Master's Degree in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
This master's degree in nursing focuses on advanced clinical practice, nursing administration, and research, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare settings.
About
This master's degree in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing is designed for nurses who want to deepen their knowledge and skills beyond initial nursing qualifications. It is aimed at students who already hold a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field and wish to advance their careers in clinical practice, management, or research. The program prepares graduates to take on leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, or community health settings, contributing to improved patient care and nursing practices.
- The degree typically lasts 1 to 2 years and is at the master's level (EQF 7).
- It is suited for those interested in clinical nursing, nursing administration, or nursing research.
- Graduates can work as nurse managers, clinical nurse specialists, or research nurses.
- The program builds on prior nursing education and experience, focusing on leadership and evidence-based practice.
- It is offered by universities and nursing schools in the United States.
What you study
The curriculum combines theoretical courses, practical training, and research projects to develop advanced nursing skills. Students study topics related to nursing leadership, healthcare policy, clinical decision-making, and research methods. The program often includes case studies and simulation exercises to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.
- Courses cover nursing administration, clinical nursing practice, healthcare ethics, and research methodologies.
- Students learn to analyze and implement evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.
- The program includes clinical internships or residencies in hospitals or healthcare facilities.
- Research projects allow students to explore topics like patient care improvement or nursing workforce challenges.
- The progression moves from foundational leadership concepts to specialized clinical and research skills.
- Practical experience is an essential part of the curriculum to prepare students for professional roles.
How to get in
Admission to this master's program requires a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related health field. Candidates must be licensed registered nurses in the United States. The application process typically involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and sometimes GRE test scores. Some programs may require relevant work experience.
- Applicants must hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the US.
- A bachelor's degree in nursing or a closely related field is mandatory.
- Some universities require clinical experience before admission.
- The application process includes submitting academic transcripts and recommendation letters.
- Interviews or personal statements may be part of the selection.
- The program is designed for motivated nurses aiming to advance professionally.
Day to day
A typical academic year involves a mix of classroom learning, clinical practice, and research activities. Students attend lectures and seminars, work on group projects, and complete clinical rotations in healthcare settings. The schedule can be demanding but offers direct exposure to nursing leadership and advanced patient care.
- Students spend time in classroom sessions covering theory and case studies.
- Clinical placements provide hands-on experience in hospitals or clinics.
- Research projects require independent work and collaboration with faculty.
- The program may include evening or weekend classes to accommodate working nurses.
- Time management is important to balance coursework and practical duties.
- Some programs may offer part-time options but full-time study is common.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates find opportunities in various healthcare environments where advanced nursing skills are needed. They can work in hospital administration, specialized clinical roles, or nursing research. The demand for experienced nurse leaders and researchers is generally steady, with opportunities in both public and private sectors.
- Possible jobs include nurse administrator, clinical nurse specialist, and research nurse.
- Healthcare facilities such as hospitals, community health centers, and academic institutions recruit graduates.
- The degree supports roles that involve patient care coordination and policy development.
- Employment prospects are linked to experience and specialization.
- Graduates contribute to improving nursing practices and healthcare outcomes.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After completing this master's degree, some graduates choose to pursue doctoral studies in nursing or healthcare-related fields. Others may seek additional certifications or specializations to deepen expertise in areas like nurse education or advanced clinical practice. The degree also allows for career shifts into healthcare management or policy roles.
- Doctoral programs such as PhD in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are possible next steps.
- Specialized certifications in clinical specialties or nursing education can complement the degree.
- Some graduates transition to roles in healthcare administration or public health.
Where to study this degree (200)
Liste des 200 établissements
- Marymount UniversityArlington
- Santiago Canyon CollegeOrange
- University of Missouri–St. LouisSaint Louis
- Gannon UniversityErie
- Holy Family UniversityPhiladelphia
- Regis UniversityDenver
- Abilene Christian UniversityAbilene
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill
- University of Southern IndianaEvansville
- Hampton UniversityHampton
- Clarke UniversityDubuque
- University of IndianapolisIndianapolis
- Midwestern UniversityDowners Grove
- Bellin CollegeGreen Bay
- Stanbridge UniversityIrvine
- Spalding UniversityLouisville
- Rogers State UniversityClaremore
- Tennessee State UniversityNashville
- West Virginia Northern Community CollegeWheeling
- Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia
- Fairfield UniversityFairfield
- University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg
- Anderson University - IndianaAnderson
- Samuel Merritt UniversityOakland
- Gogebic Community CollegeIronwood
- Frontier Nursing UniversityVersailles
- Baylor College of MedicineHouston
- Three Rivers CollegePoplar Bluff
- Touro University CaliforniaVallejo
- California State University, BakersfieldBakersfield
- Monroe CollegeBronx
- Waynesburg UniversityWaynesburg
- Green River Community CollegeAuburn
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- Cabrillo CollegeAptos
- University of Hawaii at HiloHilo
- University of MaryBismarck
- Eastern New Mexico UniversityPortales
- University of North FloridaJacksonville
- University of OklahomaNorman
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens PointStevens Point
- Ottawa UniversityOttawa
- Western Texas CollegeSnyder
- University of Southern MainePortland
- Minnesota State University, MankatoMankato
- University of MississippiOxford
- Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven
- Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro
- Chesapeake CollegeWye Mills
- Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg
- DeSales UniversityCenter Valley
- St. Catherine UniversitySaint Paul
- Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston-Salem
- Central Oregon Community CollegeBend
- Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green
- Saint Joseph's UniversityPhiladelphia
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- University of ScrantonScranton
- University of Mary Hardin–BaylorBelton
- Bellarmine UniversityLouisville
- San Diego City CollegeSan Diego
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- Wagner CollegeStaten Island
- University of LynchburgLynchburg
- University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette
- Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis
- Wichita State UniversityWichita
- University of VermontBurlington
- Georgia State UniversityAtlanta
- Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia
- Southern Nazarene UniversityBethany
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- La Salle UniversityPhiladelphia
- Reedley CollegeReedley
- Flathead Valley Community CollegeKalispell
- University of San FranciscoSan Francisco
- Edgewood CollegeMadison
- Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady UniversityBaton Rouge
- Missouri State UniversitySpringfield
- Bryant & Stratton CollegeBuffalo
- Carlow UniversityPittsburgh
- Salisbury UniversitySalisbury
- National American UniversityRapid City
- College of Saint MaryOmaha
- Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle
- Coppin State UniversityBaltimore
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore
- Saint Mary's CollegeNotre Dame
- Texas A&M University – Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi
- King UniversityBristol
- Monmouth UniversityWest Long Branch
- Baylor UniversityWaco
- Quinnipiac UniversityHamden
- Concordia University TexasAustin
- Muskegon Community CollegeMuskegon
- Clovis Community CollegeFresno
- Briar Cliff UniversitySioux City
- Madonna UniversityLivonia
- Lincoln Memorial UniversityHarrogate
- Loyola University New OrleansNew Orleans
- Walsh UniversityNorth Canton
- Ohio Christian UniversityCircleville
- Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul
- Bunker Hill Community CollegeBoston
- Alverno CollegeMilwaukee
- Boise State UniversityBoise
- Northeast Iowa Community CollegeCalmar
- University of Maine at AugustaAugusta
- Indiana Wesleyan UniversityMarion
- Ursuline CollegePepper Pike
- Brandman UniversityIrvine
- Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth
- University of Maryland, BaltimoreBaltimore
- Elms CollegeChicopee
- University of Tennessee at ChattanoogaChattanooga
- Minnesota State Community and Technical CollegeFergus Falls
- Colorado Mountain CollegeGlenwood Springs
- Palm Beach Atlantic UniversityWest Palm Beach
- University of Detroit MercyDetroit
- Seattle UniversitySeattle
- Concordia University WisconsinMequon
- California State University, FresnoFresno
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton
- Schiller International UniversityTampa
- Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne
- Empire State UniversitySaratoga Springs
- West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco
- D'Youville CollegeBuffalo
- Gonzaga UniversitySpokane
- William Paterson UniversityWayne
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- California State University Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Rocky Mountain University of Health ProfessionsProvo
- Winona State UniversityWinona
- California Baptist UniversityRiverside
- Viterbo UniversityLa Crosse
- Wright State UniversityDayton
- Dominican College of BlauveltOrangeburg
- United States UniversitySan Diego
- Misericordia UniversityDallas
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- Provo CollegeProvo
- Bradley UniversityPeoria
- Belmont UniversityNashville
- College of St. ScholasticaDuluth
- City CollegeHollywood
- University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs
- Bevill State Community CollegeJasper
- Mississippi University for WomenColumbus
- Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland
- Gwynedd Mercy UniversityGwynedd Valley
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesBoston
- Chatham UniversityPittsburgh
- University of MiamiCoral Gables
- University of Tennessee SouthernPulaski
- Western University of Health SciencesPomona
- University of Central ArkansasConway
- California State University, FullertonFullerton
- Crafton Hills CollegeYucaipa
- Samford UniversityBirmingham
- Bakersfield CollegeBakersfield
- Felician UniversityLodi
- University of ConnecticutStorrs
- Texas Woman's UniversityDenton
- Diablo Valley CollegePleasant Hill
- Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale
- Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute
- Wilbur Wright CollegeChicago
- Radford UniversityRadford
- Connors State CollegeWarner
- Rhode Island CollegeProvidence
- Pace UniversityNew York
- University of Rhode IslandKingston
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland
- Otterbein UniversityWesterville
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of MedicineScranton
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and ScienceNorth Chicago
- Mount Carmel College of NursingColumbus
- Pacific College of Oriental MedicineSan Diego
- San Jose City CollegeSan Jose
- Le Moyne CollegeSyracuse
- Washburn UniversityTopeka
- Salve Regina UniversityNewport
- University of ToledoToledo
- Jacksonville UniversityJacksonville
- Westfield State UniversityWestfield
- Hesston CollegeHesston
- Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette
- Ashland UniversityAshland
- La Roche CollegePittsburgh
- Marshall UniversityHuntington
- Hallmark UniversitySan Antonio
- Florence–Darlington Technical CollegeFlorence
- Wilkes UniversityWilkes-Barre
- Mount St. Joseph UniversityCincinnati
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is required to enter this master's program?
You need to have a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related health field and hold a registered nurse license in the United States.
Is clinical experience necessary before applying?
Many programs expect applicants to have some clinical nursing experience, but specific requirements vary by university.
Can this degree lead to leadership roles?
Yes, the program prepares graduates for leadership positions such as nurse managers and administrators.
Does the program include practical training?
Yes, clinical internships or residencies are an important part of the curriculum to gain hands-on experience.
Is it possible to study part-time or through alternating work and study?
Most programs are full-time, and alternance options are generally not available, though some part-time courses may exist.
What career options are available after graduation?
Graduates can work in clinical nursing, administration, research, or healthcare policy in various healthcare settings.
Can graduates continue their studies after this master's degree?
Yes, many pursue doctoral degrees like a PhD or DNP or obtain further certifications in nursing specialties.
Are there any standardized tests required for admission?
Some programs may require GRE scores, but this depends on the institution's admission policies.




























