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List of accredited nursing schools with an online MSN in clinical nurse leader (CNL)

Clinical nurse leader (CNL) is a specialty area within the nursing field. Nurses in this advanced practice role focus on care coordination, transitions of care, risk assessment, outcomes measurement, implementation of best practices based on evidence, interprofessional communication & team leadership, and quality improvement. CNLs manage teams, which can include licensed nurses, technicians, and other health care professionals, and in certain, complex cases, they might be responsible for direct patient care.

Top online schools for an MSN in nursing informatics

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) defines nursing informatics (NI) as an area of nursing that integrates nursing science with multiple information management and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. The specialty, says HIMSS, supports nurses, consumers, patients, the interprofessional healthcare team, and other stakeholders in their decision-making in all roles and settings to achieve desired outcomes.

Best online schools for an MSN in nursing education

Nurse educators teach aspiring nurses about patient care. They develop curriculums, mentor students, and lead both clinical work and lectures. Nurse educators may also perform research, work directly with patients, or combine teaching, research, and direct patient care. Due to the specialized nature of all areas of nursing education, an advanced degree such as a master of science in nursing (MSN), doctor of philosophy (PhD), or doctor of education (EdD) is required for most positions.

Top online MSN programs in healthcare policy and public health nursing

The demand for more nurses in healthcare policy and public health nursing is greater than ever before. These key healthcare providers are on the front lines at hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, so they are often the first to observe how and when the healthcare system is not effectively meeting patient needs. Healthcare organizations recognize the importance of this perspective, and they appreciate the role it plays in influencing patient care and outcomes in order to create a healthier society.

List of accredited nursing schools with an online MSN in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)

Psychiatric mental health nursing is a specialty within nursing that focuses on providing care services to the psychiatric-mental health population. Per the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals and families with psychiatric disorders or the potential for such disorders, using their full scope of therapeutic skills including the prescription of medication and administration of psychotherapy.

List of accredited nursing schools with an online MSN in family nurse practitioner (FNP)

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) belong to a select group of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) that are among the highest paid professionals in the healthcare industry. Not only are FNPs well compensated, they also have the highest employment growth rate in the industry. From 2016 to 2026, the projected percent change in employment is 36 percent. This is five times the average growth rate for all occupations.

Top online nursing schools for an MSN in healthcare systems administration

One of the fastest growing fields in healthcare is healthcare systems administration. The projected 20 percent growth rate in employment from 2016 to 2026 will be driven by an aging baby-boom population and the people in this group who remain active later in life. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as the demand for physicians and other healthcare workers, healthcare facilities, and medical procedures increases, the need for skilled managers who organize and manage medical information and healthcare staff will continue to grow.

Top online schools for an MSN in nursing administration

Nurse administrators are registered nurses (RNs) that hold a graduate degree in nursing or health services administration. Also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, nurse administrators are responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and supervising the delivery of healthcare. Key capabilities for this role have been outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). They include:

Best online nursing schools for RN-to-MSN degree completion

After working for years in the healthcare industry, many registered nurses (RNs) are ready to advance into different areas of nursing such as administration or management, education or clinical specialist. Though they may already possess a tremendous amount of hands-on experience, RNs seeking advancement will also need an advanced degree such as a master of science in nursing (MSN). Certification in their chose specialty is also required.

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