Nurse Administrators in the 21st Century

Nursing Administration jobs run the gamut from managing a specific clinical department or small group of nurses to heading a multi-hospital system or working at the regional level. Daily responsibilities might include supervising nurses, ordering supplies, and managing schedules and budgets. Many nurse administrators take on leadership roles, such as Nursing Board Administrator Joan Bainer, who was chosen to participate in a Fellowship Program geared towards improving regulatory practices and outcomes.

"My objective is to provide leadership in educating the nursing community on regulation," Bainer said in a South Carolina press release. "By utilizing a variety of resources such as CDs, streamline video conferencing, and Web seminars, I can provide the tools and resources for practitioners to use in practice."

Fifty years ago, nursing administrators didn't have access to the kind of technology that Bainer describes. The job of a nurse administrator was strikingly different from a technology standpoint. On the other hand, certain things haven't changed. "When I first began in administration, I was typing reports, taking shorthand notes and filing a lot of paperwork," says Landie Orson, currently Nurse Manager for a Rhode Island Intensive Care unit. "Obviously the internet and computers made all that obsolete, but things like being aware of the interpersonal communications, keeping one eye on everything in your ward, prioritizing the big picture, those don't become obsolete."

The nursing business is an ever-changing picture. In future decades, nursing administrators will be working with better-integrated health care delivery systems, faster technology, and perhaps radically different financial structures. More jobs will be created and more specialties will be developed. While skilled nurse administrators have always been vital to the success of any health care organization, the opportunities and challenges will continue to expand. For experienced or new nurses wishing to transition into administrative positions, there has never been a better time.

Some new administrative positions that literally didn't exist fifty years ago include EMR-certified administrators, telemedicine systems administrators, and nurses working in emergency management. While advances in technology have had a lot to do with the expansion of nursing administration, shifts in health care paradigms have also affected administrative directions. For example, the push to move to electronic medical records for every patient has been influenced by changing beliefs about patient rights and ethical business practices.

"Nursing is a business with a lot of hierarchy," Orson says. "It needs that to run smoothly. But in the 1980s, we were seeing a lot of, oh, I'm the head nurse, don't question my orders. Or things like, don't tell the patient such-and-such because that will upset them." According to Orson, the business of nursing has become more egalitarian and more care-focused in recent years. Health care systems must strike a balance between giving each patient individualized care, staying profitable, and maintaining employee satisfaction. As nurse administrators continue to enjoy competitive salaries and diverse job choices, they are well positioned to influence nursing practices, standards and regulations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing administration jobs are expected to increase by 16 percent between 2006 and 2016. Many new nurse administrators have experience as clinical nurses and have pursued further education hoping to expand their career options. In order to qualify for managerial positions, most employers require at least a bachelor's degree. Some require a Bachelor's in Nursing Science or a Master's in Nursing Science. This, too, is a change from nursing administration in days gone by: far more formal education is required nowadays than previously. The good news is that educational institutions have kept up with the demand for specialized degree programs like Nursing Administration, Emergency Management, Occupational Health and Safety Management, Health Care Administration, and Clinical Research Management.Whatever the future holds for the business of nursing, one thing is for sure: Nursing Administrators will have an increasingly important role in shaping that future. Would you like to be among them?

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Achieve the education you need to turn your nursing career dreams into reality. Explore featured accredited online Nursing Administration degree programs and request additional information directly from any of our featured schools:
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University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing/Master of Health Administration
• M.S. in Nursing/Master of Health Administration
• A.A. in Health Care Administration

Campus Locations:

Elk Grove
Roseville
Rancho Cordova
Sacramento
Online
Salida
San Francisco
Palm Desert
Los Angeles
San Jose
Lathrop
Fairfield
Oakland
Livermore
Gardena
Pasadena
Costa Mesa
Woodland Hills
San Diego
Lancaster
Murrieta
Ontario
Diamond Bar
Culver City
Beale AFB
Fresno
Bakersfield

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration with Community Health Nurse Emphasis (Online)

Campus Locations:

San Diego
San Marcos
National City

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
• M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Education
• M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Education (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• Ph.D. in Health Services - Self-Directed - Self-Designed
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Course-based - Leadership
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Course-based - Health Care Admin

DeVry University

Campus

A graduate degree really can make a difference, especially when it's from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. Online, evening and weekend classes are available.

Programs:

• Graduate Certificate-Health Services Management

Campus Locations:

Oakland
Palmdale
Pomona
Alhambra
Colton
Elk Grove
San Jose
Fremont
Irvine
San Diego
Sherman Oaks
Long Beach
Daly City
Anaheim

Virginia College

Campus

Virginia College continues the tradition of giving lives new direction, fulfilling our mission statement to students wherever they live and offering the chance to pursue a degree while maintaining commitments to work and family.

Programs:

• AS - Medical Office Administration
• BS - Health Services Management

Campus Locations:

Birmingham

Platt College

Campus

Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.

Programs:

• Medical Administrative Specialist

Campus Locations:

Alhambra
Riverside
Ontario

Colorado Technical University Online

Campus

Take your career to new heights with Colorado Tech Online! Since 1965, Colorado Technical University has helped thousands of students achieve success in business, management and technology careers. Learn more today.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
• Associate of Science in Health Administration Services

Campus Locations:

Colorado Springs

Baker College Online

Campus

Baker College Online is fully accredited and offers over 40 programs that will help you earn your Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate degree affordably. Learn more now.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Health Services Administration

Campus Locations:

Lisle

Heald College

Campus

Heald College offers 18-month associate degree programs that will prepare you for a career in Business, Technology, or Healthcare. Small class sizes, hands-on instruction.

Programs:

• Medical Office Administration
• Medical Insurance Billing and Coding

Campus Locations:

Concord
Roseville
Milpitas
Hayward
Fresno
Salida
Rancho Cordova
Salinas
San Francisco
Stockton

American InterContinental University Online

Campus

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Programs:

• Bachelor's of Business Administration in Healthcare Management

Campus Locations:

Schaumburg

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Medical Office Administration
• Healthcare Administration

Campus Locations:

Ventura
Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage
Santa Barbara

Northcentral University

Campus

At Northcentral University, we teach individuals, not just classes. Our unique, proven online educational experience is designed to help you achieve your goals using your own style of learning.

Programs:

• Health Care Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.
• Health Care Administration - D.B.A.

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• BS - Health Care Administration
• AS - Medical Office Administration: Concentration in Medical Assistant

Campus Locations:

Oxnard
Canyon Country
Lancaster

Argosy University

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

• Health Care Management (BS)

Campus Locations:

San Diego
San Bernardino
Orange
Santa Monica
Alameda

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Health Care Administration
• Certificate in Health Care Administration
• AS in Medical Billing and Coding

Campus Locations:

Citrus Heights
Stockton
Pleasant Hill
Sacramento
San Leandro
San Jose
Emeryville
Antioch

The University of Liverpool

Campus

Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.

Programs:

• MSc in International Management (Management of Health Systems)

Campus Locations:

Online

Everest College

Campus

Develop the skills to succeed in today's highly competitive business environment. Everest College can prepare you for a rewarding career in some of today's hottest fields.

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Administrative Assistant
• Diploma - Medical Insurance Billing and Coding

Campus Locations:

Alhambra
Hayward
San Bernardino
San Jose
Reseda
Santa Ana
Ontario
Los Angeles
Gardena
Anaheim
San Francisco
LA Puente

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Medical Office Specialist
• Diploma: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Campus Locations:

Stockton
Bakersfield
Salida
Vista
San Diego
Chula Vista

Jones International University

Campus

Earn a high quality degree in Business, IT, Education, or Communications. Jones International University® offers self-paced bachelor's and master's degrees tailored to your needs.

Programs:

• BBA Health Care Management

Campus Locations:

Englewood

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Ontario

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Medical Biller

Campus Locations:

Gardena
South Gate
San Bernardino
Los Angeles

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Milan Institute

Campus

Successful careers begin at the Milan Institute. We offer quality hands-on training, experienced faculty and a staff committed to helping you realize your goals.

Programs:

• Administrative Medical Assistant
• Accounting

Campus Locations:

Indio
Visalia

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Electronic Health Records
• Medical Billing & Coding

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Bryan College

Campus

Get your career started with training from Bryan College! We offer programs in Court Reporting, Advanced Health & Fitness Training, and Health Information Management & Coding at both our Sacramento and Los Angeles campuses.

Programs:

• Health Information Management and Coding

Campus Locations:

Rancho Cordova

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Addison

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Associate of Science Degree in Health Care Administration
• Medical Office Assisting

Campus Locations:

Norcross

Penn Foster Schools

Campus

Penn Foster offers affordable, self-paced career-focused distance education programs in fields like business, criminal justice, health services, technology, engineering, paralegal studies and more.

Programs:

• Medical Administrative Assistant
• Medical Coding and Billing

Campus Locations:

Scranton

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Medical Office Assistant

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Health Claims Examiner/Medical Biller

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Ontario
Los Angeles

Laurus College

Campus

Get started on your career with Laurus College. We offer programs for careers in the computer and information technology, web design, business, and medical billing fields.

Programs:

• Medical Billing Certificate Program

Campus Locations:

Santa Maria
Atascadero
Oxnard
San Luis Obispo

UEI College

Campus

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Medical Billing and Insurance Coding

Campus Locations:

Gardena
Stockton
Riverside
Fresno
Bakersfield
Anaheim

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)
• Nursing, MS

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Empire College

Campus

Empire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.

Programs:

• Medical Billing/Coding

Campus Locations:

Santa Rosa

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Medical Office Administration

Campus Locations:

Modesto
Redding
Clovis

Charter College Online

Online

You can advance your career with a degree from Charter College Online. We offer several Associates and Bachelors degrees in the business, health care, accounting and legal fields. Our accelerated programs are designed to help you complete your degree as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We help students get not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• BS - Business Management Accounting: Concentration in Medical Coding and Billing
• Health Information Technology

Mayfield College

Campus

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

Programs:

• Medical Billing and Coding

Campus Locations:

Cathedral City

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• Nurse Educator Certificate
• MSN in Clinical Leadership

Campus Locations:

Chicago