and Technology for Improved Healthcare.
• If you choose Capital University to earn your degree, you will take classes including Health Data Analytics, Performance Enhancement in Healthcare, Advanced Research and Evidence Based Practice, Healthcare Technology and Informatics, and Applied Healthcare Statistics.
WHAT KIND OF PRACTICAL TRAINING WILL YOU UNDERGO IN MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS?
Before completing a degree through MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs, you will participate in practical training opportunities. The type of clinical practicums you have are determined by the school. Most programs featured between 135 and 500 clinical hours. As you research program options, clarify whether you are responsible for locating your own clinical training sites and preceptors so you can prepare.
• At Capital University, you will complete 500 practical training hours in the MSN in Healthcare Quality and Safety program. Clinicals are divided into four practicums ranging from 50 to 180 hours each. The program culminates with a Capstone Practicum.
• The program offered at Southern New Hampshire University includes 135 clinical practicum hours. Your clinical experiences allow you to apply theory to practice under the guidance of a preceptor. You are responsible for locating clinical sites and preceptors and submitting requests to the school for approval.
• The MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program at the University of Northern Colorado features 135 practicum hours. You may complete your clinical requirements at your place of employment or at a facility in your area with program approval. You are responsible for identifying clinical sites and preceptors. However, the university offers clinical placement assistance if needed.
• At the University of Texas at Tyler, you will complete 200 clinical hours through the Nursing Informatics Capstone. The Capstone is designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate self-direction, critical thinking, and competency in the skills needed to succeed after graduation. Real-world work products are created based on case studies using simulated data sets. You will work with a consulting team and create a portfolio of your work for credit.
• Practical training for the program offered at Drexel University is earned through a Quality, Safety, and Risk Management Capstone. You will apply content learned in class to operationalize the role of the Quality, Safety, and Risk Management professional in healthcare facilities and organizations. You will present your Capstone project to healthcare systems administrators and stakeholders.
• The program offered at Southern New Hampshire University includes 135 clinical practicum hours. Your clinical experiences allow you to apply theory to practice under the guidance of a preceptor. You are responsible for locating clinical sites and preceptors and submitting requests to the school for approval.
• The MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program at the University of Northern Colorado features 135 practicum hours. You may complete your clinical requirements at your place of employment or at a facility in your area with program approval. You are responsible for identifying clinical sites and preceptors. However, the university offers clinical placement assistance if needed.
• At the University of Texas at Tyler, you will complete 200 clinical hours through the Nursing Informatics Capstone. The Capstone is designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate self-direction, critical thinking, and competency in the skills needed to succeed after graduation. Real-world work products are created based on case studies using simulated data sets. You will work with a consulting team and create a portfolio of your work for credit.
• Practical training for the program offered at Drexel University is earned through a Quality, Safety, and Risk Management Capstone. You will apply content learned in class to operationalize the role of the Quality, Safety, and Risk Management professional in healthcare facilities and organizations. You will present your Capstone project to healthcare systems administrators and stakeholders.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS IN THE NATION?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 9 Best online and campus-based MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Programs in the nation for the year 2024.)1. The University of Texas at Tyler - Tyler, TX
2. Drexel University - Philadelphia, PA
3. Jacksonville University - Jacksonville, FL
4. University of Northern Colorado - Greeley, CO
5. University of Maine - Orono, ME
6. Capital University - Columbus, OH
7. Mary Baldwin University - Staunton, VA
8. Southern New Hampshire University - Manchester, NH
9. Fayetteville State University - Fayetteville, NC
2 MAJOR CHALLENGES MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY STUDENTS AND GRADUATES FACE AND HOW TO OVERCOME
No matter what college degree you pursue, including MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety, they all come with challenges. Challenges do not have to keep you from following your dreams and accomplishing your goals. If you know what challenges to expect, you can develop a mindset to overcome them. The following are two major challenges students in MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs face.
CHALLENGE #1: Creating Balance Between School, Family, and Work
About the Challenge:
Earning your master’s degree in nursing in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety takes time and dedication. If you have a job, a family, or other responsibilities, it can be challenging to find balance.How to Overcome:
The first step in overcoming this challenge is to make a list of your responsibilities and decide how much time is needed to accomplish the things you need to do. If you have a spouse or family member who can help you with household chores and other family responsibilities, discuss ways the family can lend a hand so you can devote time to your studies. If you plan to continue working while in school, your work schedule may determine whether full-time or part-time enrollment in school is the better option. The most important thing is to be honest with yourself about what you can handle and not try to exceed what you are capable of doing. If you keep this in mind, you will be less likely to become overwhelmed.CHALLENGE #2: Working in Environments that Are Not Open to New Ideas or Innovation
About the Challenge:
As a specialist in healthcare quality and patient safety, you will introduce new ideas and ways to promote higher-quality patient care and patient and organizational safety. Although the ideal situation would be to work with groups and organizations that embrace change, that is not always the case. Meeting resistance from the people you are trying to lead can be frustrating.How to Overcome:
Overcoming this challenge comes with the understanding that everyone does not have to agree with you for your ideas to be right or good. Your job after graduating from MSN in Health Quality and Patient Safety programs is to promote the best environment for creating safety and delivering quality healthcare services. Use your communication and team-building skills to develop rapport with team members and ask for suggestions, which makes others feel involved.WHERE DO GRADUATES OF MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS MOSTLY WORK?
Graduates of MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs work in several healthcare settings. You may work for a hospital, large healthcare clinic, or physician's office. Also, you could pursue a job working for a government agency, teach at a college or university, or open your own consulting firm.
1. Hospitals and Large Healthcare Organizations:
The patient safety and healthcare quality professional in hospitals and health organizations tracks and provides data regarding inpatient and outpatient measures. In this setting, you may maintain and relay current data to appropriate management and departments, communicate with administrative staff and physicians, and assist in developing new policies and guidelines for promoting patient safety and improving patient care.2. Government Agencies:
As a Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety professional in government agencies, you could work in local, state, or federal government agencies. In this setting, you may use statistical data to evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare policies and introduce new policies or changes to existing ones. The decisions you make on a government level can influence patient safety and healthcare quality in many types of healthcare delivery systems.3. Consulting Firms:
You can use your degree from MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs to work as a consultant. Whether you work for a consulting firm or open your own agency, you can work with diverse healthcare organizations to identify potential safety risks and recommend solutions to help mitigate hazards.5 BEST JOBS FOR GRADUATES OF MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS
Graduates of MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs work in many settings and have diverse roles. The following are some of the best jobs for program graduates.
1. Quality and Safety Manager:
The Quality and Safety Manager collects, analyzes, and reviews information for a company’s safety programs to identify actions and programs that improve healthcare quality and patient safety. In this role, you will work closely with administrators and stakeholders to recommend policies and programs that help promote quality patient care and reduce risks.2. Healthcare Quality Informatics Manager:
Health Informatics Healthcare Quality Managers collect healthcare quality data, analyze data, and apply their findings toward the design and implementation of quality improvement programs. Healthcare Quality Informatics Managers design, test, analyze, and evaluate health data systems and help optimize new systems to meet changes in technology. This role is important because, as healthcare is an ever-evolving industry, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals must know how to use healthcare data systems to perform proper documentation and promote continuity of care, which is essential for healthcare quality and patient safety.3. Health Quality and Patient Safety Clinical Educator:
The Health Quality and Patient Safety Educator assists healthcare administration in providing leadership on departmental levels to enhance patient safety and improve the quality of healthcare delivery. You will be responsible for the leadership, oversight, and coordination of quality functions related to clinical outcomes, patient safety, infection control, risk management, quality issues, and regulatory compliance.4. Health Policy Analyst:
As a Health Policy Analyst, you will work with government institutions to propose and implement new policies and help healthcare organizations ensure policy compliance. This job requires a deep understanding of data analysis and the healthcare system. This job is an excellent option for graduates of MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs because your analysis of policies and suggestions for new or updated policies can help shape safer patient environments, which improves the quality of the healthcare we provide.5. Healthcare Operations Manager:
The Healthcare Operations Manager manages and coordinates activities within the healthcare organization. Some responsibilities of this job include providing oversight and assistance to department supervisors and the recommendation, development, improvement, and implementation of policies designed to improve patient care delivery and maintain operational aspects of the company. In this position, you will have the authority to design and coordinate interventions that improve the quality of the care we provide as nurses, which improves patient safety and outcomes.WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF THIS PROGRAM EXPECT?
The starting salary for new graduates of MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs is $76,960 per year. This salary is equal to $37 per hour, $1,480 per week, or $6,410 per month.
| Hourly | $37.00 |
| Weekly | $1,480 |
| Monthly | $6,410 |
| Annual | $76,960 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SALARY FOR MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY DEGREE HOLDERS?
After gaining experience, graduates of MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs earn an average of $52.82 per hour, $2,113 per week, or $9,160 per month. This pay is equivalent to $109,860 per year.
| Hourly | $52.82 |
| Weekly | $2,113 |
| Monthly | $9,160 |
| Annual | $109,860 |
10-YEAR JOB OUTLOOK FOR GRADUATES OF MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS
Not only is the income potential for graduates of MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs great, but the long-term job outlook is also quite promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects graduates of this type of program will see an increase in jobs of 45.68% through 2031, an increase much higher than that of other jobs.
| 2021-31 | |
| +45.68% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |
2 MAIN REASONS BEHIND THE DEMAND FOR GRADUATES OF MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS
An important factor to consider when choosing a career path is whether there is a need for the services you want to provide. Nursing is a diverse industry with many options to specialize in, and it takes people like you who are interested in promoting healthcare quality and safety to make us all succeed. The demand for professionals who specialize in healthcare quality and patient safety can be attributed to several factors, two of which are listed below.
1. The Impact of Burnout on Healthcare Quality:
Healthcare quality and patient safety are significantly impacted when healthcare workers are tired, or there is a high level of burnout. The United States is currently experiencing a critical nursing shortage, which means the nurses still working are overwhelmed. According to a research project published by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, by 2027, nearly 900,000 nurses plan to leave the workforce. Understaffed and overworked healthcare providers are more prone to make mistakes, which leads to risks to patient safety and healthcare quality.2. The COVID-19 Pandemic:
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports the COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on how healthcare services are delivered. Nurses and other healthcare providers understand the importance of following infection control and safety protocols to help reduce the risk of exposure and virus spread. Because so much is still unknown about the virus, there is an increased need for healthcare professionals who can analyze, create, and implement procedures for promoting higher-quality healthcare services and patient safety.IS THE COST OF AN MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAM WORTH THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)?
MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs cost between $20,000 and $50,000 on average. Graduates of these programs earn starting salaries of nearly $77,000 and an average annual salary of around $109,000. When you compare the cost of the programs to your earning potential, you could easily see a positive return on your investment within the first few years of graduating, which makes the cost of the program well worth the return.
BONUS! 4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ENROLLING INTO THE BEST MSN IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY PROGRAMS
Before you enroll in MSN in healthcare quality and patient safety programs, you need to think about the pros and cons and decide if the responsibilities associated with the job are something you truly want to pursue. The following are four things I feel are important for you to know before you commit to any program.
1. You have to deal with people all the time
If you are a people person, working in healthcare quality and patient safety is a great job. However, if you prefer working alone or do not like the politics of the workplace, you may find earning your degree through MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs is not for you. With this degree, you will work with people from different backgrounds, all with their own ideas. If you want to promote your organization, you must be willing to lead while valuing each member of your team and their ideas and contributions.2. You may be viewed as the “bad guy”
As a Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety professional, there will be times when you have to make judgment calls based on your analysis of an organization's performance. Unfortunately, some people may not accept your recommendations or insight and may view you as the bad guy. Be confident about your knowledge and experience, and keep in mind that your job is to promote quality patient care and safety, not to be everyone’s friend.3. You must be willing to look at the big picture
As nurses, we are taught to have a patient-centered, service-oriented approach. While this is important, it is also necessary for Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety professionals to look beyond one person and view the scope of an entire organization. Your role will require you to look at how policies, procedures, and past and potential events impact your healthcare organization and make decisions in the best interest of everyone.4. You are the one everyone will look to when problems related to healthcare services and safety need to be addressed or fixed
It is a good feeling to know you have the education and experience needed to perform a job well. It can also feel burdensome. When you graduate from MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs, others will look to you when patient satisfaction and safety ratings are down. You will be expected to find solutions to problems that you did not create, which can be stressful at times.MY FINAL THOUGHTS
If you are a registered nurse with a desire to improve patient safety and healthcare quality and you want to earn your master’s degree in nursing, you have wondered, “What are the best MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs?” In this article, I answered that question by sharing the 9 best MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs for 2024. You learned about the programs’ curriculum, cost, and admission criteria. You also discovered possible job options for graduates and found information about your earning potential and job outlook.
The healthcare industry is ever-growing and evolving, which means we need qualified people to help ensure quality care standards and patient safety. So, if you feel this is a career path you wish to pursue, I encourage you to take the first step by reaching out to schools that interest you and begin your journey to earning your MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT
1. What Is The Minimum GPA Required To Get Into MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Programs?
Most MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs require candidates to have a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered for admission.2. Do I Need Any Work Experience To Get Into MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Programs?
Some schools require candidates for MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs to have work experience, and others do not.3. On Average, How Long Is MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Program?
On average, MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs take two years to complete. Some programs can be completed faster than others. Also, if you pursue your degree part-time, you may extend the time it takes to graduate.4. On Average, How Much Does MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Program Cost?
MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs cost between $20,000 and $50,000, on average.5. What Is The Typical Cost-Per-Credit For MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Programs?
The per-credit cost for MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs varies, with many programs costing between $300 and $1,100 per credit.6. What Does The Typical Curriculum Of An MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Program Include?
The curriculum for MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs includes MSN core content and specialty-relevant classes. Some of the classes you will take include Healthcare Informatics, Data Analysis and Healthcare Technology, Evidence-Based Practice, and Healthcare Statistics.7. What Can You Do With An MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Degree?
There are many job options for graduates of MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs. You can become a Health Quality and Safety Coordinator, Health Policy Analyst, Healthcare Operations Administrator, or Hospital Safety Director.8. How Much Do New Graduates Of This Program Make Per Year?
New graduates of MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs earn approximately $76,960 per year.| $76,960 |
9. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Make Per Hour With Experience?
On average, MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety program graduates earn $52.82 per hour.| $52.82 |
10. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Per Month With Experience?
The average monthly salary for graduates of MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs is $9,160.| $9,160 |
11. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Programs Make Per Year With Experience?
Graduates of MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs with experience earn an average of $109,860 per year.| $109,860 |
12. Is An MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Program Hard To Complete?
MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs can be challenging. The curriculum plans feature difficult classes focused on statistics, data analytics, and evidence-based practice. However, with hard work and dedication to your studies, you can succeed!13. Is An MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Degree Worth It?
The knowledge and skills you gain in MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs can help you make a significant impact on healthcare quality and patient safety issues. For this reason, I believe this degree is worth it!14. What Are The 3 Best Alternative Degree Options For MSN In Healthcare Quality And Patient Safety Programs?
One of the awesome things about nursing and healthcare is that there are many career options. A few of the best alternatives to MSN in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety programs are MSN in Healthcare Administration, MSN in Care Coordination, and MSN in Healthcare Policy.
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).