2 Best Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs – 2024

Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA

Are you a registered nurse considering options for a nonclinical role? Do you enjoy working closely with patients, healthcare providers, and staff? Does the idea of being at the forefront of communication and patient advocacy interest you? If so, an MSN in care coordination program could set you on a path to accomplish all those things.

You may have considered a career in care coordination but wondered, “What are the best online MSN in care coordination programs?” That is a normal question and one I will answer in this article. As you continue reading, you will find information about the 2 best online MSN in care coordination programs for 2024. I will share personal insights about the role of care coordination nurses, the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing the degree, information about possible jobs and income, and answer some frequently asked questions.

What Exactly Is the Goal of an Online MSN in Care Coordination Program?

The goal of the best online MSN in care coordination programs is to prepare students to become effective nurse care coordinators who bridge the gap between public and population health and healthcare systems while improving health outcomes for patients with complex diseases across the lifespan. These programs aim to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives required to effectively coordinate patient care within a professional nursing leadership framework.

The programs feature rich curriculum plans focused on the structure and process of care coordination, legal & ethical considerations, population health, emerging healthcare models, and quality measurement strategies, an understanding of which is essential to working as a nurse care coordinator.

Who Accredits MSN in Care Coordination Online Programs?

MSN in care coordination online programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

S.NO.	Accrediting Agency
1	Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2	Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

When Do MSN in Care Coordination Online Programs Start?

Each school determines the frequency of start dates for its programs. While some schools offer multiple start dates each year, others may offer only one. Schools with rolling admission may accept applications year-round but begin classes at designated times throughout the year.

How Many Credits Are There in MSN in Care Coordination Online Programs?

MSN in Care Coordination online programs typically require between 30-60 credit hours. The total credits you need to earn your degree may vary based on the credits you earned in your BSN program and how many of those credits are transferable.

How Long Are MSN in Care Coordination Online Programs?

Online MSN in Care Coordination programs typically take between one and two years to complete. Some schools offer part-time and full-time study options, allowing you to choose a schedule that works best for you. The number of program applicants and available staff often determine scheduling options offered by the school.

How Much Do MSN in Care Coordination Online Programs Cost?

MSN in Care Coordination online programs typically cost between $20,000 and $45,000. Your total cost may be influenced by whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition and be based on the number of credits you need. The prices below reflect the cost of the two programs featured in this article. These cost estimates are for tuition only and do not include fees, books, supplies, or other expenses.

What Is the Minimum GPA Required to Get into Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs?

The minimum GPA required to get into online MSN in care coordination programs averages 3.0. In some cases, schools accept applicants with lower grade point averages. For example, Capella University accepts candidates with a BSN grade point average of at least 2.8. It is important to remember that, although some schools accept applicants with lower GPAs, the higher your grade point average, the better your chances of admission.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs?

Getting into MSN in Care Coordination online programs requires meeting a specific set of admission criteria. The following are the admission requirements for our featured programs.

What Are the Best Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs in the Nation?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 2 Best Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs in the nation for the year 2024.)

1. Capella University - Minneapolis, MN

2. Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha, NE

VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY

What Kind of Courses Will You Take in Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs?

The curriculum for MSN in care coordination online programs includes graduate-level coursework and care coordination-focused classes. The following are some examples of graduate courses you will take if you enroll in one of the nation’s best programs.

What Kind of Practical Training Will You Undergo in Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs?

MSN in Care Coordination online programs are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful care coordinator. Part of that preparation is getting practical training experience. Schools offering these programs establish the practical training requirements for their curriculum based on state, federal, and accrediting agency guidelines.

7 Most Important Skills and Abilities You Will Gain in an Online MSN in Care Coordination Program

Online MSN in care coordination programs will equip you with the skills and abilities necessary to promote efficient care coordination. The following are seven of the most important skills you will gain when you pursue your degree through one of these programs.

1. You will develop strong leadership skills:

MSN in care coordination online programs will help you develop an understanding of the principles of nursing leadership and develop the ability to apply professional nursing knowledge and skills as you coordinate care for your patients. Your deeper understanding of leadership and how to apply those principles will be helpful as you promote patient-centered, team-based care.

2. You will learn to implement effective interpersonal and communication skills:

In online MSN in care coordination programs, you will hone skills needed to effectively interact with patients, family members, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. You will gain the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately, as well as develop a strong understanding of cultural competency.

3. You will learn to apply evidence-based practice to promote efficient care coordination:

Using an evidence-based practice approach to care coordination is an excellent way to demonstrate accountability and clinical expertise. As a nursing care coordinator, when you use evidence-based practice, you promote thinking outside the box and using current research and evidence to help improve patient outcomes. Implementing evidence-based practice in care coordination is essential for disease management and prevention and health promotion.

4. You will learn to use critical thinking skills to address patient needs and promote continuity of care:

You will master the ability to think critically and develop exceptional problem-solving skills. You will learn to use your clinical experiences, knowledge, and insight to make evaluate patient needs and articulate those needs to the healthcare team. Critical thinking is one of the most essential skills nursing care coordinators need as it allows you to look at patients holistically and advocate for their best interests.

5. You will learn to apply ethical standards based in professionalism in all aspects of patient care:

All nurses should conduct themselves ethically, professionally, and within the boundaries of the law and their scope of practice. Online MSN in care coordination programs will help you develop a deeper understanding of how to apply these standards in the care you provide. When you implement your leadership skills and act in a professional, legal, and ethical manner, you can become an effective example to other members of the healthcare team.

6. You will learn the importance of quality measurement strategies and how to integrate them into care coordination:

Another skill you will gain in MSN in care coordination online programs is the ability to understand and identify quality measurement strategies in health promotion, disease management, and population health initiatives. Quality measurement strategies and tools help you evaluate or measure healthcare delivery processes, organizational structures, and patient perceptions associated with delivering quality healthcare and are essential in providing timely, safe, patient-centered care.

7. You will develop a deeper understanding of population health:

You will become proficient in the principles of population health, including assessing public health needs, understanding, and evaluating risk factors for disease, developing health initiatives, and evaluating program outcomes.

You will also learn to identify healthcare disparities in the community and develop strategies to address them. Understanding population health is essential for nurse care coordinators for several reasons. First, an understanding of population health helps you anticipate possible issues patients may face after being discharged from your facility. It also helps you prepare to coordinate care when issues affecting population health occur.

5 Main Advantages of Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs

There are several advantages to earning your degree through one of the best MSN in care coordination online programs. As you research your academic and career options, the following five advantages are worth considering.

1. You get to collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary team at a higher level:

As nurses, we work closely with our teams, physicians, and other staff to provide patient care. When you transition your role to care coordination, you will continue to collaborate, but on a different level. You will act as a liaison between all members of the patient’s care team, promoting continuity of care from the time the patient is admitted to service and continuing after discharge.

2. Your role as a patient advocate will have greater reach:

One of the things I love about being a nurse is the opportunity to speak on behalf of patients and advocate for things that benefit them. One of the advantages of working in care coordination is that you can advocate for patients in ways nurses in clinical roles may not. For example, you will work with insurance companies and providers to find the most cost-effective way to provide quality care, collaborate with service providers like physical or occupational therapy to arrange for patient care, and educate patients and family members about their diagnoses and treatment options.

3. Care coordination helps reduce risks to patient safety:

When doctors and other providers work together effectively, risks to patient safety are reduced. As a care coordinator, you are perfectly positioned to bridge any communication gaps, making sure the right information is delivered to the right people and used to provide safe, effective, and appropriate care.

4. You will have a fulfilling career and a sense of accomplishment:

At times, you may be the only voice of reason for patients who need care, medications, or support. When you work as a care coordinator, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in knowing you helped patients get the care they need.

5. You will be instrumental in promoting continuity of care:

As you perform your duties in care coordination, you will promote continuity of care. You may work to arrange an inpatient rehabilitation facility or nursing home transition from an inpatient hospital or set up home health or hospice services for your clients following discharge. Your efforts to ensure proper arrangements are made can have a significant impact on how care is provided after patients leave your facility, which can be instrumental in improving their long-term health outcomes.

3 Main Disadvantages of Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs

As you ponder reasons why you feel pursuing your degree through online MSN in care coordination programs is a good idea, it is important to also consider the disadvantages of the program or career. Weighing the possibilities of positives and negatives can help you make an informed decision. The following are three things I feel could be considered disadvantages of these programs or a career in care coordination.

1. Medication Coordination Is Sometimes Difficult:

As an MSN care coordinator, you will be a go-between among members of the interdisciplinary team. Depending on your patient's diagnoses and treatment plan, they could have several practitioners prescribing medications. When this occurs, the risk of polypharmacy increases. Although polypharmacy occurs most often in older patient populations, it can occur with patients of any age. Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications, often prescribed by different providers, but used to treat the same or similar diagnoses. You must stay abreast of changes and trends in pharmacology and work closely with providers and pharmacists to ensure patients take only the medicines they need, in the appropriate doses, without overlapping similar drugs. At times, coordinating medication regimens for patients can be challenging. It is, nevertheless, one of your responsibilities as a nurse care coordinator.

2. You must work with multiple doctors and other providers caring for the same patient:

Coordinating patient care means you must communicate with primary care physicians, attending physicians, nurse managers, specialists, and other healthcare providers to develop efficient, workable care plans for your patients. To ensure fluidity in care, it is your responsibility to make sure proper paperwork is completed allowing physicians to share information and follow through with orders or consultations. Doctors and patients will look to you for answers to questions about whether a service is covered, when a transfer can occur, and other important information to help care flow smoothly. The weight of the responsibility can sometimes leave you feeling at a disadvantage.

3. Patients may not understand or appreciate the role you play in their care:

As a nurse, I understand that we do not perform our jobs simply because we want recognition or need patients and colleagues to give us praise for a job well done. We do, however, need them to understand our role and hope that they appreciate our efforts enough to follow through with the education and plan of care provided for them. Most of the time, when patients think of nurses, they think of those of us working in clinical roles at the bedside, which means they may not understand the role of care coordination in promoting better outcomes. Lack of understanding can lead to noncompliance, which could have adverse effects on their long-term health outcomes.

3 Major Challenges Students and Graduates Face in Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs and How to Overcome

Online MSN in Care Coordination programs provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills that can be used to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. No matter how good a program is, you will face challenges at some point. If you know what to expect, you can prepare for the challenges and implement strategies to overcome them. The following are three major challenges students and graduates of these programs face.

CHALLENGE #1: Finding Clinical Placements and Preceptors

About the Challenge:

An essential component of online MSN in care coordination programs is the clinical practicum. Many schools require students to locate clinical sites and preceptors independently and then submit requests for approval. If you live in a rural area or have limited contacts, finding an appropriate placement for clinicals may be challenging.

How to Overcome:

The best way to overcome this challenge is to start your search for clinical placement sites and preceptors early in the program. In fact, you could begin looking for sites and preceptors as soon as you decide to pursue a program instead of waiting until you enroll. Familiarize yourself with the school’s clinical requirements and review their guidelines for getting approval for sites and preceptors. Talk with healthcare facilities in your area to find places and mentors willing to accept you. The key to finding clinical placements and preceptors is to find as many options as possible. Finally, even if a school requires you to locate your own placements and preceptors, you should have an academic or clinical advisor who can help you through the process if needed.

CHALLENGE #2: Getting Patients Involved

About the Challenge:

One challenge we often face in care coordination is helping patients understand the importance of their involvement. No matter how great the care plan you create is, if your patients are not actively involved or do not comprehend the plan, they may not be compliant, which means your efforts will be to no avail. When you put work into coordinating care with physicians, specialists, other facilities, or services, if your patients do not get involved, it can be quite frustrating.

How to Overcome:

In nursing school, you learn that discharge planning begins the moment a patient is admitted to your care. Experience has taught me that the best way to overcome the challenge of lack of patient involvement is to include patients in decision-making from the time they are admitted to service. If your patients are underage or incapable of making independent decisions, get their caregivers involved. Ask your patients/caregivers about their health goals and expectations. Take their preference for providers into consideration when making specialist appointments or referring to home health, hospice, or other outpatient services. When patients and their loved ones feel included, the chances of compliance are better, which improves patient outcomes.

CHALLENGE #3: Merging the Mindset of Bedside and Non-Bedside Nursing Roles

About the Challenge:

When you transition from bedside nursing to a care coordination role, you take on more of an administrative or office position. However, just because you will not work as a bedside nurse, you must continue to rely on your knowledge and skills to help make informed decisions about patient care. While the service you provide as a care coordinator directly affects patients, your responsibilities and role change.

How to Overcome:

Transitioning from bedside nursing to a care coordination role can be challenging, but immersing yourself in your new career path is key. Online MSN in care coordination programs will teach you to implement appropriate measures for developing care plans and collaborating with providers, insurance agencies, and other sources. You can make the transition less challenging by learning all you can from other nurses experienced in care coordination. Also, remember, just because you are moving from a bedside role to a non-bedside role does not mean your clinical skills are not essential. You can leverage your knowledge, skills, and experience as a bedside nurse to make informed decisions that benefit patients.

Where Do Graduates of Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs Mostly Work?

Graduates of online MSN in care coordination programs work in various settings. Some care coordinators work for large healthcare organizations, while others work in doctors' offices or community health clinics. The following are the top three places where program graduates find work.

1. Hospitals:

One of the most common places for care coordination nurses to work is in hospitals. You will oversee all aspects of a patient's care in the hospital and assist in their post-hospitalization transition. From scheduling follow-up appointments to coordinating necessary prescriptions and equipment for home-based care, you will ensure patients receive the necessary support for a smooth recovery.

2. Home Health Companies:

Working for a home health agency, your responsibilities may include monitoring and coordinating patient treatment plans, educating nursing staff about what services are covered by the patient's insurance, and collaborating with providers, patients, and caregivers to ensure goals are designated and met.

3. Nursing Homes/Long-Term Care Facilities:

As a care coordinator in a nursing home or long-term care facility, you will work with nursing staff and attending physicians to determine care plans for residents. You may schedule appointments with clinicians outside the facility, work with the transportation coordinator to ensure the resident has a way to and from outside appointments or work with interdepartmental staff, such as nutritionists, therapists, and activities directors.

5 Best Jobs for Graduates of Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs

There are several job opportunities and career paths you can pursue if you earn your degree from one of the top online MSN in care coordination programs. Whether you want to work in a residential care facility, hospital, outpatient care clinic, or setting, the options are endless. The following list includes some of the top jobs for graduates of these programs.

1. Resident Care Coordinator:

Resident care coordinators work in facilities such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities. As a resident care coordinator, you are responsible for overseeing all aspects of patient care. You will work with residents, physicians, and staff to ensure your clients receive individualized care based on their needs. Your job may also involve educating staff, patients, and their loved ones on new or emerging technologies or treatments that could benefit residents.

2. Case Manager:

Nurse case managers typically work in hospitals or other acute care settings. In this role, you will work with patients and staff to coordinate effective inpatient care and to help patients transition to outpatient treatment options. You will work alongside healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other relevant organizations to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care possible based on their specific needs.

3. Outpatient Care Coordinator:

As a care coordinator in an outpatient facility, you are responsible for coordinating the care of patients in outpatient facilities. You will work closely with the clinical and nursing directors to coordinate the delivery of nursing care for patients receiving outpatient care services.

4. Director of Nursing:

As a Director of Nursing, your job is to supervise the nursing team and ensure smooth operations within the healthcare facility. You will manage and guide nursing staff in all aspects of patient care. You will work with administrators to set facility objectives for care, enforce policies, hire new nursing staff, and oversee the training of nursing staff.

5. MDS Coordinator:

The MDS coordinator monitors patient care within a healthcare facility, typically a nursing home. The MDS coordinator gathers information through the Resident Assessment Instrument process to assess the resident's psychological, behavioral, nutritional, clinical, and physical needs and strengths to help create a holistically focused care plan. After working through the RAI, an MDS coordinator works with the staff of all departments to ensure guidelines for the care plan are followed and comply with Medicare, Medicaid, and ethical standards.

What Starting Salary Can New Graduates of This Program Expect?

The typical starting salary for graduates of online MSN in care coordination programs is $54,290 per year. This wage is equal to $26.10 hourly, $1,044 weekly, or $4,520 monthly.

Hourly	$26.10
Weekly	$1,044
Monthly	$4,520
Annual	$54,290
(Source: Ziprecruiter.com)

What Average Salary Can Graduates of MSN in Care Coordination Online Programs Expect?

With experience, you can see a significant increase in earning potential. The average annual income for graduates of MSN in care coordination online programs is $80,641. This pay is equivalent to $38.77 per hour, $1,551 per week, and $6,720 per month.

Hourly	$38.77
Weekly	$1,551
Monthly	$6,720
Annual	$80,641
(Source: Ziprecruiter.com)

10-Year Job Outlook for Graduates of MSN in Care Coordination Online Programs

The job outlook for graduates of MSN in care coordination online programs is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts graduates in this field will see an increase in jobs of at least 45.68% between 2021 and 2031. This tremendous growth makes this one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions today.

2021-31

+45.68%

(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Is the Cost of an Online MSN in Care Coordination Program Worth the Return on Investment (ROI)?

When you compare the cost of an online MSN in Care Coordination degree to your potential income, it is clear that the cost is well worth the return on your investment! For example, the programs featured in this article cost between $20,340 and $44,820. The beginning salary for new graduates exceeds the most expensive program featured at $54,290, which means you can attend the higher-priced program and recover your tuition cost within the first year. With continued work experience, graduates earn an average of $80,641, nearly twice the cost of the more expensive program option.

Bonus! 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying to the Best Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs

If you are considering online MSN in care coordination programs to earn your degree, it is good to weigh the pros and cons and do some self-reflection. Asking yourself important questions and being honest about your feelings will help you decide if this is the right career move for you. The following are five questions I believe are important to consider before applying to any care coordination program.

1. Why do I want to work in care coordination?

Before you commit to a program, ask yourself why care coordination is the path you wish to pursue. Do you want to move from a clinical role to a nonclinical role? Do you want a more active role in collaborating with interdisciplinary team members? What do you hope to accomplish as a nursing care coordinator? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you focus on what drives you to move to this field.

2. Am I ready to step away from the bedside?

Although your bedside knowledge and skills will be utilized in a care coordination role, you will be moving out of a bedside role. For many nurses, the transition to a nonclinical role is difficult. Consider your reasons for choosing a care coordination career path, and be honest with yourself about whether you believe you will be happy in a management and coordination role. One thing to keep in mind is that if you want to work in a clinical role, you can still take on PRN shifts working at the bedside, which could make your transition easier.

3. Are there jobs available near me?

All healthcare facilities utilize care coordinators. However, jobs may be scarcer in some areas than others. If you live in a more rural area, it may be harder to find a job than if you live in a city or large metropolitan area. Before committing to a program, consider your job options. Talk to healthcare providers or facilities near where you live and find out how often they hire nursing care coordinators. If jobs are scarce and you do not wish to relocate or commute long distances, you may want to reconsider this path.

4. Do I have enough clinical experience to be effective as a care coordinator?

Although care coordination is a non-bedside role, you need clinical experience to succeed. Some schools require students to have at least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse before pursuing the care coordination pathway. Even if the school does not require clinical experience, prospective employers may. If you do not have clinical experience, you need to gain experience before applying or consider working part-time while in the program so you can get the clinical experience you need before graduation.

5. Are campus visits required?

One of the perks of online learning is that campus visits are limited, if required at all. If you have a job, family, or other responsibilities, you may be considering online MSN in care coordination programs because campus learning is not an option. In that case, you need to know if the school you hope to attend requires any campus visits and if it does, how often?

My Final Thoughts

If you love nursing and enjoy collaborating with other healthcare professionals but want to move to a nonclinical role, working in care coordination could be an excellent option. In this article, we addressed the question, “What are the best online MSN in care coordination programs?” You learned about the 2 best online MSN in care coordination programs for 2024 and found information about what students study, practical training experiences, and potential job and income opportunities.

If working as a care coordinator in nursing interests you, the programs featured in this article can help you achieve those goals. As a nurse and healthcare educator, I understand the importance of having qualified, dedicated nursing care coordinators and want to encourage you to follow through with your goal of earning a care coordination degree!

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert

1. What Is The Best Online MSN In Care Coordination Program In The Nation?

Currently, the best online MSN in care coordination program in the nation is offered at Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Capella University - Minneapolis, MN

2. Is It Easy To Get Admission Into Online MSN In Care Coordination Programs?

Admission into online MSN in care coordination programs may be competitive. However, if you work to exceed minimum admission criteria, apply early, and follow through with your application, you can improve your chances of an admission offer.

3. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into MSN In Care Coordination Online Programs?

According to information gathered from the two MSN in care coordination online programs featured in this article, the minimum GPA to get into a program is between 2.8 and 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale.

4. Can I Get Into MSN In Care Coordination Online Programs With A Low GPA?

Some MSN in care coordination online programs accept students with a GPA lower than their preferred minimum. The school may offer conditional admission based on other factors in your application.

5. What Is The Typical Cost-Per-Credit For MSN In Care Coordination Online Programs?

The typical cost per credit for online MSN in care coordination programs is between $500 and $600.

6. Can I Work Part-Time And Complete This Program?

Yes, it is possible to work part-time and complete MSN in care coordination online programs.

7. Can I Work Full-Time And Complete This Program?

Some students work full-time and complete online MSN in care coordination programs successfully. It takes careful planning and time management to work full-time while in school. Be sure to talk with your academic advisor and employer to discuss options for scheduling that work best.

8. What Are The Hardest Classes In Online MSN In Care Coordination Programs?

Learning styles and experience usually determine which classes are the most difficult for students. Although opinions vary, it has been my experience that many students find Evidence-Based Practice, Ethical and Legal Considerations in Care Coordination, and Biopsychosocial Concepts in Care Coordination.

9. How Much Do New Graduates Of This Program Make?

New graduates of online MSN in care coordination programs earn approximately $54,290.

$54,290

10. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Make Per Hour?

The average hourly wage for graduates of MSN in care coordination online programs is $38.77.

$38.77

11. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Per Month?

Online MSN in care coordination program graduates earn an average of $6,720 per month.

$6,720

12. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of MSN In Care Coordination Online Programs Make Per Year?

Graduates of MSN in care coordination online programs earn an average annual salary of $80,641.

$80,641