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
- University of LynchburgLynchburg
- Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne
- Grand View UniversityDes Moines
- Central Methodist UniversityFayette
- University of Missouri–St. LouisSaint Louis
- Indiana Wesleyan UniversityMarion
- College of Saint MaryOmaha
- Southern Nazarene UniversityBethany
- Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin
- Anderson University - IndianaAnderson
- Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland
- Concordia University TexasAustin
- University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg
- Saint Joseph's UniversityPhiladelphia
- Midwestern UniversityDowners Grove
- Walden UniversityMinneapolis
- Chamberlain University-IllinoisAddison
- Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City
- Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix
- The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington
- Capella UniversityMinneapolis
- University of South AlabamaMobile
- United States UniversitySan Diego
- Frontier Nursing UniversityVersailles
- Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights
- Miami Regional UniversityMiami Springs
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham
- South University-Savannah OnlineSavannah
- Maryville UniversitySaint Louis
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette
- Aspen UniversityPhoenix
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- Simmons UniversityBoston
- Regis CollegeWeston
- Herzing University-MadisonMadison
- Vanderbilt UniversityNashville
- University of Phoenix-ArizonaPhoenix
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore
- West Coast University-Orange CountyAnaheim
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia
- Texas Woman's UniversityDenton
- Marquette UniversityMilwaukee
- Post UniversityWaterbury
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- University of South FloridaTampa
- Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale
- Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Georgetown UniversityWashington
- Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester
- Wilkes UniversityWilkes-Barre
- Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor
- Samuel Merritt UniversityOakland
- Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and ScienceLos Angeles
- Duke UniversityDurham
- Alverno CollegeMilwaukee
- Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion
- University of Maryland, BaltimoreBaltimore
- DePaul UniversityChicago
- Gonzaga UniversitySpokane
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock
- Long Island UniversityBrookville
- New York UniversityNew York
- Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo CampusGurabo
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHouston
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at GalvestonGalveston
- University of San FranciscoSan Francisco
- Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver
- George Washington UniversityWashington
- University of California-San FranciscoSan Francisco
- University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia
- Liberty UniversityLynchburg
- University of ArizonaTucson
- Kent State University at KentKent
- University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles
- University of North DakotaGrand Forks
- NUC UniversityBayamon
- Rush UniversityChicago
- Colorado Technical University-Colorado SpringsColorado Springs
- Sacred Heart UniversityFairfield
- Pace UniversityNew York
- The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso
- University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington
- Augusta UniversityAugusta
- La Roche CollegePittsburgh
- William Paterson UniversityWayne
- University of North AlabamaFlorence
- University of West FloridaPensacola
- Hunter CollegeNew York
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklyn
- Columbus State UniversityColumbus
- Carson Newman UniversityJefferson City
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- Bradley UniversityPeoria
- University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville
- Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis
- University of MiamiCoral Gables
- Graceland UniversityLamoni
- Lewis UniversityRomeoville
- D'Youville CollegeBuffalo
- Regis UniversityDenver
- University of MississippiOxford
- MGH Institute of Health ProfessionsBoston
- University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville
- Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton
- Rivier UniversityNashua
- Walsh UniversityNorth Canton
- St. Thomas UniversityMiami Gardens
- Jacksonville UniversityJacksonville
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago
- Wilmington UniversityNew Castle
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesBoston
- Yale UniversityNew Haven
- Benedictine UniversityLisle
- University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City
- Molloy CollegeRockville Centre
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond
- University of San DiegoSan Diego
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- Purdue University NorthwestHammond
- Florida National University-Main CampusHialeah
- SUNY Upstate Medical UniversitySyracuse
- Saint Louis UniversitySt Louis
- St. Catherine UniversitySaint Paul
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- The University of Texas at TylerTyler
- University of RochesterRochester
- South CollegeKnoxville
- University of Central FloridaOrlando
- East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City
- St. John Fisher CollegeRochester
- Western University of Health SciencesPomona
- Lehman CollegeBronx
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- Utica CollegeUtica
- Brenau UniversityGainesville
- Houston Christian UniversityHouston
- South University-TampaTampa
- Ana G. Mendez UniversityOrlando
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro
- Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh
- University of MemphisMemphis
- Clarkson CollegeOmaha
- Keiser UniversityFort Lauderdale
- Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston
- Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown
- Concordia University WisconsinMequon
- Binghamton UniversityBinghamton
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Northwestern State UniversityNatchitoches
- SUNY Polytechnic InstituteUtica
- California State University, SacramentoSacramento
- Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk
- East Carolina UniversityGreenville
- Webster UniversitySaint Louis
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia
- University of Detroit MercyDetroit
- Troy UniversityTroy
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland
- University of Michigan–FlintFlint
- West Coast University-DallasRichardson
- King UniversityBristol
- Russell Sage CollegeTroy
- University of ToledoToledo
- University of AkronAkron
- Fairleigh Dickinson UniversityTeaneck
- Boston CollegeBoston
- Pennsylvania Western UniversityCalifornia
- Nicholls State UniversityThibodaux
- University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte
- Oakland UniversityRochester Hills
- Olivet Nazarene UniversityBourbonnais
- University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque
- Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville
- Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesSan Marcos
- Georgia Southwestern State UniversityAmericus
- Lincoln Memorial UniversityHarrogate
- Hofstra UniversityHempstead
- Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- University of ConnecticutStorrs
- California State University Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul
- American University of Health SciencesSignal Hill
- Saint Joseph's College of MaineStandish
- La Salle UniversityPhiladelphia
- Mount Carmel College of NursingColumbus
- University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs
- University of St. FrancisJoliet
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.



























