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.)
LC State’s MSN program is available to registered nurses in the following states:
Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Vermont
Virginia
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.
We have two ‘pathways’ in this MSN – one focuses on clinical management and leadership, and one on leadership in the education space (high ed, patient education, staff education, etc.). We anticipate students focusing on just one of these areas but recognize your interests may span both. In either track, you will likely have a primary on-the-ground preceptor, but could and likely will work with others in the institution. Much of the practicum/ project will be completed independently with guidance from the faculty mentor and institutional preceptor.
Outcomes
- 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.
- Be prepared to successfully complete the American Organization for Nursing Leadership’s Certified Nurse Manager and Leader or similar examination.
Already have your graduate certificate? Reach out to nhs@lcsc.edu to learn how to use your credits and experiences to earn the MSN!