Online MSN Degree for Future Nursing Healthcare Leaders: A Pathway to Impact and Success

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy—and the demand for skilled leaders is growing just as rapidly.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), ¹ employment in healthcare occupations is projected to increase by 13% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the healthcare landscape evolves, leaders in this sector will manage complex systems, coordinate diverse teams, and ensure that patients receive the highest quality care.

For those seeking to make a lasting impact in the healthcare industry, earning an online degree in healthcare leadership is an excellent way to gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to succeed in these influential roles.

In this blog, we’ll explore the demand for healthcare leaders, the qualities of effective leadership in this sector, and how the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Leadership and Administration from NMSU Global Campus can help you become a future healthcare leader.

Healthcare leadership roles are essential to address the growing complexities of patient care, administrative functions, and regulatory challenges. Nurse leaders and administrators are known for leading operations and strategy of delivery of care. According to a survey conducted by AMN Healthcare, ² 29% of nursing leaders plan to leave their job in the next year—indicating gaps in these critical roles.

Nurse leaders and administrators are known for leading operations and strategy of delivery of care. The shortage of qualified leaders can result in nurse leaders taking on heavier workloads and more responsibilities, contributing to burnout. ³ However, this also highlights the growing need for well-trained nurse leaders: The high demand makes job placement easier than most other professions.

Aside from the shortage of nursing leaders, there’s a growing demand for better patient care, too. The U.S. Census Bureau ⁴ estimates that by 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older, increasing the need for healthcare services and, by extension, qualified healthcare leaders to oversee these services.

This growth, combined with advancements in healthcare technology, has increased the need for professionals who can integrate new technologies and processes into patient care, maintain efficient operations, and manage large teams.

For those looking to advance their careers in nursing, an online degree in healthcare and nursing leadership can open the door to new growth opportunities.

What is Leadership in Healthcare?

Healthcare leadership encompasses the ability to guide and inspire healthcare teams, implement effective strategies, and drive improvements across the organization. Healthcare leaders may work in a wide variety of settings, such as: 

• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Healthcare nonprofits
• Private practices

Healthcare leadership isn’t just about management; it’s about influencing and motivating others to work together toward achieving high standards of patient care and organizational performance.

At the core, healthcare leadership is about vision, communication, and the ability to build relationships within multidisciplinary teams. It also involves making critical decisions related to staffing, budgeting, policy implementation, and organizational changes—all while maintaining the highest standards of care for patients.

What Role Do Nurse Leaders Play in Healthcare?

Nurse leaders play a pivotal role in guiding nursing staff, implementing evidence-based practices, and advocating for patient needs within the healthcare system. Their ability to manage teams, facilitate communication, and make critical decisions directly impacts the efficiency of care delivery, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare facility performance.

Effective nursing leadership also helps address challenges such as: 

• Staff shortages
• Evolving healthcare policies
• Increasing patient complexity

Strong leadership in nursing ultimately helps create a supportive and cohesive environment where nurses can thrive, resulting in better patient care and more sustainable healthcare practices.

Why is Effective Leadership So Essential in Healthcare?

Effective healthcare leadership—in nursing or otherwise—is vital for several reasons:

1. Improved Patient Outcomes

Strong leadership can lead to better patient outcomes by ensuring that healthcare facilities run efficiently and that patients receive quality care. Research from the Journal of Nursing Management ⁵ determined that nursing leadership helps to facilitate and improve nurse performance. That translates to quality care and ensuring patient safety. The study also characterizes nurse leadership qualities that contribute to better overall performance of nursing teams.

2. Cost Control and Efficiency

In a time of rising healthcare costs, effective leaders must help organizations manage expenses while improving the quality of care. By streamlining operations, utilizing resources wisely, and focusing on efficiency, healthcare leaders can reduce waste and enhance the sustainability of healthcare systems.

3. Team Cohesion

Healthcare involves teams of professionals working together to care for patients. Leadership is crucial in creating a positive culture, improving team morale, and promoting collaboration among doctors, nurses, administrators, and support staff. Strong leadership helps foster an environment where each team member feels valued and motivated to do their best work.

4. Adaptation to Change

The healthcare sector is rapidly changing, with new technologies, regulations, and patient care models emerging regularly. Strong leadership ensures that organizations can quickly adapt to these changes without sacrificing quality. This includes staying ahead of industry trends, adopting innovative technologies, and adjusting to changes in healthcare laws and regulations.

What Exactly Makes a Nurse Healthcare Leader Effective?

Effective healthcare leaders possess unique skills, experience, and personal attributes that allow them to navigate complex systems and drive positive change. Some key traits of an effective healthcare leader include:

1. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions while empathizing with others. In healthcare, EQ is crucial for managing diverse teams, understanding patient needs, and resolving conflicts effectively.

2. Strategic Vision

A strong healthcare leader should have a clear vision of where they want the organization to go. They should be able to set long-term goals, align their team’s efforts with the mission, and continuously assess progress.

3. Decision-Making Abilities

Healthcare leaders must make decisions quickly and efficiently, often under high pressure. Whether it’s deciding on staffing changes or implementing new treatment protocols, effective decision-making skills are essential.

4. Communication Skills

Healthcare leaders need to communicate effectively with staff, patients, and stakeholders. This includes verbal and written communication, plus the ability to listen and foster open dialogue.

5. Adaptability

Given the rapid pace of change in healthcare, adaptability is key. Healthcare leaders must be able to embrace new technologies, address emerging challenges, and shift priorities when necessary to stay competitive and responsive.

NMSU Global Campus MSN in Leadership and Administration

For those looking to pursue a career in healthcare leadership, the MSN in Leadership and Administration from NMSU Global Campus offers an excellent opportunity to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and leadership qualities to thrive in this critical role. Our online degree program is designed for working professionals who wish to further their careers while balancing their personal and professional responsibilities.

The MSN in Leadership and Administration prepares students for a variety of leadership roles, including:

• Healthcare Administrator
• Nurse Manager
• Clinical Operations Manager
• Nursing Director
• Executive Director in Healthcare Organizations

The program covers essential areas such as organizational behavior, healthcare policy, finance and budgeting, human resource management, and quality improvement. By focusing on leadership and administration, the program equips students with the skills to lead teams, manage complex healthcare systems, and make data-driven decisions to improve patient care and organizational effectiveness.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

Nurse leaders are in high demand, and with the right education and credentials, graduates can expect to find lucrative career opportunities in various settings.

Here are some common career paths for MSN in Leadership and Administration graduates, along with their average salaries in New Mexico:

• Healthcare Administrator: ZipRecruiter reports ⁶ that the median annual salary for healthcare administrators is $91,379. This role typically involves overseeing operations in healthcare facilities, ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently.
• Nurse Manager: Nurse managers are responsible for managing nursing staff and ensuring that quality care is delivered. The salary range for a nurse manager is $105,800 to $128,000, according to Salary.com. ⁷
• Clinical Operations Manager: A clinical operations manager ensures the day-to-day operations of clinical services run smoothly. The average salary in New Mexico for this position is $130,000, according to Talent.com. ⁸
• Executive Director in Healthcare Organizations: Executive directors manage entire healthcare organizations, from hospitals to nonprofit organizations. The average salary in New Mexico for this position is $125,000, according to Talent.com. ⁹

Who is this MSN in Leadership and Administration Designed For?

The MSN in Leadership and Administration at NMSU Global Campus is designed for registered nurses (RNs) looking to advance their careers and step into leadership roles within healthcare organizations.

This program is ideal for nurses who are passionate about making a broader impact on patient care, organizational efficiency, and nursing practice at a systemic level. Whether you’re interested in clinical management, healthcare administration, or leading nursing teams, the MSN in Leadership and Administration provides the skills and credentials necessary to excel in these roles.

This MSN program is particularly suited for:

• Experienced RNs aspiring to move from clinical nursing into leadership and management positions.
• Current nurse managers or team leaders who wish to gain formal education and credentials to strengthen their leadership skills.
• Nurses who are interested in healthcare administration roles, such as directors, executives, or even entrepreneurs looking to manage or start healthcare organizations.
• Nurses who are eager to make a broader impact on healthcare systems, improve patient outcomes, and enhance operational efficiencies within healthcare facilities.

Program Requirements:

Are you eligible to study for the MSN in Leadership and Administration at NMSU Global Campus? Applicants need to meet the following requirements:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Applicants must have earned a BSN from an accredited institution. This is necessary to ensure that students have the foundational nursing knowledge needed for advanced practice in leadership and administration.
2. Current Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure: Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state where they practice. This ensures that students have the required clinical background and are legally qualified to provide patient care.
3. Minimum 3.0 GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission by the School of Nursing at New Mexico State University. ¹⁰
4. Professional Experience: While not always mandatory, some nursing experience—typically a year or more—can be beneficial. Nursing professionals with clinical experience bring valuable real-world insights into the leadership challenges they may face during the program.
5. Transcripts and Recommendations: Applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended and provide letters of recommendation from two colleagues in clinical practice.
6. Statement of Purpose: A letter of intent that outlines the applicant’s career goals, motivations for pursuing the MSN, and why they are interested in leadership roles within healthcare.
7. Interview (if applicable): Depending on the application review, an interview (in-person or via teleconference) with NMSU School of Nursing faculty may be required.

This program is offered 100% online, providing working professionals the flexibility to balance their education with their careers. The MSN in Leadership and Administration offers a practical and high-impact solution for those looking to advance in their nursing careers without putting their current job on hold.

Pursue Leadership in Nursing Healthcare through NMSU Global Campus

The MSN in Leadership and Administration from NMSU Global Campus offers a unique opportunity for those seeking to make a difference in healthcare. The flexible online format allows students to continue working while earning their degree, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals who want to advance in their careers.

This program provides the technical expertise needed to manage healthcare organizations effectively. We also help you develop the leadership and communication skills necessary to lead diverse teams, handle organizational challenges, and drive healthcare innovation.

As healthcare continues to evolve, there is an ever-increasing need for capable, forward-thinking leaders who can guide organizations toward success. If you’re ready to take the next step in your healthcare career and make a meaningful impact, pursuing an MSN in Leadership and Administration from NMSU Global Campus could be your pathway to success.

References

1. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Healthcare Occupations.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.
2. “2023 Survey of Nurse Leaders.” AMN Healthcare, accessed April 2025.
3. “How to Avoid Nursing School Burnout.” NMSU Global Campus, accessed April 2025.
4. “Demographic Turning Points for the United States: Population Projections for 2020 to 2060.” U.S. Census Bureau, February 2020.
5. Desye, Belay, et al. “Impact of Nurse Leaders Behaviors on Nursing Staff Performance: A Systematic Review of Literature.” Journal of Healthcare Leadership, vol. 15, 2023, pp. 71–82.
6. “Healthcare Administrator Salary in New Mexico.” ZipRecruiter, accessed April 2025.
7. “Nurse Manager Salary.” Salary.com, accessed April 2025.
8. “Clinical Operations Manager: Average Salary in New Mexico in 2025.” Talent.com, accessed April 2025.
9. “Executive Director Healthcare Salary in New Mexico.” Talent.com, accessed April 2025.
10. “MSN in Leadership and Administration: Admission Criteria.” New Mexico State University School of Nursing, accessed April 2025.