Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership
Kent State University’s Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership Certificate provides registered nurses with the skills needed to lead healthcare organizations. This online program covers management principles, healthcare policy, and leadership strategies, preparing graduates for roles in nursing administration and health systems management. Ideal for nurses aspiring to executive positions, this certificate enhances their ability to drive organizational improvements in healthcare.
Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership Graduate Certificate Program Overview
The Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership graduate certificate provides nurses who already have a graduate nursing degree the additional specialized knowledge for the nursing administration and health systems leadership.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Meet standards for advanced practice certification or other advanced professional distinction.
- Demonstrate competencies based on professional standards to assume advanced roles in nursing and for leadership and career advancement, including doctoral study.
- Communicate, integrate and apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to provide equitable, evidence-based and inclusive nursing care, and to promote quality outcomes in nursing and health care.
Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership Graduate Certificate Program Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
- Master’s degree in nursing or a doctorate in nursing practice from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s) of all previous graduate coursework1
- Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which practicum hours will be completed
- Curriculum vitae
- Goal statement (no more than 250 words) describing reasons for seeking the certificate in the identified specialty and professional goals (starting with spring 2026 admission term, goal statement is no longer required)
- Admission essay is required starting with spring 2026 admission term responding to the following questions (two pages, double spaced, 500 words):
- How do you plan to contribute to the nursing profession and healthcare community after earning your M.S.N. degree?
- How has your experience, professional development and service within the profession contributed to your readiness for graduate education?
- What experience do you have working as a nurse caring for the underserved, high-risk or vulnerable populations?
- Syllabi of all courses to considered for transfer in the gap analysis
- Three professional letters of reference from healthcare professionals, either a supervisor and/or an advanced practice nurse who can speak to the applicant’s professional capabilities
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
1For applicants who have not practiced as an advanced practice registered nurse within the two-year period preceding application to the certificate, completion of graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment must not be greater than five years old at the time of the student’s first semester of course registration in the certificate.
2International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Requirements | ||
| NURS 60014 | LEADERSHIP IN NURSING AND HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| NURS 60016 | ADVANCED ASSESSMENT, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE NURSE LEADER | 3 |
| NURS 60020 | LEGAL AND REGULATORY MANAGEMENT FOR NURSE ADMINISTRATORS | 3 |
| NURS 60024 | HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, STRUCTURE AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
| NURS 60315 | BUDGETARY AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT FOR NURSES | 3 |
| NURS 64002 | PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION FOR NURSE ADMINISTRATORS | 3 |
| NURS 64292 | NURSING ADMINISTRATION AND HEALTH SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP I PRACTICUM | 2 |
| NURS 64302 | NURSING ADMINISTRATION AND HEALTH SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP SEMINAR | 2 |
| NURS 64392 | NURSING ADMINISTRATION AND HEALTH SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP II PRACTICUM | 2 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 24 | |
Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership Graduate Certificate Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $594.78 | $1,784.34 | $13,700 part-time1 $13,100 full-time2 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $604.78 | $1,814.34 | $13,900 part-time3 $13,300 full-time4 |
1The $594.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester. The amount is based on students completing the program in 2 semesters.
3The $604.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.
4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180). The amount is calculated at students completing the program in 2 semesters plus the surcharge of $230.
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
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