How to Become a Nurse Administrator – 3 Career Pathways

Nursing is a broad field, and aspiring professionals can choose to become nurses, nursing assistants, and nursing administrators. Furthermore, nursing administration is an excellent career choice for those who want to take on managerial roles in medical settings. If you’re unsure how to become a nurse administrator, then read on for a detailed breakdown of what a nurse administrator does and how to become one.

Article Navigation: What is a Nurse Administrator? | Three Step-by-Step Pathways to Become a Nurse Administrator (NA) | Education Requirements for Nurse Administrators | Program/Degree Accreditation | Certifications for Nurse Administrators | RN Licensure | Nurse Administrator Salary | Career Outlook for Nurse Administrators | Helpful Resources for Aspiring Nurse Administrators | Start Your Career in Nursing Administration! | FAQs

What is a Nurse Administrator?

Above all, a nurse administrator is a managerial professional who provides leadership and support for nursing departments in clinics, hospitals, and other medical settings. For example, these professionals may oversee a team of nurses and healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive the care they need promptly.

What Do Nurse Administrators Do?

NAs have many responsibilities and tasks. For example, they may:

• Set hospital or clinic budgets
• Define the policies and procedures nurses should follow under their supervision
• Work with committees or boards to set nursing staff performance goals
• Recruit, hire, and manage nursing staff or other professionals
• Set the workplace schedules for nurses
• Manage departmental budgets for nurses
• Conduct performance reviews for nurses under their charge
• Coordinate with other hospital staff and doctors

Think of nurse administrators as the head professionals who ensure nursing departments work perfectly because, without their assistance, hospitals and clinics would be much more chaotic. They would not be as efficient in delivering care to needy patients.

What is the Role of Nurse Administrator?

The nurse administrator role is primarily supervisory. Rather than directly dealing with patients, these professionals usually handle hospital administration tasks. However, they almost always have an in-depth background in nursing practices and procedures. Because of this, they can use their expertise to oversee nurses skillfully and effectively. They understand what nurses need, how nursing departments operate, and how best to organize labor to accomplish medical goals.

Where Do Nurse Administrators Work?

Nurse administrators primarily work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They may also work in private practices, nursing homes, and related environments. Because they have a lot of experience by default, nurse administrators are well-suited to many different positions across the healthcare industry. The places where these professionals work affect their exact responsibilities. For example, larger organizations may have nurse administrators oversee massive nursing departments. However, smaller institutions may have nurse administrators be part of a facility’s executive staff. In this role, they may help to determine the policies or decisions that affect the medical facility overall.

Is a Nurse Administrator a Nurse Manager?

No. Nurse administrators are in the mid-level of nurse supervisor hierarchies. First are nurse executives, usually responsible for overseeing hospital-level policies and procedures. They may be part of hospital boards. They also give orders to nursing administrators in many cases. Nurse administrators are next in command. They oversee nursing departments and operations. They may be aware of a medical facility’s day-to-day needs and functions. That said, they do not directly play a role in those daily operations. Nurse managers work in a nursing department and manage their staff’s day-to-day activities and needs. Nurse managers may pursue promotion to nurse administrators, but not the reverse.

Is a Nurse Administrator a Nurse?

Technically, yes. All nurse administrators must have accredited degrees in nursing (though the exact requirements can vary). That means they are always qualified to carry out nursing practices and procedures. They are very experienced in nursing skills and techniques. However, nurse administrators do not usually carry out nursing tasks. For example, they do not attend to patients, assist doctors or other medical personnel with medical procedures, and so on.

Three Step-by-Step Pathways to Become a Nurse Administrator (NA)

To become a nurse administrator, students can proceed down one of three distinct pathways. Let’s break down these pathways step by step.

Pathway 1 – Begin as a Registered Nurse with an Associate Degree (ADN-RN)

1. Graduate from an Accredited Associate Degree Program
   Become nurse administrators by starting as an RN. Above all, acquire a nursing degree and become a registered nurse first. The first step is to graduate from an accredited associate’s program in nursing, online or in-person.
2. Become a Practicing RN Through Licensure and Examination
   Become a registered nurse by taking RN licensure tests and examinations. Generally, these exams are taken after acquiring an RN degree. However, it may take several months to complete the full roster of exams.
3. Practical Experience as an RN
   To become a nurse administrator, acquire enough practical experience as an RN. All nurse administrators must have a graduate degree in nursing. But to qualify for an MSN, you must have at least one year of practical experience. Acquire this experience at medical clinics, hospitals, and other workplaces.
4. Pursue Accredited Higher Education for Nursing Administration
   The next step is to pursue accredited higher education for nursing administration. This can take one to three years, and students must complete a BSN program. This degree takes another two years after completing an associate degree. However, there are accelerated degree programs available at select schools.
5. Transition to Nursing Administration
   Then students must transition to a Nursing Administration master’s program. Some workplaces may also accept a graduate degree in hospital administration or a related subject. Graduate degree programs often take two years to finish. However, the timeline can vary. Some workplaces offer nursing administration positions to those with real-world experience. Still, most students will benefit from earning a master’s degree.
6. Pursue Professional Certification
   Nursing administrators can further improve their professional credentials by earning professional certifications. These are not strictly necessary but can qualify nurse administrators for more competitive positions.

Pathway 2 – Begin as a Licensed Practical (Vocational) Nurse (LPN/LVN)

1. Graduate from an Accredited LPN/LVN Program (Six to 18 Months)
   Students can alternatively start as licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses. This path is broadly similar to the above, though there are a few significant differences. First, students must graduate from an accredited LPN or LVN program. This program can take between six and 18 months. Such a program is not the same as an associate degree, but it quickly turns students into practicing nurses. LPN programs train nursing professionals to know all the practical skills they need to carry out care plans in medical contexts. When they graduate, LPNs or LVNs earned certificates denoting their skills.
2. Becoming a Practicing LPN/LVN Through Licensure and Examination (Timeline Varies)
   All students must earn their LPN or LVN certificates through licensure tests and exams. These can take a few months to complete, the most important being the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
3. Gain Practical Experience (One Year or More)
   As with the above pathway, students must gain at least one year of practical experience.
4. Become an RN (One to Three Years)
   The aspiring nurse administrator must become an RN by taking a BSN program at this stage. This can take between one and three years, depending on the student’s experience. After this point, students can apply to nurse administrator jobs. Their unique experience as an LPN or LVN may qualify them for nurse administrator positions.

Pathway 3 – Begin as a Bachelor’s-Level Registered Nurse (BSN-RN)

1. Graduate from an Accredited BSN Program (Four Years)
   The last pathway is to pursue nurse administration positions as an RN. A student must already have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution. This takes four years from start to finish, as programs are at least 120 credits long.
2. Become a Practicing RN Through Licensure and Examination (Timeline Varies)
   Students can become practicing RNs after acquiring a BSN by taking requisite licensure tests and examinations. The most important of these tests is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, in addition to state exams.
3. Gain Practical Experience (One Year or More)
   All future nurse administrators must get practical experience of at least one year or more, similar to the other pathways.
4. Graduate from Master of Science in Nurse Administration Program (12 to 24 Months)
   Lastly, students must complete a graduate program in Nurse Administration. This prepares students for even the most competitive nurse administration jobs.

Education Requirements for Nurse Administrators

Nurse administrators have a lot of important responsibilities. Therefore, they must meet high education requirements to qualify for open positions.

Education Needed to Become a Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators require a lot of education before becoming nurses, let alone managers for whole teams of nurses.

RN Programs

RN for registered nurse programs are in-depth, practical-focused associate-level programs that train students to work in the nursing field.

LPN/LVN Programs

LPN or LVN programs train students in all the practical skills necessary to thrive in nursing. These programs are roughly equivalent to associate degree programs, though they don’t result in an associate degree. Still, those who complete these programs can often acquire an associate degree at an accelerated timescale.

BSN-RN Programs

BSN-RN programs combine a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with RN training. By the end, graduates will have RN licensure and certification for their state of residence and be able to jump into the nursing field.

Many BSN-RN programs are accelerated. Rather than taking four or five years to complete, they could take three years. Some BSN-RN programs also offer accelerated tracks for master’s programs in nursing administration. Called “BSN-RN-MNA” programs, these can be completed in five years rather than six or seven.

Master of Science in Nurse Administrator Program/Higher Education for Nurse Administration

The last nursing administration degree is a Master of Science in Nursing Administration or a similar degree. These programs are usually two years long and train practicing nurses in the principles and skills needed to oversee nursing departments.

What Are the Continuing Education Requirements for Nurse Administrators?

Nurse administrators must complete continuing education classes every year or two after acquiring certification or a degree, depending on their state requirements. These are in-person or online courses that nurse admins must take semi-regularly to make sure that they stay up-to-date with modern principles and procedures.

Program/Degree Accreditation

Those looking to become nurse administrators should only attend programs accredited by the right organizations.

Accrediting Organizations

There are only a few accrediting organizations students need to focus on. These include:

1. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, which is the gold standard for accreditation for nursing bachelor’s programs
2. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, which is suitable for associate level nursing degrees or ADNs

In addition to these accrediting organizations, state-level college accreditations are good markers of a program’s quality.

Why is Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is important since it proves that a given program is academically robust or complex enough and includes essential information future nurse administrators will need to succeed. Applicants must have degrees from accredited institutions to be competitive when applying for open positions.

Certifications for Nurse Administrators

These professionals must pursue nursing administration certification and others throughout their education. Some certificates can also bolster their resumes or teach them valuable skills to help them thrive in their workplace environments.

Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers a NE-BC certification that marks current nurses as leaders in their field.

Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center also offers the NEA-BC certification. This certification is usually required for practicing nurse administrators; very few hospitals or clinics will consider candidates who lack this certification.

Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC)

An Informatics Nursing Certification could qualify nurse administrators to work in data analytics positions or let registered nurses move into a more data-focused part of the job.

Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)

The American Organization of Nurse Executives offers the Certificate in Executive Nursing Practice. This certificate again demonstrates desired leadership skills and marks a current registered nurse as an excellent candidate for nursing administration programs.

Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)

A Certified Nurse Manager and Leader certificate could improve a nurse administrator’s employability, especially for competitive positions. Students who wish to work in specific states should research what their states require for licensure. They should also see what certificates or licenses are typically required for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations in their area. In doing this, nurse administrators can prepare to apply for open positions to the best effect.

RN Licensure

All nurse administrators must be registered nurses. To become an RN, one has to meet specific requirements and take a final exam.

Requirements

RN licensure requires that a student complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited university. It also requires that students meet a certain number of practical or in-person practice hours. This requirement makes even online BSN programs not 100% online. In brief, they need students to spend some time at local clinics or hospitals.

Exam

Students must also complete the RN exam. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses is an adaptive computer test that all students must pass to become registered nurses. Depending on one’s state, a student may also be required to take state-specific tests before receiving licensure.

Nurse Administrator Salary

Nurse administrators earn competitive salaries to compensate for their important responsibilities and high workloads.

How Much Does a Nurse Administrator Make?

According to the BLS, nurse administrators earn over $100,000 per year on average. However, the highest-paid nurse administrators make more than $200,000 per year. Generally, these professionals earn more money as they gain seniority and stay with the same healthcare organization. Nurse administrators receive regular raises to increase their responsibilities and oversee larger departments.

Nurse Administrator Salary Factors

Many factors can affect a nurse administrator’s eventual salary. These factors include:

• Their state of residence
• The size of their hospital or clinic of employment
• Their experience level
• The number of people they oversee

Highest Paying States for Nurse Administrators

The highest paying states for nurse administrators are those with high living costs and many metropolitan areas. These include New York, California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia.

Nurse Administrator Benefits

In addition to a high average salary, nurse administrators enjoy extra benefits, such as top-tier health insurance, consistent schedules, and many opportunities to network and promote themselves for future positions in the healthcare industry.

What Careers Are Related to That of a Nurse Administrator?

Hospital administrators are similar to nurse administrators, though they have a broader spectrum of responsibilities and the people they oversee. In addition, any administrative role could be a good fit for a nurse administrator because their skill sets will prepare them for those jobs’ needs.

Career Outlook for Nurse Administrators

The career outlook for nurse administrators is quite positive, even compared to other healthcare careers.

Are Nurse Administrators in Demand?

Yes. According to the BLS, nurse administrators are currently in high demand. They should only become more in demand in the future. The occupation is projected to grow by 32% until 2030. This growth is much faster than the average growth rate for all other occupations. In other words, nurse administrators should have no difficulty finding employment after graduating from their chosen programs. Most open nurse administration positions are in metropolitan areas with many healthcare facilities like hospitals or nursing homes.

Helpful Resources for Aspiring Nurse Administrators

Aspiring nurse administrators can take advantage of many helpful resources. These resources can connect them to study guides, mentors, and other benefits.

• American Association for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
• National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care (NADONA)
• American Hospital Association (AHA)
• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD)
• The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers (NFSWC)
• American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC)
• Nursing Ethics Network (NEN)
• Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN)

Start Your Career in Nursing Administration!

Do you want to work in nursing but want the more significant effect a supervisory position holds? A nursing administration career would be perfect! Check out GetEducated.com for online programs and other educational resources!

FAQs

What does a nursing administrator do?

A nursing administrator oversees nursing departments in hospitals and clinics. For example, they hand out duty rosters, set budgets, and manage the recruitment and development of nurses.

Is nurse administator hard?

It can be. But at a bare minimum, nursing administration requires a lot of effort and excellent attention to detail to succeed.

What makes a good nursing administrator?

A good nursing administrator is responsible, task-oriented, detail-oriented, and mature. They are also usually great communicators since they have to oversee big departments.

Are there online nursing administration programs that do not require the GRE?

Not at the master’s level. Practically all graduate nurse administration programs worth one’s time will require GRE scores before applicants are accepted.

Are there LNHA certification programs?

Yes. Most states allow students to complete these certification programs without earning an associate degree in nursing or a related subject.

CAHME: Which online programs are CAHME-accredited?

Many of the best online master’s in health administration programs are accredited by the CAHME. These include programs at the University of Central Florida, Pennsylvania State University, and Des Moines University.

Can I earn an online master’s in hospital administration?

Yes. In fact, students can earn many hospital administration degrees online and asynchronously.

How do I become a certified health data analyst (CHDA)?

To become a certified health data analyst, one needs a master’s degree in health information management. Then, a year of healthcare data experience. Lastly, you need an RHIA credential.

How long does it take to become a nurse administrator?

From start to finish, it generally takes between seven and eight years to become a nurse administrator. It takes that long because nurse administrators must have master’s degrees, prerequisites by experience, and a bachelor’s.