Nurse administrators are members of senior leadership within hospitals, medical departments, and clinics. They are generally responsible for planning and directing health and medical services, supervising staff, and ensuring their organizations successfully adapt to changing regulations and laws. They often work closely with doctors, RNs, clinical technicians, insurance agents, and other members of the healthcare industry.

Detail view of a group of nurses discussing a file in hospital setting

Job Responsibility

Nurse administrators are responsible for a range of leadership tasks. They may be charged with increasing efficiency in healthcare services, developing departmental goals, and keeping the lines of communication open with members of medical staff and department heads. Additionally, they are responsible for keeping their organizations up to date and compliant on laws and regulations within their industry. Nurse administrators may also do day-to-day tasks like creating work schedules, managing finances, and keeping records organized. Because they are in senior positions, nurse administrators may also represent their organizations at investor meetings or governing boards. While the majority of nurse administrators work in hospitals, they are also commonly employed by physician offices, residential care facilities, government organizations and outpatient care centers. About 3 in 10 nurse administrators work more than 40 hours a week.

Salary Details

Nurse administrators make a median annual salary of $98,350. The highest ten percent of earners can make more than $176,130. The outlook for jobs in this field is extremely strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field will grow 20 percent by 2026, a rate considered much faster than average.

Education Requirements

Although nurse administrators require at least a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree is common and sometimes preferred. Those aspiring to this role must have studied a relevant area such as health administration, health management, nursing, public health administration, or business administration. Some nurse administrators must also obtain specific state and federal licensures if they are working with vulnerable populations. Even if they are not, additional certification may help improve competitiveness within the talent pool.

Preparing for Your Future

As the healthcare industry continues to expand, nurse administrators are needed to fill crucial roles in the field. At King University, the online MSN prepares nurses for job placement, career advancement, and better earning potential. We offer a specialized track for individuals seeking to enter this position, thus providing the opportunity for interested students to gain specific and relevant training. The fully online MSN can be completed in as little as 20 months.