The redesign of healthcare organizations has mandated larger spans of control for nurse managers with expertise and leadership skills in organizational, human resource, and financial management. The need for the integration of clinical skills with business know-how has been fueled by a more diverse work force with direct responsibility for non nursing staff, an increased emphasis on customer service and risk management, and the ability to design and implement care delivery models that extend beyond the walls of the organization into the community and its stakeholders.
What is the focus of the Nursing and Health Systems Administration option?
Realizing the potential to increase the value-added that nursing and its role contributes to the organization as a whole, through high patient care standards and fiscal responsibility to the organization, the School of Nursing reactivated the Nursing and Health Systems Administration option. The curriculum reflects an interdisciplinary approach to the coordination of patient care services across multiple settings. The emphasis is on management at all levels of the organization, with the knowledge base becoming broader and increasingly system-wide. Students are given the opportunity to integrate the discipline of nursing with business administration in order to foster and promote innovative systems based on strong financial and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Will I be eligible to sit for the Nursing Service Administrator certification exam if I complete this program of study?
Graduates of the NHSA option meet the educational requirements to apply for certification in Nursing Administration, including the advanced certification, offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). In order to sit for the exam, the applicant must also have held an administrative position at the nurse manager or nurse executive level for at least the equivalent of 24 months full-time practice within the past 5 years.
What kind of nursing experience do I need prior to entering the program?
Currently there are no requirements for clinical experience prior to admission to the MSN program. However, it is a strong belief of the faculty that students admitted to the Nursing and Health Systems Administration option must have at least one year of professional nursing experience prior to enrolling in the clinical courses (NHSA 620, NHSA 621 and NHSA 622).
How long is the program of study?
Students who choose the Nursing and Health Systems Administration option can earn the MSN in four terms (one year plus one term) of full-time study. One may choose, however, to complete the program part-time over a longer period of time. All degree requirements must be completed within 5 years of admission. Students are admitted three times per year.
Who employs graduates with an MSN degree focused in Nursing and Health Systems Administration, and in what roles?
Health systems across the country (and internationally), including home health agencies, managed care entities, public and private sector hospitals, long-term and ambulatory care facilities, and insurance companies, are searching for advanced level nurses for management and executive level positions. The focus of the NHSA option prepares graduates for roles from first line managers to executive positions including consultants, clinical coordinators and managers, product and service line managers, executive directors, directors of operations, and nurse executives.
What are the classroom and clinical requirements for the Nursing and Health Systems Administration student?
The core content examines the theory of nursing science, research and statistical knowledge and skills, as well as advanced nursing practice professional role development, management, and leadership. Support courses provide the basis for the integration of business management theories with the nursing administration framework. Courses include managerial accounting, human resource management, management information systems, and organizational behavior. Electives may be chosen based on individual interests, including health care marketing, health economics, social, legal and ethical issues, and health law. The advanced nursing clinical courses include both didactic and clinical learning opportunities. Didactic content is based on a synthesis of theoretical concepts for administrative practice, and builds on the knowledge and skills obtained in the core and support courses. The role emphasis of the nursing and health systems administrator evolves from beginning nurse manager, to the division or departmental level manager, and culminates at the executive level of management. A total of 270 practicum hours are included in the advanced nursing clinical courses.
Who will serve as my preceptor in the clinical portion of the advanced nursing courses?
The UAB School of Nursing has a wide professional network within the community, providing opportunities to learn from leaders who excel in a variety of health systems settings. Preceptor sites are arranged based on students individualized needs and areas of interest. Whether we assist you in finding a preceptor, or you do so yourself, the preceptor should be an advanced practice nurse in a leadership role appropriate for the managerial level pertaining to the didactic course content of study.
What are the admission criteria?
What is a typical program of study like?
The following is a sample plan for students entering the program in the fall semester, however, students may begin any semester. Support courses in each area may be selected from the School of Business, Graduate School of Management (MBA), School of Health Related Professionals, Department of Health Services Administration (HA); or School of Public Health, Department of Health Care Organization and Policy (HCO) based on your scheduling needs. Electives or thesis hours can be taken in any semester. Individualized program plans will be developed for students at the time of admission to the program.
Fall - Year I
NUR 600 Research and Statistics for Advanced Practice 4
NUR 601 Role Development for Advanced Nursing Practice 3
MBA 609 Financial Accounting for Managers 3
or
HCO 615 Finance for Health Professional 3
Spring - Year I
NUR 602 Issues Affecting Advanced Nursing Practice 3
NUR 630 Principles of Epidemiology 3
MBA 632 Organizational Process and Behavior 3
or
HA 631 Organizational Theory and Behavior 3
Summer - Year I
NHSA 620 Nursing and Health Service Administration I 3
NHSA 630 Health Services Marketing Management 3
NUR 643 Introduction to Nursing Informatics 3
Fall - Year II
NHSA 621 Nursing and Health Service Administration II 2
NHSA 685 Nursing and Health Systems: Practicum I 2
NOM 611 Creativity, Resources and Problem-Solving 2
NHSA 640 Nursing Economics 3
Spring - Year II
NHSA 622 Nursing and Health Service Administration III 2
NHSA 686 Nursing and Health Systems: Practicum II 4
Total 43 credits
Contact:
SON Office of Student Affairs
NB 205
1530 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-1210
Phone: (205) 975-7529