Program Content [Overview](#programOverview) [At A Glance](#programAtGlance) [Program Details](#programDetails) [Curriculum](#programCurriculum) [FAQs](#programFAQs) [Additional Info](#programAdditionalInfo) [Contact & Apply](#programContactApply) [Request Info](#programRequestInfo) ## The Catholic University of America's Master of Science in Nursing: Complex Healthcare Systems Administration program is designed to equip nursing professionals with the leadership and management skills necessary to effectively oversee complex healthcare environments. This program combines advanced nursing practices with administrative acumen, preparing graduates to address the multifaceted challenges of modern healthcare systems. - [ Request Info ](#programRequestInfo) - [ Apply ](#programContactApply) - [ Visit ](#programContactApply) ## At a Glance - **Leadership Potential:** Designed for bachelor's prepared registered nurses seeking advanced leadership and administrative roles. - **Online Format:** Flexible asynchronous online format designed to accommodate working nurses. - **Speed to Completion:** 30 credits that can be completed in as few as 4 semesters. - **Gain Expertise:** Develops expertise in healthcare finance, policy, operations, quality improvement, patient safety, and organizational leadership. - **Future Path:** Prepares graduates for roles as bedside leaders, nurse executives, directors, and healthcare administrators. - **Graduate Scholarships Available:** The Conway School of Nursing offers generous scholarships to qualified graduate nursing students. ## Program Details The Master of Science in Nursing: Complex Healthcare Systems Administration is a 30-credit program taught in a flexible online learning format designed to accelerate your career with the knowledge and skills needed for success in healthcare systems administration and leadership. Courses focus on ethical leadership, healthcare finance, business case development, healthcare system transformation, safety, evidence-based quality improvement, and information technology. In addition, student learning emphasizes human resources management, population health, and practica with experienced nurse leaders working in the healthcare field; a capstone leadership scholarly paper rounds out this competitive program. The program is grounded in approaches to leadership that reflect respect for the profound dignity of every person. ![Thumbnail for video Mary Dixon Introduces MSN in Complex Healthcare Systems Administration](https://img.youtube.com/vi/oVYr2GVILOc/maxresdefault.jpg) Play Video { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "VideoObject", "name": "Embedded Video", "description": "", "thumbnailUrl": "https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/oVYr2GVILOc\/maxresdefault.jpg", "contentUrl": "", "embedUrl": "https:\/\/youtu.be\/oVYr2GVILOc?si=2B04aQNxR98Mlqf7" } Admission Requirements Applications for this master's degree program are reviewed on a rolling basis and processed through the Office of Graduate Admission. [View the MSN Admission Requirements](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/complex-healthcare-systems-administration-msn/msn-admission-requirements "MSN Admission Requirements") Program Outcomes Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program are expected to achieve the following outcomes upon completion: ###### 1. Knowledge for Nursing Practice Implement and manage a systematic approach (integration, translation and application) to critical thinking and clinical reasoning, inclusive of knowledge from nursing, other disciplines, theology, philosophy, and the other liberal arts and natural and social sciences to make judgments and create innovations in advanced nursing practice/specialty level for the common good ###### 2. Person-Centered Care Provide, promote, and manage care and care teams that support holistic, individualized, just, compassionate, coordinated, evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive care that is respectful of the dignity of the human person, promotes human flourishing, and is consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. ###### 3. Population Health Implement evidence-based and collaborative activities that promote health, prevent disease, and manage risks, considering social determinants of health and advocating for the improvement of equitable health outcomes, across the continuum of care and levels of prevention through both traditional and non-traditional partnerships from diverse communities, public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities, and others. ###### 4. Scholarship for the Nursing Discipline Synthesize, translate, apply, and disseminate nursing knowledge to improve health and transform health care. ###### 5. Quality and Safety Implement initiatives to address clinical quality issues using innovation principles and processes, improvement science and evidence to promote a culture of patient, provider, and work environment safety through both system effectiveness and individual performance. ###### 6. Interprofessional Partnerships Implements models of interprofessional teamwork and intentional collaboration with colleagues, patients, families, and communities that value engagement with the city, nation, Church and world through participatory decision-making related to healthcare needs that optimizes, enhances and improves health outcomes within advanced nursing specialty practice. ###### 7. Systems-Based Practice Develop and lead strategy implementation for coordinated, cost-effective, proactive and efficient care within complex healthcare systems based on Catholic values to provide safe, quality, and equitable care to diverse populations. ###### 8. Informatics and Healthcare Technologies Navigate information and communication technologies to gather data, guide decision making, and provide care respecting the dignity of the human person that aligns with best practice and professional and regulatory standards. ###### 9. Professionalism Model a sustainable professional identity grounded in Catholic social teaching, inclusive of honesty, integrity, accountability, a collaborative disposition, and ethical behavior reflective of the Catholic identity and nursing’s unique characteristics and values. ###### 10. Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development Model and mentor others in activities that demonstrate a commitment to lifelong whole person well-being, intellectual curiosity, professional growth and development, resilience, and healthcare leadership. ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Curriculum Through a curriculum that includes health policy, organizational leadership, and strategic planning, students will develop the expertise needed to lead healthcare teams and improve patient care outcomes. Join us to advance your nursing career and make a significant impact in healthcare administration and quality care delivery. View the [MSN Complex Healthcare Systems Administration Sample Program Plan](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Air7_TU0r2yr5BorTXbHGRIEymLFaZQ/view). *Sample plan for example only.* Individual plans are worked out with the assigned Academic Advisor. Some students may finish programs in shorter periods than illustrated in the samples. ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## FAQs What are the 500 indirect care hours that are part of this program of study? These indirect care hours are primarily completed in the leadership practicums and include nursing care activities provided at the point of care with other healthcare providers that are intended to achieve specific health goals or achieve selected health outcomes, regardless of setting. These activities refer to decision, actions or interventions that are provided through or on behalf of individuals, families, or groups. When, where, and how are these practicums completed? The practicums are completed during the last two semesters (summer and fall), and most students complete these practicums with an identified nurse and/or healthcare leader in their practice setting/place of employment, based on a student's area of practice interest, including professional development, executive leadership, financial management, case management, quality improvement, and patient safety. Can I continue to work full-time during this MSN program? Yes, all students have successfully completed this MSN program, integrated with full-time work and family responsibilities. How many years of nursing practice are required to be accepted into this MSN program? There is no minimum number of years of nursing practice required for acceptance. This is based on the individual student and readiness for higher education pursuit. Is there financial assistance available for tuition? The Conway School of Nursing offers generous scholarships to qualified graduate nursing students to defer some tuition costs. Students should also inquire about tuition reimbursement and nursing scholarships through their place of employment. Additionally, students are also encouraged to explore if any professional nursing organizations they belong to offer education scholarships. ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Additional Info ![table of nurses and doctors hands](/sites/nursing.catholic.edu/files/styles/ks_feature/public/2026-05/msn%20clinicals.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=OmkEqVdr) ### Clinical Requirements and Procedures Guidelines and preparation for graduate students. - [ Learn More ](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/graduate-clinical-requirements-and-procedures) ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Contact & Apply ### Admission Are you ready for your own journey here at Catholic University? Let’s get started. [Admission Details](/programs-admission/graduate-programs/complex-healthcare-systems-administration-msn/msn-admission-requirements "MSN Admission Requirements") | [Request Info](#programRequestInfo) | [Apply](/programs-admission/how-apply "How to Apply") ### Visit the Conway School Schedule a visit tailored for where you are in your academic process. We are excited to host you on campus soon! [Visit Us](/programs-admission/visit "Visit") ### Get in Touch Contact our Graduate Admission office at or 202-319-5057, if you have additional questions and need more information about the program. ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Request Information Loading...