Nursing Leadership & Administration
Designed for registered nurses looking to advance their career in nursing leadership and administration, Western’s program combines the flexibility of online learning with hands-on practice experiences arranged by faculty in students’ local communities. The program’s innovative curriculum combines population health and health equity with leadership skill building, systems thinking, implementation science, and financial management.
Nursing Leadership & Administration at WWU on the Peninsulas
Online and accessible to nurses on the peninsulas and throughout Washington state, the program combines asynchronous online coursework with hands-on practical experiences with nurse leader preceptors arranged by the faculty in the student’s community. The MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration is a two-year, full-time, 48-credit (equivalent to 30 semester credits) non-thesis master's degree. Students complete an evidence-based practice project in the last two quarters of the program.
The program readies students to lead in healthcare organizations and community settings. Graduates are equipped to integrate health equity into nursing leadership and administration. The curriculum aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Nurse Leader Core Competencies. Students learn to navigate the art and science of guiding individuals, applying governance and leadership theories, systems thinking, and adaptive complex strategies, managing unexpected disruptions, implementing science, and applying economic principles.
The curriculum meets the didactic requirement to sit for advanced credentialing including the Nurse Executive (NE-BC) and the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML).
The Master of Science in Nursing Program has received Phase III approval from the Washington State Board of Nursing (WA BON).
The master's degree program in nursing at Western Washington University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
CCNE Site Visit occurred October 29-31, 2025
Nursing Leadership & Administration, MSN
Western’s online Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration program prepares graduates to lead change for health equity by assuming leadership roles in nursing administration. The program is a two-year, full-time, 48-credit non-thesis master's degree that combines online coursework and hands-on practical experiences arranged by the faculty in the student’s community. Students collaborate with seasoned preceptors across various settings, including palliative care, public health, primary care, rural health, and acute care. The program readies students to lead in healthcare organizations and community settings.
Online
What can I do with a degree in Nursing Leadership & Administration?
Graduating students will have many opportunities, such as nurse managers, directors of nursing, quality improvement specialists, case managers, healthcare consultants, and healthcare administrators. These professionals are pivotal in improving patient care and leading healthcare organizations and communities.
Admission Requirements
- Washington state registered nurse license
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university
- Two (2) references
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Short Essay Questions
- No GRE or other standardized test required
Learn what community college courses are equivalent to WWU courses.
Take the Plunge
Planning for your degree program and career can bring questions - and we want to help answer them!
Reach out for more information and connect with one of our WWU on the Peninsulas admissions counselors.
