Online Master of Science in Nursing, Leadership ProgramOnline Master of Science in Nursing, Leadership ProgramOnline Master of Science in Nursing, Leadership Program

Designed for aspiring nurse leaders, the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Leadership program prepares you to take on impactful leadership roles in health care. Depending on your preferred learning schedule, you can complete the program in as few as 12 months full time or 24 months part time.Designed for aspiring nurse leaders, the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Leadership program prepares you to take on impactful leadership roles in health care. Depending on your preferred learning schedule, you can complete the program in as few as 12 months full time or 24 months part time.Designed for aspiring nurse leaders, the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Leadership program prepares you to take on impactful leadership roles in health care. Depending on your preferred learning schedule, you can complete the program in as few as 12 months full time or 24 months part time.

  • Apply Leadership Expertise — Help your organization address a range of health care issues through evidence-based practice and research.
  • Expand Your Career Opportunities — Follow your unique career path in the nursing profession by pursuing roles such as nurse manager or chief nursing officer.
  • Explore a Variety of Topics — Apply leadership concepts through real-world settings and cover topics such as health care economics, quality improvement, and informatics.

Earn Your MSN Online and Become a Nurse Leader

Empowering and educating nurses since 1902, Simmons University offers an online MSN, Leadership program that builds your foundational nursing expertise while preparing you for high-impact leadership roles in health care. 

With a strong emphasis on real-world application, this program equips you to address today’s health care challenges. Dive into critical topics such as health care economics and informatics to ensure equitable, high-quality patient care while leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve outcomes. 

The online MSN, Leadership program is designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs) who hold a BSN or a bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing.

Confer Your MSN As You Earn Your DNP

Looking to further your nursing expertise and pursue your career goals? Designed for those who have earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Simmons University equips you with the clinical expertise and leadership skills you need to excel in advanced practice and executive roles. 

Throughout the program you will have your MSN, Leadership conferred, allowing you to gain advanced knowledge in nursing leadership theory and enhance your career trajectory while completing the program. Learn more about the online BSN to DNP program and conferring your MSN.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Simmons University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791 (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). The Simmons University Nursing Program is fully approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Take the Next Step Toward Leadership Positions

Prepare to drive meaningful change in health care, influence policy, and lead teams with expertise in the online MSN, Leadership program.

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Flexible, Supportive Nursing Education

The online MSN, Leadership program is designed to help nurses advance their careers while continuing to provide exceptional patient care. With full-time and part-time options along with dedicated faculty and staff support, we make it easier to balance education with life and work.

Consistent, predictable schedules – Live classes take place on set days, making it easier to plan.

Designed for working nurses – Flexible course formats allow students to attend live sessions or watch recordings at their convenience.

Ongoing mentorship and coaching – Faculty, advisors, and student success specialists provide guidance every step of the way.

Simmons Online MSN, Leadership Admission

To be considered for admission to the MSN, Leadership program, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, with a preferred GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Review our application requirements and request information to learn more.

We offer three start dates throughout the year: in January, May, and September. Admission is conducted on a rolling basis. An admission counselor will be available to help guide you through the application process and answer your questions about the program.

September 2025 Cohort Application Deadline

The final deadline for the September 2025 cohort is July 21, 2025.

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Learning Outcomes

The online MSN, Leadership program prepares students to:

  • Analyze the complex health care system as it relates to leadership in nursing practice
  • Evaluate steps in the budget planning process
  • Interpret data to make informed decisions about quality improvement initiatives
  • Assemble diverse health care teams to provide safe, effective, fiscally responsible, equitable, and patient-centered care
  • Appraise organizational policies in order to promote growth in nursing leadership

Students in the program will gain expertise through courses such as Advanced Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, and Pharmacology, which deepen clinical knowledge, and Healthcare Economics & Finance, which builds financial acumen for leadership roles, with learnings in Leadership Clinical Courses I and II, and the Advanced Leadership Clinical Course III strengthening practical leadership abilities. 

Additionally, coursework in Nursing Leadership Theory and Quality Improvement in Healthcare equips students with strategic decision-making skills, while classes like Evidence-Based Practice: Informatics and Scholarly Inquiry prepare graduates to drive data-informed improvements in patient care and organizational performance.

BSN-MSN Leadership Track Curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions

  • An MSN, Leadership degree equips you with the advanced skills needed to drive change, improve patient outcomes, and lead health care teams effectively. With this degree, you can step into high-impact roles across various health care settings, including: nurse manager/director, chief nursing officer (CNO), health care administrator, nurse educator, and more.

  • Depending on your preferred learning schedule, you can complete the program in as few as 12 months full time or 24 months part time. Complete your degree faster and enter leadership roles sooner by earning your degree full time or balance education with work, family, and personal commitments by choosing part time.

  • Yes. All applicants must have a current unencumbered and unrestricted U.S. registered nurse (RN) license in an approved state.