Nurse Administrators in the 21st Century

Nursing Administration jobs run the gamut from managing a specific clinical department or small group of nurses to heading a multi-hospital system or working at the regional level. Daily responsibilities might include supervising nurses, ordering supplies, and managing schedules and budgets. Many nurse administrators take on leadership roles, such as Nursing Board Administrator Joan Bainer, who was chosen to participate in a Fellowship Program geared towards improving regulatory practices and outcomes.

"My objective is to provide leadership in educating the nursing community on regulation," Bainer said in a South Carolina press release. "By utilizing a variety of resources such as CDs, streamline video conferencing, and Web seminars, I can provide the tools and resources for practitioners to use in practice."

Fifty years ago, nursing administrators didn't have access to the kind of technology that Bainer describes. The job of a nurse administrator was strikingly different from a technology standpoint. On the other hand, certain things haven't changed. "When I first began in administration, I was typing reports, taking shorthand notes and filing a lot of paperwork," says Landie Orson, currently Nurse Manager for a Rhode Island Intensive Care unit. "Obviously the internet and computers made all that obsolete, but things like being aware of the interpersonal communications, keeping one eye on everything in your ward, prioritizing the big picture, those don't become obsolete."

The nursing business is an ever-changing picture. In future decades, nursing administrators will be working with better-integrated health care delivery systems, faster technology, and perhaps radically different financial structures. More jobs will be created and more specialties will be developed. While skilled nurse administrators have always been vital to the success of any health care organization, the opportunities and challenges will continue to expand. For experienced or new nurses wishing to transition into administrative positions, there has never been a better time.

Some new administrative positions that literally didn't exist fifty years ago include EMR-certified administrators, telemedicine systems administrators, and nurses working in emergency management. While advances in technology have had a lot to do with the expansion of nursing administration, shifts in health care paradigms have also affected administrative directions. For example, the push to move to electronic medical records for every patient has been influenced by changing beliefs about patient rights and ethical business practices.

"Nursing is a business with a lot of hierarchy," Orson says. "It needs that to run smoothly. But in the 1980s, we were seeing a lot of, oh, I'm the head nurse, don't question my orders. Or things like, don't tell the patient such-and-such because that will upset them." According to Orson, the business of nursing has become more egalitarian and more care-focused in recent years. Health care systems must strike a balance between giving each patient individualized care, staying profitable, and maintaining employee satisfaction. As nurse administrators continue to enjoy competitive salaries and diverse job choices, they are well positioned to influence nursing practices, standards and regulations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing administration jobs are expected to increase by 16 percent between 2006 and 2016. Many new nurse administrators have experience as clinical nurses and have pursued further education hoping to expand their career options. In order to qualify for managerial positions, most employers require at least a bachelor's degree. Some require a Bachelor's in Nursing Science or a Master's in Nursing Science. This, too, is a change from nursing administration in days gone by: far more formal education is required nowadays than previously. The good news is that educational institutions have kept up with the demand for specialized degree programs like Nursing Administration, Emergency Management, Occupational Health and Safety Management, Health Care Administration, and Clinical Research Management.Whatever the future holds for the business of nursing, one thing is for sure: Nursing Administrators will have an increasingly important role in shaping that future. Would you like to be among them?

Explore Online Nursing Administration Degree Programs

Achieve the education you need to turn your nursing career dreams into reality. Explore featured accredited online Nursing Administration degree programs and request additional information directly from any of our featured schools:
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Kaplan University

Campus

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing - Nurse Administrator
• AAS in Medical Office Management
• Master of Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing/Master of Health Administration
• M.S. in Nursing/Master of Health Administration
• B.S. in Health Administration/Health Information Systems

Campus Locations:

Portage
Hollywood
Online
Daytona Beach
Lathrop
Fairfield
Salida
Sarasota
Tampa
East Lansing
Oakland
Ann Arbor
San Jose
Sacramento
Elk Grove
Aurora
Grand Rapids
Maitland
Jacksonville
Palm Beach Gardens
Livermore
Los Angeles
Orlando
Miami
Roseville
Clearwater
San Francisco
Rancho Cordova
Temple Terrace
Palm Desert
Flint
Plantation
Lone Tree
Phoenix
Tucson
Columbus
Livonia
Yuma
Columbia
Ontario
Troy
Appleton
Chandler
Las Vegas
Saint Paul
Mililani
Clinton Township
Madison
Houston
Fairfax
Costa Mesa
Cordova
Metairie
Plainfield
Indianapolis
Killeen
Rogers
Murrieta
Savannah
Louisville
Bossier City
Springfield
Westminster
Woodland Hills
Macon
Independence
Baton Rouge
Saint Louis
Tulsa
Fort Lauderdale
Irving
Austin
Southfield
Dallas
Lancaster
Manassas
St Louis Park
Henderson
San Diego
Birmingham
Overland Park
Kansas City
Snellville
Arlington
West Chester
Nogales
Pasadena
Culver City
Reston
Washington
San Antonio
Colorado Springs
Augusta
Spring
Sugar Land
Gardena
Brookfield
Milwaukee
Kapolei
St. Louis
Fort Collins
Hurst
Meridian
Westlake
Diamond Bar
Mesa
Marietta
Nashville
Beale AFB
Renton
Saint George
Santa Fe
Albuquerque
Clarksville
Oklahoma City
Duluth
El Paso
Sandy Springs
Pittsburgh
Bellevue
Atlanta
McDonough
Murfreesboro
Littleton
Harrisburg
Bakersfield
Fresno
Beachwood

Stevens-Henager

Campus

For more than 119 years, Stevens-Henager College has worked to train generations of graduates for new careers. Stevens-Henager College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Our degree programs, designed to help graduates compete in the ever-evolving employment market, include Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Surgical Technology, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, Computer Science, and Graphic Arts*. Online programs are offered via Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray. Stevens-Henager College Idaho Falls is a branch campus of the CollegeAmerica, Flagstaff, AZ, main campus.

*Check each campus for program availability.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing Administration
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration (Online)

Campus Locations:

Saint George
Boise
Logan
Nampa
Idaho Falls
Murray
Orem
Lehi
Layton
Ogden

CollegeAmerica

Campus

Finally, a college that delivers. CollegeAmerica is truly unique in that their curriculum is designed for one purpose and one purpose only: to prepare students for success.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• Master of Science in Nursing Administration (Online)

Campus Locations:

Colorado Springs
Flagstaff
Cheyenne
Denver
Fort Collins
Phoenix

Independence University

Campus

You can advance your career 24/7 with online education at Independence University, your proven partner with over 30 years of experience in delivering quality distance education right to our students. Our programs are designed to allow you to continue working and earning as you pursue your online degree.

Programs:

• MS - Nursing Administration
• BS - Health Services Management
• MS in Health Services - Health Promotion program

Campus Locations:

Salt Lake City

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration with Clinical Nurse Educator Emphasis (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration with Nurse Case Manager Emphasis (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration with Nursing Informatics Emphasis

Campus Locations:

San Diego
San Marcos
National City

Ultimate Medical Academy Online

Online

Boost your career with an education from Ultimate Medical Academy Online. We offer career-focused training in dental assisting, nursing assisting, medical billing and coding, basic x-ray, and more. Programs take as little as seven weeks.

Programs:

• Medical Administrative Assistant - Associates
• Medical Administrative Assistant - Diploma
• Healthcare Management Associate

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)
• Nursing, MS

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Westwood College

Campus

Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers. The College offers broad access to education and serves a diverse, multicultural body of students in an environment that promotes pride, respect, and teamwork. The College's programs are designed to empower students to pursue their individual career goals.

Programs:

• Associate Degree - Medical Office Management
• Bachelor Degree - Business Administration: Major in Healthcare Management I
• Diploma - Medical Insurance Coding and Billing

Campus Locations:

Annandale
Arlington
Denver
Atlanta
Upland
Anaheim

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Office Administration
• Medical Insurance Billing and Coding

Campus Locations:

Hayward
Stockton
San Francisco
Fresno
Honolulu
Salida
Roseville
Portland
Concord
Rancho Cordova
Salinas
Milpitas

Daymar Institute

Campus

We Change Lives... One Person At A Time®. We offer certificate, associate degree, and bachelor's degree programs for careers in a variety of fields, including medical, criminal justice, computer technology, and business.

Programs:

• Medical Assisting - Administrative Track
• Health Care Administration
• Billing and Coding Specialist

Campus Locations:

Clarksville

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Medical Office Specialist
• Diploma: Medical Assistant Clinical/Clerical
• Associate of Applied Science: Medical Practice Management

Campus Locations:

Mcallen
Corpus Christi
El Paso
Midland
Bakersfield
Stockton
Clovis
Lubbock
Indianapolis
Columbus
Fort Worth
Charlotte
Beaumont
Arlington
San Antonio
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Laredo

Fortis Institute

Campus

Looking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

Programs:

• Medical Office Administration
• Medical Office Administrator Program
• Medical Office Specialist

Campus Locations:

Westerville
Houston
Columbia
Richmond
Montgomery
Mobile
Houston
Smyrna
Wayne
Cuyahoga Falls
Miami
Towson
Cookeville
Dothan
Ravenna
Grand Prairie
Pensacola
Birmingham
Erie
Tampa
Lawrence Township
Nashville
Cincinnati
Salt Lake City
Indianapolis
Dayton
Phoenix
Baton Rouge
Mulberry
Windsor Mill
Hyattsville
Largo

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant
• Bachelor of Science - Nursing
• Associate of Science - Nursing

Campus Locations:

Bedford Park
Ontario
Melrose Park
Milwaukee
Henderson
Mc Lean
Everett
Renton
Alhambra
Atlanta
Reseda
Portland
Denver
Vancouver
San Jose
Los Angeles
Earth City
Hayward
Santa Ana
Fort Worth
Colorado Springs
Chesapeake
Arlington
Dallas
Aurora
Newport News
San Bernardino
Salt Lake City
Seattle
Springfield
Willowbrook
Kansas City
Tacoma
Gardena
Anaheim
San Francisco
Bremerton
LA Puente

Charter College

Campus

Prepare for a better career and a brighter future with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. Our small class sizes and dedicated instructors ensure a personalized education experience. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find the job that's right for you after graduation.

Programs:

• Medical Office Administrative Assistant
• Medical Office Administration: Concentration in Medical Assistant
• Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Oxnard
Bellingham
Wasilla
Pasco
Canyon Country
Lancaster
Anchorage
Vancouver