How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse Executive?

HomeFAQsHow Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse Executive?

The short answer is that after high school, it typically takes at least eight years to become a certified nurse executive: four years of undergraduate education, at least two years of graduate school (e.g., an MSN nurse executive program), and two years of work experience.

That said, there are various levels of certification and pathways for those interested in leadership positions in nursing.

A career as a nurse executive is an excellent fit for RNs with interests in strategic healthcare management, direct patient care, or the innovative fusion of healthcare and technology. High school graduates can become nurse executives in approximately eight years, including six years of schooling and two years of experience.

Nurse executives play an indispensable role in healthcare systems. They participate in strategic planning, manage resources, and lead nursing teams to ensure high-quality patient care. As the liaison between the nursing staff and top-level management, they ensure that the perspective and needs of nurses are adequately represented in the organization’s strategic plans.

Moreover, the field of nursing informatics is a growing field that’s adjacent to nursing leadership. This unique discipline combines nursing, information science, and computer science, and plays a vital role in optimizing healthcare technology for better efficiency and patient outcomes. According to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), 39 percent of nursing informatics professionals have ten or more years of experience, and 76 percent reported being highly satisfied with their careers.

Read on to learn about nurse executives, including a step-by-step guide, titles for nurse executives, and alternative pathways to pursue a career in nursing leadership.

What Do Nurse Executives Do?

A nurse executive’s responsibilities are extensive, encompassing strategic planning, team leadership, policy development, and more. Here are some typical duties:

Developing and Implementing Strategy: Nurse executives play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the nursing department and often contribute to the broader strategy of the healthcare organization.
Policy Development: They are responsible for developing and implementing policies that govern nursing practices and standards of care.
Financial Management: Nurse executives oversee the budget for the nursing department, which includes managing costs, allocating resources, and justifying expenses.
Quality Assurance: They are tasked with ensuring high standards of patient care by implementing quality assurance measures and continuously seeking improvements.
Team Leadership: Nurse executives lead nursing teams, which includes hiring, training, mentoring, and resolving conflicts.
Regulatory Compliance: They ensure that the nursing department complies with all relevant regulations and accreditation standards.
Communication: Nurse executives are the primary point of contact between the nursing staff and the healthcare organization’s top management.
Education and Training: They may also oversee or contribute to the nursing staff’s continuing education and professional development.
Risk Management: Nurse executives work to identify and mitigate risks related to patient care and nursing practices.
Promotion of Nursing Research: They promote evidence-based practice by encouraging nursing research and integrating its findings into practice.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Nurse executives collaborate with other departments and professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive patient care.

These responsibilities reflect the pivotal role of nurse executives in shaping the quality of care, the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and the work environment for nurses. It’s a challenging role that requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of nursing.

Nurse Executives, Nurse Managers & CNOs

Nurse executives, nurse managers, and chief nursing officers (CNOs) are all vital leadership roles in nursing, each with its scope of responsibility, influence, and educational requirements.

A nurse executive is a high-level administrator who usually oversees multiple departments or an entire healthcare organization. They’re involved in strategic planning, policy development, and financial management. For this role, a master’s degree in nursing or healthcare administration is typically required, along with several years of clinical and management experience. The American Organization for Nursing Leadership offers a Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) certification, which may be beneficial.

A nurse manager, on the other hand, manages specific units or departments within a healthcare facility. They handle staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and quality improvement within their unit. Nurse managers need at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), though a master’s degree is often preferred. Experience as a registered nurse is essential, and some also pursue the CNML certification.

A chief nursing officer (CNO) is the highest-ranking nurse in a hospital or healthcare system, overseeing all nursing staff and patient care operations. They shape and implement nursing policies, set goals for the nursing department, and represent nursing interests at the executive level.

CNOs usually require a master’s degree in nursing or healthcare administration, and many organizations prefer candidates with a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or a PhD in nursing. They also need extensive managerial experience. Certifications like Certified Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) or Certified Nurse Leader (CNL) from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership may be advantageous.

In summary, while all three roles involve leadership within nursing, they differ in their level of responsibility, scope of influence, and specific duties. Their educational and certification requirements also vary, reflecting the distinct responsibilities of each role.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Nurse Executive

While the career pathways are varied, here is one common route to becoming a nurse executive.

Step 1: Complete High School or a GED (Four Years)

Graduating from high school is a crucial first step to becoming a nurse. High school graduation signifies the completion of fundamental education, which lays the groundwork for higher studies in nursing.

During high school, students can take biology, chemistry, and mathematics courses, which are foundational for understanding the human body, medication dosages, and other essential nursing concepts. Additionally, some high schools may offer health science courses or internships that provide an introduction to the medical field.

Step 2: Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Four Years)

Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs are the initial stepping stone to a career in professional nursing, providing the foundational knowledge and skills required for many nursing roles. These programs offer rigorous coursework, often coupled with practical experience through simulation labs or clinical placements.

For example, the University of Maryland’s BSN program is nationally respected and provides a rigorous base for students pursuing further nursing leadership studies. This BSN program offers a leadership and clinical practicum course as part of its 120-credit curriculum. This program uniquely emphasizes resiliency, workforce retention, wellness, and mental health and prepares graduates for the NCLEX exam.

Location: Baltimore and Rockville, MD
Duration: Two to four years
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $4,913.50 per semester (residents); $20,194.50 per semester (non-residents)

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN (Timeline Varies)

Passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) exam is a critical step for aspiring registered nurses. The standardized test measures the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice.

Step 4: Get Clinical Experience (Two or More Years)

Gaining clinical experience is crucial in preparing to become a nurse executive, as it provides essential insights and practical skills for this leadership role. Clinical experience allows nursing students to adapt to high-stress moments and understand how nurses interact and care for patients.

Moreover, clinical experience offers the opportunity to gain practical executive-level experience, which is invaluable for strategic decision-making in healthcare settings. This experience is often part of admissions requirements for advanced nursing degrees aimed at preparing nurse executives.

Step 5: Earn an MSN or DNP Degree (Optional, Two to Five Years)

To become a nurse executive, obtaining an advanced degree such as a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) can be highly beneficial. These degrees offer opportunities to specialize in areas like healthcare administration, nursing leadership, or health policy, which are critical for executive roles in nursing.

MSN & DNP Programs

An MSN program generally includes healthcare economics, nursing informatics, and leadership courses. In contrast, a DNP program dives deeper into these topics and often consists of a capstone project that allows students to apply their knowledge in a practical setting.

Walden University offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) program specialized for nurse executives. This program is ideal for registered nurses looking to elevate their careers into leadership and management roles within the healthcare sector.

The curriculum encompasses critical areas like healthcare finance, quality improvement, strategic planning, and healthcare policy, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the complexities of nursing leadership. Graduates are poised to assume influential positions in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Duration: 18 to 20 months
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $21,660 per credit

The online DNP-ENL (doctor of nursing practice – executive nurse leadership) program offered by Baylor University is a top-tier program explicitly designed for nurse leaders. This program provides the convenience of 100 percent online coursework, allowing students to continue their full-time work while immediately applying learned concepts in their professional settings.

The program eliminates the need for GRE or GMAT scores for admission and provides the flexibility to complete doctoral projects locally. Applicants must have a master of science in nursing or a related health degree, a bachelor of science in nursing, a GPA of 3.0 or above, a current unencumbered RN license, and two years of supervisory/management experience at the director level or above.

Location: Waco, TX
Duration: Three years
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,150 per credit

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

For nurses with an MSN degree but wish to specialize further, post-master’s certificate programs are available. These programs offer focused study in areas like nursing administration or executive leadership, providing the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as a nurse executive.

The University of Memphis offers a specialized nursing executive leadership post-master’s certificate graduate certificate program for professionals with a master of science in nursing. This program prepares nurses for management and executive roles in diverse healthcare settings1. The curriculum includes essential courses, each of which students must pass with a grade of “B” or better to graduate.

Admission requirements include a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program, eligibility to practice as a Registered Nurse in Tennessee or an approved state, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and proficiency exam results in English for non-native speakers. Applicants must also submit a detailed document including their resume, a discussion of past professional experience, future career goals, and reasons for pursuing graduate study, along with three letters of recommendation. To remain in the program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, have an active, unencumbered nursing license, and complete all degree requirements within five years.

Location: Memphis, TN
Duration: One year
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $623 per credit (residents); $864 per credit (non-residents)

These advanced degrees and certificates enhance one’s credentials and provide the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to lead and make strategic decisions in healthcare settings.

Step 6: Get Certified (Timeline Varies)

Nurse executives can pursue several certifications to validate their knowledge and skills in leadership roles. Here are two prominent organizations and the nurse executive credentials they confer:

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

The Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) is available to licensed RNs who have completed a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program and have a minimum of 24 months of work experience in an executive nursing role. Other requirements include 2,000 hours of leadership experience and 30 hours of continuing education in nursing informatics.

Duration: Five years
Fee: $295 (American Nurses Association members); $395 (non-members)

To qualify for the advanced Nurse Executive Advanced Certification (NEA-BC), registered nurses must possess a graduate degree with a major in nursing administration, have held a mid- or senior-level administrative position for at least 24 months, or have a faculty position teaching graduate-level nursing administration. In addition, 2,000 hours of experience in nursing leadership and 30 hours of continuing education in leadership are required to apply for this exam.

Duration: Five years
Fee: $295 (American Nurses Association members); $395 (non-members)

The Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) requires candidates to have an active RN license, a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing or a related field, two years of full-time registered nurse practice, and 30 hours of continuing education in informatics nursing within the last three years. Additionally, candidates must prove 2,000 hours of clinical practice in nursing informatics to take this exam.

Duration: Five years
Fee: $295 (American Nurses Association members); $395 (non-members); $340 (American Nursing Informatics Association members)

American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)

The Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) is a prestigious certification for nurse leaders engaged in executive nursing practice. Eligibility requirements for the CENP certification include holding a current RN license and having a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing. Candidates must also have experience as a nurse manager or supervisor, reflecting the leadership skills necessary for this role. The certification recognizes the AONL Nurse Executive Competencies covering communication, knowledge, professionalism, business skills, and leadership.

Duration: Three years
Fee: $325 (AONL members); $450 (non-members)

The Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) certification is a recognition for nursing professionals who possess expertise in leadership and management. The eligibility requirements for the CNML certification include having a valid registered nursing license, holding at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and possessing considerable experience in a nurse manager role.

There are two options for eligibility based on education and experience:

Option one requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing and one year of experience in a nurse manager role.
Option two requires a non-nursing bachelor’s degree plus three years of experience in a nurse manager role.

The exam consists of 115 questions, 100 of which are scored. Candidates must complete the test in two hours. A 70 out of 100 is considered a passing score.

Duration: Three years
Fee: $300 (AONL members); $450 (non-members)

Step 7: Maintain Certification (Three to Five Years)

Depending on the certification body, nurse executive credentials must be renewed every three to five years. The American Nurses Credentialing Center certifications must be renewed every five years. By comparison, the credentials offered by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership are valid for three years.

Alternative Pathways to Become a Nurse Executive

While the traditional pathway to becoming a nurse executive involves earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), gaining experience as a registered nurse, and then pursuing a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP), there are alternative pathways for those who may not follow this typical route.

Experience-Based Pathway (Timeline Varies)

Some healthcare organizations value hands-on experience and proven leadership skills. According to Indeed.com, a nurse with many years of clinical and managerial expertise might be considered for an executive role even without an advanced degree.

Direct-Entry Bachelor’s Degree (One to Two Years)

A direct-entry nursing bachelor’s degree, also known as a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), is designed for individuals without nursing education or experience. It provides the foundational knowledge and clinical skills required to become a registered nurse (RN).

Sample program: University of Rochester

Direct-Entry MSN Degree (One to Two Years)

Those with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing can opt to earn a master’s degree in nursing or a related field like healthcare administration. These are also known as direct-entry MSN programs.

Sample program: University of South Alabama

MBA in Healthcare Management (two years)

An MBA in healthcare management is a specialized degree program that combines the business-oriented courses of an MBA with healthcare-specific content. It equips students with the managerial, financial, and administrative skills necessary to lead in various healthcare settings, from hospitals to health insurance companies.

Sample program: Western Governors University

MSN/MBA Dual Degree (Three Years)

An MSN/MBA dual degree program is an advanced education option that combines a master of science in nursing (MSN) with a master of business administration (MBA). This program prepares nursing professionals for leadership roles by equipping them with nursing skills and business acumen.

Sample program: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

MSN/MHA Dual Degree (Three Years)

An MSN/MHA dual degree program combines a master of science in nursing (MSN) with a master of healthcare administration (MHA). This interdisciplinary program aims to equip healthcare professionals with advanced nursing skills and an in-depth understanding of healthcare systems, policies, and management practices.

Sample program: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (Three to Five Years)

A doctorate in healthcare administration is an advanced degree that prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, focusing on strategic decision-making, policy development, and problem-solving at the highest level. It’s designed for professionals who aim to improve the efficiency of healthcare services and the quality of patient care.

Sample program: Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

PhD in Nursing (Three to Five Years)

Numerous universities offer specialized PhD programs in nursing that cater to aspiring nurse executives. These programs aim to deepen students’ understanding of practical and ethical leadership in the rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

Sample program: University of Pennsylvania

Certification Programs

Credentials such as Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) or Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) offered by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) can also help nurses review core competencies and move into executive roles.

Remember, each organization may have its own requirements and preferences, so it’s essential to research and network within the nurse executive field.

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Writer

At NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.