Best institutions to study Nursing Administration
A program that prepares registered nurses to manage nursing personnel and services in hospitals and other health care delivery agencies.
198 U.S. institutions graduated 7,804 Nursing Administration students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.3802, a specialization of Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38), and leads most directly to the Registered Nurses occupation (BLS SOC 29-1141).
About Nursing Administration programs
A program that prepares registered nurses to manage nursing personnel and services in hospitals and other health care delivery agencies. Includes instruction in principles of health care administration, resource and financial management, health care law and policy, medical personnel management, and managed care operations.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Nursing Administration program prepares registered nurses to take on leadership roles within healthcare settings. This program focuses on managing nursing personnel and services in hospitals and other healthcare delivery agencies, making it ideal for those looking to advance their careers in nursing management and administration.
Students in this program will gain essential skills in health care administration, resource and financial management, health care law and policy, and medical personnel management. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for leadership roles.
Credentials awarded
What Nursing Administration graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree5,768 graduates / yr · 160 institutions74%
- Bachelor's degree1,057 graduates / yr · 8 institutions14%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice472 graduates / yr · 20 institutions6.0%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship325 graduates / yr · 12 institutions4.2%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate77 graduates / yr · 15 institutions1.0%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year65 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.8%
- Post-master's certificate35 graduates / yr · 12 institutions0.4%
- Doctor's degree - other5 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Nursing Administration completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 4,473 |
| 2013 | 5,032 |
| 2014 | 5,999 |
| 2015 | 6,319 |
| 2016 | 6,377 |
| 2017 | 7,521 |
| 2018 | 8,484 |
| 2019 | 9,069 |
| 2020 | 8,071 |
| 2021 | 9,833 |
| 2022 | 8,658 |
| 2023 | 8,046 |
| 2024 | 7,911 |
| 2025 | 7,804 |
Top 50 institutions for Nursing Administration, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sMaster's | 1,848 | 46% | $11,580 | $85,861 |
| 2 | Capella University Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 1,032 | 20% | $19,369 | $85,426 |
| 3 | Post University Waterbury, CTPrivate for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 627 | 25% | $14,659 | — |
| 4 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 540 | 43% | $21,535 | $92,781 |
| 5 | Aspen University Phoenix, AZPrivate for-profitDoctoral | 208 | 27% | — | $94,023 |
| 6 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 204 | 94% | $11,888 | — |
| 7 | The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TXPublicMaster'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 202 | 54% | — | $85,513 |
| 8 | University of Phoenix - Arizona Phoenix, AZPrivate for-profitMaster's | 172 | 21% | $15,478 | $98,826 |
| 9 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, COPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 154 | 46% | — | $75,503 |
| 10 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 152 | 65% | $28,911 | $71,918 |
| 11 | Lewis University Romeoville, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 124 | 67% | $17,632 | $76,766 |
| 12 | Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, COPrivate for-profitMaster's | 104 | 19% | $16,966 | $87,579 |
| 13 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MNPublicDoctoral (prof.)Doctoral | 104 | 85% | — | $72,929 |
| 14 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicMaster's | 76 | 50% | — | $78,468 |
| 15 | Florida National University - Main Campus Hialeah, FLPrivate for-profitMaster's | 72 | 31% | $24,775 | $55,924 |
| 16 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NYPublicMaster's | 64 | 76% | — | $94,853 |
| 17 | Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 55 | 73% | $42,705 | $90,830 |
| 18 | Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 54 | 64% | $19,806 | $77,680 |
| 19 | Washington State University Pullman, WAPublicPost-degree cert. | 48 | 60% | — | $83,894 |
| 20 | The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, TXPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 46 | 54% | — | $73,963 |
| 21 | Ana G. Mendez University Orlando, FLPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 45 | — | — | — |
| 22 | Pennsylvania Western University California, PAPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 43 | 52% | — | $70,857 |
| 23 | Texas A & M International University Laredo, TXPublicMaster's | 42 | 46% | — | $75,009 |
| 24 | West Coast University - Anaheim - Orange County Anaheim, CAPrivate for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 42 | 60% | $36,879 | $95,859 |
| 25 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral (prof.) | 39 | 80% | $35,682 | $75,213 |
| 26 | Herzing University - Madison Madison, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 39 | 28% | $20,965 | $75,774 |
| 27 | Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 38 | 61% | $24,872 | $73,479 |
| 28 | Ottawa University - Online Overland Park, KSPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 35 | 43% | — | $76,207 |
| 29 | Lewis - Clark State College Lewiston, IDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 34 | 40% | — | $77,965 |
| 30 | Endicott College Beverly, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 32 | 76% | $34,195 | $78,594 |
| 31 | Immaculata University Immaculata, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 31 | 71% | $26,941 | $87,624 |
| 32 | Radford University Radford, VAPublicMaster's | 31 | 49% | — | $69,662 |
| 33 | United States University Sandy Springs, CAPrivate for-profitMaster's | 31 | — | $21,557 | — |
| 34 | Marshall University Huntington, WVPublicDoctoral (prof.) | 30 | 51% | — | $65,826 |
| 35 | Atenas University Manati, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 30 | 42% | $8,957 | $21,383 |
| 36 | University of Hartford West Hartford, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 28 | 54% | $28,311 | $106,348 |
| 37 | Wilmington University New Castle, DEPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 28 | 20% | $16,588 | $86,703 |
| 38 | Lubbock Christian University Lubbock, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 27 | 51% | $25,162 | $83,470 |
| 39 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZPublicMaster's | 26 | 61% | — | $76,782 |
| 40 | South University - Savannah Online Savannah, GAPrivate for-profitMaster's | 26 | 7% | $28,691 | $77,635 |
| 41 | Jacksonville University Jacksonville, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 25 | 51% | $25,813 | $78,924 |
| 42 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock, TXPublicMaster's | 25 | — | — | $77,083 |
| 43 | Regis University Denver, COPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 24 | 61% | $22,407 | $76,736 |
| 44 | Empire State University Saratoga Springs, NYPublicMaster's | 24 | 41% | — | $94,830 |
| 45 | Lamar University Beaumont, TXPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 24 | 37% | — | $77,946 |
| 46 | The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TXPublicMaster's | 24 | 50% | — | $72,429 |
| 47 | Augsburg University Minneapolis, MNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 22 | 52% | $23,585 | $80,574 |
| 48 | Southern Utah University Cedar City, UTPublicMaster's | 22 | 61% | — | $65,898 |
| 49 | Weber State University Ogden, UTPublicMaster's | 22 | 46% | — | $66,085 |
| 50 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 21 | 79% | — | $73,872 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Registered Nursing field (CIP 51.38) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 44 states & territories
Where Nursing Administration graduates come from. Each state links to all Registered Nursing programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1141, Registered Nurses, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Nursing Administration program can pursue careers as registered nurses, medical and health services managers, or nurse practitioners. The job outlook is promising, with a growth rate of 4.9% and approximately 189,100 annual openings. The median wage for these professionals is $93,600, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.3802
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Registered Nursesprimary SOC 29-1141 | $97,550 | +4.9% About as fast as average | ~189,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Medical and Health Services Managers SOC 11-9111 | $123,860 | +23.2% Much faster than average | ~62,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Nurse Practitioners SOC 29-1171 | $132,300 | +40.1% Much faster than average | ~29,500 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Nursing Administration programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
Tools and technology used
Other Registered Nursing specializations
The 22 other 6-digit CIP codes under Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38).
- Registered Nursing/CIP 51.3801
Registered Nurse 263,325 graduates / yr2,067 institutions - Family Practice Nurse/CIP 51.3805
Nursing 14,703 graduates / yr293 institutions - Nursing PracticeCIP 51.38189,384 graduates / yr322 institutions
- Psychiatric/CIP 51.3810
Mental Health Nurse/ Nursing 5,358 graduates / yr179 institutions - Nursing ScienceCIP 51.38084,605 graduates / yr148 institutions
- Registered NursingCIP 51.38993,940 graduates / yr99 institutions
- Nurse AnesthetistCIP 51.38042,183 graduates / yr72 institutions
- Adult Health Nurse/CIP 51.3803
Nursing 2,125 graduates / yr75 institutions - Public Health/CIP 51.3811
Community Nurse/ Nursing 934 graduates / yr21 institutions - Geriatric Nurse/CIP 51.3821
Nursing 680 graduates / yr43 institutions - Clinical Nurse LeaderCIP 51.3820588 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Nurse Midwife/CIP 51.3807
Nursing Midwifery 530 graduates / yr22 institutions - Critical Care NursingCIP 51.3814505 graduates / yr39 institutions
- Pediatric Nurse/CIP 51.3809
Nursing 389 graduates / yr36 institutions - Women's Health Nurse/CIP 51.3822
Nursing 350 graduates / yr15 institutions - Perioperative/CIP 51.3812
Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/ Nursing 150 graduates / yr10 institutions - Maternal/CIP 51.3806
Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/ Nursing 149 graduates / yr14 institutions - Clinical Nurse SpecialistCIP 51.3813135 graduates / yr22 institutions
- Emergency Room/CIP 51.3816
Trauma Nursing partial data83 graduates / yr9 institutions - Forensic NursingCIP 51.3824partial data26 graduates / yr4 institutions
- Occupational and Environmental Health NursingCIP 51.3815partial data21 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Palliative Care NursingCIP 51.3819partial data19 graduates / yr3 institutions
Common questions
What degrees are offered in Nursing Administration?+
Degrees include Master's, Bachelor's, Doctor's in professional practice, and Doctor's in research/scholarship.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 198 colleges offering the Nursing Administration program.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You'll develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, communication, and health care management.
What is the job outlook for Nursing Administration graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.9% and 189,100 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Nursing Administration?+
Nursing Administration is CIP 51.3802 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares registered nurses to manage nursing personnel and services in hospitals and other health care delivery agencies. Includes instruction in principles of health care administration, resource and financial management, health care law and policy, medical personnel management, and managed care operations.
How many institutions offer Nursing Administration programs?+
198 U.S. institutions reported Nursing Administration graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 44 states & territories, awarding 7,804 credentials in the year. That is 2.5% of all Registered Nursing graduates.
How much do Nursing Administration graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Registered Nurses occupation, which Nursing Administration most directly leads to, pays a median of $97,550 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Registered Nursing field report median earnings of $75,313 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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