How to Become a Nurse Administrator
Thinking about moving from the bedside into boardrooms? A nurse administrator is a registered nurse (RN) who steps into managerial, collaborative, and leadership roles — overseeing nursing staff, managing budgets, creating schedules, and facilitating communication between nurses, physicians, and hospital executives.
With job growth for medical and health services managers projected at 23%, this high-impact and in-demand career path offers exciting opportunities. Let’s explore the steps to join the field of nursing administration and take your nursing career to the next level.
What Is a Nurse Administrator?
This term refers to a healthcare professional who manages the nursing staff and takes care of the daily operation of healthcare facilities. Their goal is to ensure that patients receive the best care as cost-effectively as possible. They also ensure nurses have what they need to do their jobs, whether it be supplies, training, or management support.
What roles and titles fall under nursing administration?
Job titles for nurse administrators can vary depending on the facility. While some may be called nurse managers or nurse directors, others might use titles like clinical nursing manager or nurse executive, reflecting the specific structure and needs of that healthcare organization. In some facilities, all four titles may exist, each representing a different role or level of responsibility.
Administrator duties often differ from one organization to another. Unlike narrowly defined clinical positions — such as a nuclear med tech or nurse coder — administrators must rely heavily on problem-solving and decision-making skills, since they may regularly encounter new challenges.
What Does a Nurse Administrator Do?
Here are some examples of tasks these professionals may handle:
- Making staffing decisions, including hiring, evaluations, and coaching
- Setting work schedules
- Overseeing budgets
- Training teams and supporting professional development
- Addressing conflicts among patients, healthcare staff, and families
- Auditing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
- Participating in meetings with boards and committees
- Supporting nursing staff in delivering immediate patient care when needed
Where Can an Administration Nurse Work?
Nurse administrators are needed anywhere nursing teams operate, which gives them a wide range of employment settings to choose from. Here are some common settings where they may be employed:
- Acute care hospitals
- Specialty clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Assisted living and skilled nursing facilities
- Community health centers
- Public health departments
- Government health agencies
- Hospices
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Nursing homes
How to Become a Nurse Administrator
You can set your sights on becoming a nurse admin at any time. It may be your goal from the time you enter nursing school, or it might come to mind as you work in the healthcare field.
Step 1: Earn a Nursing Degree
Your journey toward becoming an RN administrator begins with enrolling into an accredited nursing program. Most professionals start with either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While both paths qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN, a BSN is often preferred — and sometimes required — for leadership and administrative roles.
Tip: If you already hold an ADN, don’t worry. Many nurses advance into administration later by completing bridge programs, such as RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN.
Step 2: Pass Examination for Licensure
After completing your nursing program, the next step is to become a licensed RN. To do this, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN, a national standardized exam that puts to test everything you’ve learned in nursing school to determine if you’re ready for a real-world nursing practice.
The exam includes 85 to 150 questions and can last up to five hours. Once you pass and meet your state’s licensing requirements, you’ll receive your nursing license and be ready to gain the hands-on experience needed for administrative roles.
Tip: Need help preparing for the exam? Check out our guide to the NCLEX study resources, including books, courses, and online tools.
Step 3: Gain Clinical Experience
Use your next few years as an RN to gain leadership experience, such as leading teams or precepting new nurses. Most employers require at least five years of nursing experience and one year or more of supervising other nurses to qualify for administrative roles.
Step 4: Get an Advanced Degree
While it’s possible to move into administration with a BSN, many nurse administrators pursue an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on nursing leadership, administration, or healthcare management. Look for graduate programs that provide specialized training in budgeting, human resources, and organizational leadership — all skills you’ll use as an administrator.
Some RNs also choose to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to prepare for higher-level executive roles, such as director of nursing (DON) or chief nursing officer (CNO).
Step 5: Earn Nurse Administrator Certification
Although certification isn’t always required, earning a specialized executive credential can help you reach new career heights. Several certifications are available for aspiring RN administrators, including:
- Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
- Nursing Informatics-Board Certified (NI-BC)
- Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC)
- Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)
What Is a Typical Nurse Administrator Salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for medical and health services managers is $137,730 a year. Keep in mind that your exact earning can vary depending on factors such as facility type, level of experience, and education.
Location also plays a big role in determining your salary. Here are the states offering higher pay for RN administrators:
Becoming a Nurse Admin: FAQs
How long does it take to become an RN administrator?
While individual cases may vary, it takes a minimum of six years to reach an administrative role in nursing. This includes at least four years of nursing education and two years of clinical experience, often with leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
What skills are needed for nursing administration?
To succeed as a nurse administrator, you’ll need a combination of technical and soft skills. Technical skills include understanding how healthcare facilities operate, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Soft skills involve leadership, conflict resolution, and the ability to motivate and manage teams.
Are there specialized programs for nurse admins?
Yes. Nurses who want to move into leadership roles can pursue a nurse administration degree or certificate program, where you’ll learn the business side of healthcare. Here are some examples of courses you might take:
- Healthcare systems leadership
- Health systems finance
- Healthcare marketing
- Healthcare economics
- Healthcare law
Have a Specific Nursing Job in Mind You Want?
Whether your goal is to become a nurse administrator or excel in your current nursing specialty, IntelyCare puts the best opportunities at your fingertips. Explore the latest nursing jobs tailored to your career goals and personal needs today.