Transform the Future of Healthcare as a Nursing Leader

Lead transformative practice, drive quality improvement, and achieve professional nursing excellence using the prestigious Magnet framework.

This specialized online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is engineered for nurses ready to lead organizational change and drive Magnet Recognition, the highest national honor for nursing excellence. Our 30-credit, 300-practicum-hour program integrates advanced leadership theory with the core principles of the Magnet framework, preparing you to become a transformative force in healthcare systems, quality improvement, and patient outcomes.

MSN in Nursing Leadership & Magnet Excellence at a Glance

• Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Program Length: 30 Credits
• Three hundred hours in person practicum
• Delivery Format: Online
• Accreditation: Designed in alignment with the AACN Essentials (2021) and NLN Core Competencies for Nurse Educators and Leaders.

Program Overview

The MSN in Nursing Leadership & Magnet Excellence prepares nurses to lead transformative practice, promote quality improvement, and advance professional nursing excellence through the Magnet framework. This program is designed for nurses aspiring to leadership roles in clinical, administrative, and academic settings, emphasizing the principles of shared governance, evidence-based practice, and organizational excellence.

Graduates will be equipped to lead Magnet initiatives, mentor emerging nurse leaders, and drive outcomes that support nursing excellence, patient safety, and workforce empowerment across healthcare systems.

Magnet Recognition is the highest national honor for nursing excellence, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate superior nursing practice, positive patient outcomes, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional empowerment. The Magnet model is built around five key components: Transformational Leadership, Structural Empowerment, Exemplary Professional Practice, New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements, and Empirical Outcomes.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Integrate leadership theories and systems thinking to influence healthcare delivery and outcomes.
• Apply Magnet principles to promote professional practice environments and nursing excellence.
• Use evidence-based strategies to design and evaluate quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate financial, human resource, and operational management competencies.
• Advocate for policies that advance nursing practice, equity, and patient outcomes.
• Lead interdisciplinary teams in fostering innovation and excellence in healthcare systems.
• Utilize data analytics and technology to inform decision-making and improve care delivery.
• Promote a culture of lifelong learning, professional accountability, and shared governance.

Program Highlights

• Focus on Magnet Principles: Aligns with Magnet domains—Transformational Leadership, Structural Empowerment, Exemplary Professional Practice, and New Knowledge, Innovations, & Improvements.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Builds capacity to lead within multidisciplinary teams and foster professional practice environments.
• Real-World Leadership Experience: Includes a capstone immersion that integrates leadership theory and Magnet application.
• Flexible Format: Courses offered online with three hundred hours in person practicum.

Career Outcomes

• Nurse Manager / Director of Nursing
• Magnet Program Director / Coordinator
• Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
• Quality Improvement Leader
• Clinical Educator or Nurse Leader in Academia
• Consultant in Nursing Excellence and Accreditation

“This program is a critical investment in your professional future and in the quality of patient care nationwide.”

“At Felician, we understand that today’s leaders need flexibility, which is why our online format is paired with essential in-person practicum hours. This program is a critical investment in your professional future and in the quality of patient care nationwide. By grounding our curriculum in the principles of Magnet Excellence, Felician University is actively leading the way in shaping nurse leaders who are prepared to move beyond management and drive true systemic change in healthcare.”

-Christine Mihal, Dean for the School of Nursing

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Current, unencumbered RN license.
• Undergraduate courses in Nursing Research, Statistics, Health Assessment

Financial Aid

As a graduate student, you can get financial aid. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA to see how much financial aid you qualify for to help support your academic pursuit. If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, you can contact the Office of Student Financial Services by emailing finaid@felician.edu. Our Financial Aid Counselors are ready to assist you.

Are you a Felician alum? Click here to explore the Felician Alumni grant.