How To Become a Nurse Administrator

The Master of Science in Nursing specializations at Rasmussen University have not been approved by any state professional licensing body. They are not designed to prepare graduates for any advanced practice nursing license or other state-issued license, including but not limited to Nurse Practitioner (NP), Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This program and its specializations are not available to residents of all states. For information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence.

Becoming a nurse administrator starts well before any leadership-specific training: You first need to become a licensed registered nurse. Clinical experience, graduate education and professional certification may contribute to preparation for nursing administration roles. Requirements vary by employer and position. Below, we'll walk through that process.

Five Steps to Become a Nurse Administrator

Step 1: Become a licensed registered nurse and explore a BSN. Before pursuing a leadership role, this path starts with becoming a registered nurse. According to the American Nurses Association^®, nurse administrators are trained registered nurses, preferably with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses^® (NCLEX-RN^®).¹

Step 2: Gain clinical experience as an RN. Nurse administrators typically build a solid foundation of clinical experience before moving into leadership. According to the American Nurses Association, many people spend two to five years in a clinical RN role first, building the hands-on knowledge that leadership positions tend to draw on before making that jump.¹

Step 3: Pursue graduate-level education. Graduate education may help nurses develop knowledge relevant to administrative roles. Education requirements vary by employer and position. The online Master of Science in Nursing at Rasmussen University part of American Public University System ("Rasmussen University"), offers a Nursing Leadership and Administration specialization designed to help build relevant skills, covering nursing leadership, administration and interdisciplinary collaboration, human resources and performance management, and healthcare finances. The program combines online coursework with local practicum experiences.²

Step 4: Build core leadership competencies. Nurse leaders tend to draw on a broad mix of competencies as they take on more responsibility. According to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, these include self-awareness and personal values, vision and decision-making, professionalism, communication and relational skills, knowledge of the healthcare environment, and business skills and principles.³ At Rasmussen University, the Nursing Leadership and Administration specialization is built around a similar mix, blending nursing leadership with administration, human resources, and finance coursework.²

Step 5: Consider professional certification. Certification isn't always required, but it can help demonstrate the skills expected of someone in a leadership role. Nurse administrators may consider the American Nurses Credentialing Center^®’s Nurse Executive board certification (NE-BC^®), subject to its eligibility requirements.¹

Specific work experience for a specified amount of time and continuing education are required to be eligible to sit for the NE-BC certification examination. It is important to check all requirements by contacting the board or agency in your state of residence.

What Does a Nurse Administrator Do?

Much of the job revolves around staffing decisions, like hiring and scheduling, along with managing a unit or facility's nursing budget. According to the American Nurses Association, administrators also often serve as the go-between, making sure physicians, executives, and nursing staff are all on the same page, often with less emphasis on direct patient care.¹

Skills a Nurse Administrator Needs

The role tends to call for a blend of clinical background and business acumen. ANA identifies clinical experience and business knowledge as relevant to nursing administration.¹The American Organization for Nursing Leadership frames this kind of ability within a broader set of competencies nurse leaders draw on, including knowledge of the healthcare environment and business skills and principles.³

Typical Career Paths

Nursing administration spans a range of responsibility levels rather than a single fixed position. The American Organization for Nursing Leadership describes leadership competencies across roles including supervisor, nurse manager, director, chief nursing officer and chief nursing executive. Responsibilities and qualifications differ by role and organization.³

Career paths associated with the Nursing Leadership and Administration specialization at Rasmussen University include:²

• Chief nursing officer
• Director of nursing
• Nurse manager
• Nurse administrator
• Nurse executive
• Nurse compliance inspector

These roles may require additional education, certifications, or specific work experience depending on the employer and specific position.

Exploring the MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration Specialization at Rasmussen University

Interested in developing skills relevant to nursing leadership and administration? Explore the online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Leadership and Administration specialization at Rasmussen University.²

Earning a degree does not guarantee employment or specific job outcomes. Employment conditions in your area may vary. Role titles, duties, and licensure or certification requirements vary by state and employer.

The American Nurses Association^® is a registered trademark of the American Nurses Association at 8515 Georgia Ave, suite 400, Silver Spring MARYLAND 20910
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses^® is a registered trademark of National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. 111 East Wacker Drive Suite 2900 Chicago, ILLINOIS UNITED STATES 60601
NCLEX-RN^® is a registered trademark of National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. 111 East Wacker Drive Suite 2900 Chicago, ILLINOIS UNITED STATES 60601
American Nurses Credentialing Center^® is a registered trademark of American Nurses Credentialing Center, 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Silver Spring MARYLAND 20910
ANE-BC^® is a registered trademark of American Nurses Credentialing Center, 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Silver Spring MARYLAND 20910

¹American Nurses Association, How to Become a Nurse Administrator, at https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-resources/how-to-become-a-nurse-administrator/ (accessed Sept. 29, 2026).
²Rasmussen University, Master of Science in Nursing, at https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/master-science-nursing/msn-specialties/ (accessed Sept. 29, 2026).
³American Organization for Nursing Leadership, Nurse Leader Core Competencies, at https://www.aonl.org/resources/nurse-leader-competencies (accessed Sept. 29, 2026).