Aspiring nurse managers are likely to find completing an advanced education, such as earning an online MSN, can help them develop the leadership, communication and interpersonal skills to carry out nurse manager responsibilities. Not only can completing an MSN degree help fortify the clinical experience necessary to become leaders in nursing, but MSN programs typically also offer coursework in leadership and management, including evidence-based nursing practice and policy development, healthcare finance and budgeting, and business operations, among others. This well-rounded education can help students understand both general managerial practices and healthcare operations. Upon completion of their degree, graduates often find they’ve developed a foundational understanding of how staffing, business, and finance work together to improve patient outcomes.

Nurse Manager Salary and Job Growth

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have a standalone category for nurse managers; professionals working in this role fall within the blanket category of medical and health services managers. As of May 2021 the median annual wage for medical and health services managers, including nurse managers, was $101,340, however, earners in the top 10th percentile reported annual earnings of more than $205,620, according to the BLS. Salary ranges for nurse managers vary based on a variety of factors, such as an individual’s experience level, the geographical region in which they work, and the facility they work for. For example, the BLS reports that as of May 2021 the median annual wages for medical and health services managers, including nurse managers, working at state, local, and private hospitals was $119,450. The median annual wage for these positions in nursing and residential care facilities was recorded at $83,550. The job outlook for this career path is also favorable, as the BLS reports employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than what’s projected for the U.S. job market as a whole. Approximately 56,000 openings are expected to become available each year, on average.

Become a Nurse Manager

Nurse managers play an important role in collaborating with other executives, identifying problems and proposing solutions, and promoting positive change in their facilities. As healthcare delivery systems become more complex, the need for experienced, qualified nurse leaders with management skills will continue to expand. Professionals interested in gaining the knowledge and expertise to become nurse executives and take on nurse manager responsibilities are likely to find that Duquesne University’s online MSN degree program can prepare them with the business acumen to improve patient outcomes and effect transformative change. Are you ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Discover how the Duquesne University online Master of Science in Nursing program and its Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management concentration can prepare you for the next step on your professional journey.