Earn your CAGS in Nursing Administration and advance your nursing career.
For nurses who already hold an advanced degree and wish to pursue a career as a nurse administrator, Messiah University offers a CAGS in nursing administration. Messiah University’s CAGS will prepare you to lead successfully at the organizational and executive level.
CAGS – Nursing Administration overview
Messiah University’s Nursing Administration Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) provides an option for post-MSN prepared nurses to develop their knowledge base for advanced leadership roles at the organizational and executive level. Students may add the CAGS to our Doctor of Nursing practice program. The CAGS in nursing administration addresses the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) key competencies and the American Nurses Association (ANA) Nursing Administration Scope and Standards of Practice to facilitate preparation for national certification.
- 13 credits
- Includes clinical experiences
- Online coursework
- No-fee tuition
- No application fee
- One-year completion
- Nurse administrator
- Director of nursing
- Nurse manager
Messiah University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education. It is the highest accrediting authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for degree-granting colleges and universities located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and several other locations internationally.
CAGS – Nursing Administration courses & curriculum
The curriculum for the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in nursing administration is designed for busy professionals and includes both theory and clinical experiences.
Nursing Administration Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (13 credits)
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study – Nursing Administration (CAGS-NA) will provide an option for post-MSN prepared nurses to meet professional organizations’ key competencies in preparation for professional certification examinations through a 13-credit certificate. This CAGS will provide post-MSN nurses with specialized nursing knowledge of leadership and management to address population health and facilitate positive healthcare outcomes.
Complete the following:
This course focuses on theories, approaches, and techniques to evaluate, measure, and maximize an organization’s effectiveness at achieving its desired outcomes. Students examine how leadership, organizational structure, people, work processes, policies and procedures, systems, and organizational culture influence effectiveness.
LEAD 550 / 3 Credits
This course focuses on nursing administration in healthcare environments. Key concepts include leadership and management theory, change theory, inter-professional collaboration, technology in healthcare, organizational structure, strategic planning and resource management. Emphasis is placed on applying key course concepts through clinical practicum experiences. Application of evidence-based practice occurs through capstone project development. Nursing administration and nurse executive core competencies are emphasized.
NURS 560 / 4 Credits
This course introduces the foundational concepts of working in inter-professional healthcare teams. Key areas of discussion include communication skills, inter-professional interactions, team dynamics, group management strategies, leadership and facilitation skills, problems posed by dysfunctional groups, and change theory.
NURS 620 / 3 Credits
This course introduces microeconomic principles, laws of economics, and economic theory to address market driven issues of healthcare. Key points of discussion include economic and regulatory responses to market changes, dynamic adjustment in healthcare markets, resource use, and strategies for economic decision making.
NURS 640 / 3 Credits
CAGS – Nursing Administration tuition cost
No-fee tuition
Know what you are paying for with Messiah’s no-fee tuition. With our graduate programs, the cost per credit is what you pay – there are no hidden fees for labs, courses, services or technology. We put the true cost of your program upfront so that you can accurately compare and plan for your graduate education. There are additional costs to the program not billed through Messiah University (background checks, clearances, course materials, clinical expenses, etc.)
2022-2023 tuition per graduate credit hour: $735
Tuition cost for the entire 13 credit-hour certificate at the 2022-2023 rate: $9,555
Next steps for admissions
- An advanced degree in nursing (MSN, DNP or PhD) without an educator focus from an NLNAC or CCNE program or its equivalent
- The institution must also be regionally accredited by one of the following: Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Western and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Completed application
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate nursing courses and prerequisite courses leading to registered nurse (RN) licensure and a baccalaureate degree in nursing
- Official transcripts indicating the degree earned
- Personal Statement of Purpose
- Three recommendations
- Resume
- Minimum one year recent professional nursing practice
- Unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse (United States and territories)
- Proficiency with basic computer operations (download, upload, email, website navigation), Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and PDF files.
2022
Early summer: May 15th
Late summer: July 3rd
Early fall: August 21st
Late fall: October 23rd
Before completing an application for any of Messiah University’s graduate & certificate programs, please read our Admissions Requirements to ensure that you are eligible for enrollment and to receive a helpful checklist of the supporting documentation that you will need to provide to complete your application. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to onlineinfo@messiah.edu.
New to Messiah University
First-time users will need to create an account to start a new application.
Returning users
Returning users can log in to continue their pre-existing application.
Flexible. Respected. Faith-based.
What makes our CAGS unique?
- The academic distinction of a nationally ranked, accredited Christian university
- Messiah University nursing graduates are well respected and in demand
- Nursing faculty are experienced Christian educators, nursing professionals and accomplished scholars who mentor you in your education, faith and career.
- Deferred payment options are available
- Flexible start dates
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