Program Overview

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Nursing Health Systems Leadership

Overview

Widener University offers a wide variety of health systems leadership graduate programs. Whether you pursue a master's or doctorate in health systems leadership, you'll be prepared to excel as a leader in health care and health system settings.

Program Options

• MSN in Health Systems Leadership
• DNP in Health Systems Leadership

Format

• 100% online

Credits & Avg Completion Time

• MSN: 45; 18-24 months
• DNP: 73; 5 years

College/School

• School of Nursing

Campus Location

• Chester, PA

At a Glance

Program Overview

Widener University offers advanced degrees in health systems leadership, including a master's in health systems leadership (MSN) and a doctorate in health systems leadership (DNP). All nurse leadership program coursework is offered 100% online.

Why Earn a Health Systems Leadership Degree?

A graduate degree in health systems leadership will help you take the next step in your nursing career and hone critical skills in effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered leadership and health care delivery models.

Health Systems Leadership Program Options

MSN in Health Systems Leadership

An MSN in health systems leadership can be completed part-time, full-time, and in an accelerated timeframe. The health systems leadership master’s program coursework is offered 100% online with in-person clinical practica that can be completed in your home state of residence.

DNP in Health Systems Leadership

The online doctor of nursing practice in health systems leadership curriculum builds on your strong nursing foundation and prepares you to advance as a visionary and passionate nurse executive and leader.

Licensure by State

Students enrolled within the Widener University School of Nursing may be considering licensure (NCLEX) and/or advanced practice certification. Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification.

Outlook & Outcomes

Recent Employers

• Penn Medicine
• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Potential Careers

• Chief nursing officer
• Chief nursing executive
• Director of nursing
• Case manager
• Advanced nursing leadership

Salary Ranges

• Chief Nursing Officer: $264,720
• Director of Nursing Services: $169,374
• Vice President of Nursing: $256,113

Why Study Health Systems Leadership at Widener?

Elevate Your MSN Journey by Joining a Dynamic Cohort

Jump on the opportunity to join a dynamic MSN cohort, where you'll connect with a diverse group of nursing faculty and peers right from the start.

Learn via Online Classes that Support Busy Professional & Personal Lives

Our health systems leadership courses are delivered entirely online, with the exception of one in-person Health Assessment Lab.

Receive Mentorship & Support from an Engaged Nursing Community

You'll thrive in a learning community that is guided by expert faculty with close mentorship and one-on-one support.

Admissions & Aid

Admissions Information

MSN Admissions Requirements

• Complete online application
• Application fee of $35
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent from an accredited program
• Minimum of 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in a BSN program
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education
• Completion of an undergraduate statistics/research course with a grade of C or better
• Two recommendations, preferably from professional nurses with graduate degrees, regarding applicant’s practice and potential for graduate work in nursing.
• Valid U.S. license as a registered nurse; PA State Board of Nursing licensure prior to start of clinical practicum or as appropriate
• Personal Statement
• Updated resume
• Interview with program director

DNP Admissions Requirements

• Completed online application
• Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions
• Minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale)
• Undergraduate statistics course with a grade of at least C (2.0)
• Two references—one from an educator or advanced practice nurse and one from an employer with a graduate degree
• Goal statement that highlights the applicant’s interests with emphasis on health care practice improvement
• Curriculum vitae
• Valid RN license
• Interview with a nursing faculty member (arranged after a preliminary review of application materials)

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

Program Cost

• BSN-MSN: $1,060 per credit; 45 total credits; $47,700 total cost
• BSN-DNP: $1,060 per credit; 73 total credits; $77,380 total cost

Paths to Savings

• 85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
• Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
• Widener Scholarships
• 20% Discount for Widener Alumni (some restrictions apply)