5
Semesters
$508
Ohio Resident, Cost Per Credit
21
Credit Hours
Become a Certified Nursing Leader
Earning the online Post-Graduate Nurse Leader Certificate helps you establish yourself as a qualified candidatefor leadership positions in health care delivery organizations. Throughout this 21-credit program, you will build on your master's-level skills by exploring how to manage the delivery of nursing and healthcare services across a range of settings. This advanced post-masters training will help you gain the expanded expertise to stand out from other RN professionals, who make up one of America's largest workforce segments, with more than 50% working specifically in hospital settings. 1
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Ohio University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Create Your Opportunities to Lead
The online Post-Graduate Nurse Leader Certificate program will teach you to navigate complex systems, lead teams and impact patient care outcomes. With an average salary of $101,340 2 , this field offers professional success. It also offers opportunities to meet a growing need in the healthcare industry, with more than 480,000 jobs currently available and more projected by 2031. Earning the Nurse Leader Certificate will help you make a positive difference in the healthcare industry.
The Nursing Certificate for Leadership Success
The examples listed represent the national average salaries for the corresponding roles.
A Curriculum That Prepares You to Lead Quality Patient Care
5 Total Courses | 100% Online Coursework
The online Post-Graduate Nurse Leader certificate will cover key topics, including organizational management, strategic planning, healthcare policy, financial management, and resource allocation. You'll also develop communication and critical thinking skills, enabling you to make informed decisions and lead teams effectively. By completing the Nurse Leader Certificate Program, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as a nurse leader and drive positive change in the healthcare industry.
Courses:
- NRSE 7817: Business/Finance Resource Allocation
- NRSE 7830: Strategic Planning
- NRSE 7831: Nursing Administration
- NRSE 6850: Nursing Leadership Clinical 1 (250 hours)
- NRSE 6851: Nursing Leadership Clinical 2 (250 hours)
Online Post-Graduate Nurse Leader Certificate Admission Details
No GRE/GMAT Required | 1 Start per Year (Fall Term)
The Post-Graduate Nurse Leader Certificate program is a transformative opportunity for individuals aspiring to become influential experts in their organizations. You will receive guidance from esteemed faculty mentors and gain hands-on experience. A strong emphasis on leadership development will also equip you with the skills to drive change, inspire teams, and shape the future of nursing practice. In addition, mastering a range of topics including policy concepts and business competencies will empower you to navigate complex healthcare challenges with confidence.
To apply to OHIO's online post-masters program, you will need:
Key Admission Dates
Fall 2025
- Application Deadline: 03/17/25
- Classes Begin: 08/25/25
Online Application
Application Fee
$35
Required Degree
MSN degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum GPA
3.0 minimum GPA for unconditional admission
Transcripts
All official college transcripts
Additional Requirements
- Resident of and evidence of valid, unrestricted RN licensure in an approved state. View a list of approved states
- Professional Goals Statement
- Resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation:
- A minimum of two must be from individuals prepared at or above the Master’s level
- At least one must be from an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Registered Nurse
When to Apply
The best time to apply is now, and this program accepts students once per year in the Fall semester. Apply today to get started.
Online Post-Graduate Nurse Leader Certificate Tuition
$13,760 Total Tuition (Resident) | $508 Per Credit (Resident)
The online Post-Graduate Nurse Leader Certificate program is an investment that helps nurses elevate their skills and successfully manage teams delivering high-quality care in a range of settings. In this 21-credit program, you'll develop critical competencies such as strategic planning, financial management, and organizational management. In addition, you'll master concepts key to navigating complex healthcare systems. Upon completion of the post-masters program, you'll be equipped to successfully lead teams to positively impact patient outcomes.
| Other costs to budget for | You may have costs in addition to tuition, such as textbooks, supplies and fees. Take these into consideration as you budget for your program. |
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Listed tuition is for estimating purposes only and is subject to change.
Financial Aid
OHIO is committed to offering affordable, competitive tuition and has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a best-value university by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, student veteran, active military members, alumni, and corporate partners are automatically eligible to receive a 15% scholarship. Depending on your background, costs and credit hours will differ..
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Financial Aid
Students in Ohio University's certificate programs may be eligible for aid from resources outside of Ohio University. When joining a certificate program, many Ohio students take advantage of the following:
Employer education benefits and private sources.
Scholarship and loan repayment programs for working nurses through state and federal agencies. Note that there are eligibility requirements and/or service requirements as a part of the program, such as serving in a nursing shortage area or a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has many federally-funded scholarship and loan repayment programs specifically for advanced-practice nurses. These programs usually have application processes that take time and include firm deadlines. Links to the Ohio Board of Nursing and HRSA sites are below:
Health Resources & Services Administration (Select Funding from the drop-down menu)
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Online Learning That Fits Your Life
No matter what your career goals are, Ohio University can help you get there. We offer a wide range of online graduate programs specifically for professionals who are ready for their next step. Complete focused courses while maintaining your work and personal responsibilities by studying when and where it's convenient for you. As a student, you'll learn alongside fellow leaders and have access to the same expert faculty and leading-edge curriculum as you would on campus.
Support for Military-Affiliated Students
Ohio University is a Military Collegiate Purple Star Award ® school and has been named one of the nation’s top Military Friendly ® schools for over a decade. Our Veteran and Military Student Services Center provides access to programs and services specifically for military members and their families. In addition, student veterans and active military members are eligible to receive an incentive scholarship of up to 15% for eligible online graduate programs.
As an OHIO online student, you can earn credit for select military experience, training or previous college credit. To learn more about the military benefits available to you, contact us today.
It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
What You'll Learn
The online Post-Master's Nurse Leader Certificate program empowers you with the knowledge and skills to advance in leadership roles. Through this program, you'll learn to navigate complex healthcare systems and lead teams effectively, preparing you for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Additionally, you'll develop your communication and critical thinking skills, enabling you to make informed decisions and drive change in your organization. By completing this program, you'll be equipped with the expertise needed to lead healthcare teams in the vital work of improving patient outcomes, and be eligible for national Nurse Executive certification.
Program Outcomes
- Synthesizes knowledge from nursing and other disciplines as a basis for clinical judgment, clinical reasoning, and innovative evidence-based education and practice.
- Incorporates evidence-based practice in delivering person-centered care to enhance health outcomes and improve health systems.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to select and apply principles of population health and advocacy strategies that optimize health outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and populations.
- Integrate and evaluate evidence-based practice to inform and promote advanced clinical practice.
- Analyze and apply quality improvement strategies to create a culture of safe, professional nursing practice that optimizes health and protects all.
- Apply leadership skills as an interprofessional team member to optimize the health of individuals, families, and populations within complex healthcare environments.
- Apply evidence-based, innovative strategies based on organizational and systems policies to enhance value, access, quality, and cost-effectiveness within complex healthcare delivery systems.
- Integrate information technology systems to drive decision-making, healthcare change and interdisciplinary communication in complex healthcare delivery systems.
- Integrate the role of the advanced practice nurse by utilizing effective professional communication and presence to promote person-centered care.
- Contribute to an environment that promotes self-care, personal health, well-being and professional development in a culture of accountability and collaboration.
Learn From Leading Experts
By establishing meaningful connections with these Ohio University's faculty, you gain access to the valuable insights of expert practitioners in the field. With a collaborative spirit, they will provide mentorship and support to help you navigate the complexities of the nursing practice and successfully advance your career.
Faculty Spotlight
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Transform your nursing career into leadership with our Online MSN Nurse Leader program. Learn to provide quality, patient-centered care while developing the skills needed to lead health care teams.
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Online Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate
Become a leader in nursing education with our Online Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate. Upon graduation, you'll be fully prepared to sit for the NLN Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, marking your expertise in this rapidly growing field.
Answers to Common Questions
Find answers to common questions about the online program. For information not covered here, our expert admissions team is available to provide additional details and guidance .
How fast can I complete the online MSN Nurse Leader program?
Our MSN Nurse Leader program can be completed in five semesters with students taking courses in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Semesters are fifteen weeks in length. Students have up to six years to complete the program. Most students take 2 fifteen-week courses each semester for 5-9 total credits. Students can take fewer courses, but it will take longer to complete their program.
Does the online MSN Nurse Leader program require work experience?
Yes, students must provide evidence of the equivalent of two years full time experience working as an RN within the past five years.
What is the total tuition for the online MSN Nurse Leader program?
Tuition for the MSN Nurse Leader is $15,872 for Ohio residents or $16,461 for non-residents. You need to complete 31 credits at $512 per credit for Ohio residents and $531 per credit for non-residents.
Where can I complete my clinical/practicum hours?
Nurse Leader Practicums are usually completed within organizational units of health-care organizations.
How many credits can I transfer toward the online MSN Nurse Leader program?
It may be possible to transfer up to nine graduate credits
- Criteria for credit transfer:
- Original or copy of official transcript with transfer credit must be attached.
- Credits must have been earned no more than five years from when the transfer request is made.
- Credits must be letter grade B or higher.
- Transfer credits must have been designated as graduate credit, but not used to confer a degree.
In order to determine whether or not a class will transfer to meet course requirements for a graduate program, a syllabus for that class must be submitted.
How many clinical hours are required in the online MSN Nurse Leader program?
Our Nurse Leader program requires a minimum 500 practicum hours of leadership experience.
Sources
- "Nursing Fact Sheet.” Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce-fact-sheet .
- Medical and Health Services Managers. Occupational Health Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on April 17, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm .
- Clinical Nurse Leader Salary. Salary.com. Retrieved on April 17, 2023, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/clinical-nurse-leader-salary .
- Nursing Manager Salary in the United States. Payscale. Retrieved on October 10, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Manager/Salary .
- Director of Nursing Salary. Payscale. Retrieved on October 10, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director%2C_Nursing/Salary .
- "Nurse Case Manager Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/listing/nurse-case-manager-salary .
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