MSN: Nursing Leadership in Healthcare
The MSN program includes comprehensive leadership, management, and business process coursework. The program, adhering to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials, incorporates a 500-hour practicum experience. When combined with after-program practice hours, graduates are able to pursue national certification.
The program is offered fully online with the exception of a 2-day on-campus immersion experience at the beginning of the program. There are two options for entering the program:
- U.S. licensed Registered Nurse with a BSN degree.
- U.S. licensed Registered Nurse with an associate degree in nursing will complete bridge coursework and then proceed to the MSN program.
NOTE: Financial Aid is not yet available for Graduate programs
Admission Requirements
- BSN degree from an accredited program and active U.S. RN licensure in good standing.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (calculated based on previous 60 credits of undergraduate coursework.)
- Statistics course passed with C (2.0) or better.
- Associate degree in nursing from an accredited program and active U.S. RN licensure in good standing.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (calculated based on previous 60 credits of undergraduate coursework.)
Alabama
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Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
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Maine
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Vermont
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West Virginia
If you are a registered nurse located in a state not listed, some restrictions may apply based on your state of residency. Contact nhs@lcsc.edu or 208-792-2688 for questions.
Eligibility requirements vary. Contact nhs@lcsc.edu or call 1-208-792-2087.
U.S. RN licensure is required and practicum experiences must be conducted in the state in which the student is licensed.
Suggested Sequence Options
Get Started Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
August 22nd, 2025. 8:30 am - 3:00 pm in Sacajawea Hall 118A.
Yes, this is a face-to-face course consisting of 1+1/2 days of faculty and peer collaboration in Lewiston. However, depending on the number of students enrolled in the course and their locations, we will give consideration to alternative delivery modes in the event of inclement weather.
Students work with their faculty mentor to identify a workplace preceptor. This person is to have an MN/ MS/ MSN or higher.
The MSN allows for a flexible approach to your leadership goals and professional aspirations. You can focus on developing skills to lead healthcare teams and clinical operations or teaching and training in hospitals, higher education, or community health settings. You’ll work with a primary preceptor in your chosen clinical setting and additional mentors as needed. Your hands-on experience and final project will align with your specific career objectives, guided by both faculty mentors and your clinical preceptor.
About Us
To be recognized as a pioneering nursing program responsive to the needs and expectations of our students and other stakeholders.
To provide a supportive student-centered learning environment that prepares nursing graduates with the
- knowledge and skills to meet the nursing needs of the clients they serve
- ability to become engaged citizens, advocates, and lifelong learners
- competencies to be effective nurse leaders
- We focus on Patient Safety and Quality of Care.
- We embrace the art of nursing as reflected through Professional Values and Ethical Principles.
- We value Partnerships, Teamwork, and Interprofessional Collaboration.
- We emphasize the science of nursing through Quality Improvement and Evidence-Based Practice.
Upon completion of the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare MSN program, the graduate will:
- Demonstrate administrative and/or practice leadership in a population health context, attending to person-centered care.
- Synthesize and disseminate evidence-based administrative and/ or practice leadership knowledge to improve health.
- Be prepared to serve in leadership roles in clinical nursing, nursing education, or management.
- Articulate methods, tools, performance measures, and standards related to quality, as well as apply quality and safety principles within an organization.
- Collaborate across disciplines and with patients, families, and care teams to improve patient outcomes and enhance the healthcare experience.
- Apply leadership communication skills, including health information management, to lead and manage a team within a complex healthcare environment at individual and aggregate levels.
- Demonstrate professionalism in all program activities reflective of nursing’s value, and an attitude of personal growth and commitment to career-long learning.
- Demonstrate the AONL core competencies in preparation to pursue, if desired, the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) or other certification exam.
Accreditation
Lewis-Clark State College is pursuing initial accreditation for the MSN program by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a nationally recognized accrediting agency that evaluates nursing programs to ensure they meet high standards of quality and effectiveness. While accreditation is not required for post-licensure MSN programs, it is a mark of excellence that reflects a program’s commitment to continuous improvement and student success.
- Quality Assurance: Accreditation demonstrates that the program meets rigorous academic and professional standards.
- Professional Advancement: Many employers and doctoral programs prefer or require graduates from accredited programs.
- Student Confidence: Accreditation provides assurance that the program is committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience.
- We are dedicated to offering a robust and reputable MSN program and are actively working toward CCNE accreditation to further affirm the quality and integrity of our curriculum.
Already have your graduate certificate? Reach out to nhs@lcsc.edu to learn how to use your credits and experiences to earn the MSN!