Our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is offered with a specialization in Health Care Systems Management (HCSM). This targeted curriculum will prepare you for management and leadership roles in the healthcare industry.

The MSN-HCSM program provides education in:

• Nursing Administration
• Management
• Leadership
• Finance
• Quality Assurance
• Health Promotion
• Disease Prevention/Management
• Integrated Delivery Systems
• Managed Care Strategies
• Workforce Management
• Outcomes Management

The HCSM program requires 36 credit hours of graduate coursework, 12 of which are devoted to core courses and 24 of which are devoted to HCSM major courses. The HCSM Master's program is designed to be completed in 24 months. A student typically completes one course at a time, allowing the student to give their undivided attention to each course in the curriculum.

NURS G700   Theoretical Perspectives in Nursing
This course focuses on the exploration of the nature of theory development in nursing, analysis of selected nursing and related theories, and the relevance of theory to research and practice in nursing.

NURS G704   Advanced Role Integration
This course examines the roles, responsibilities, multi-disciplinary interaction and accountability of managers in a variety of health care settings. The theoretical and contextual elements of the role of care manager and mid-level systems managers are emphasized. Care coordination, quality management and continuity of care are examined in light of organizational theory and behaviors. A systems approach is used to access integration in complex health care organizations.

NURS G709   Legal & Ethical Issues in Health Care
This course will introduce students to legal and ethical issues affecting health care and nursing management responsibilities in an ever changing health care industry. The influence of economic and sociopolitical factors on health care laws will be explored from the perspective of health care providers. Also the extent to which health care laws attempt to order relationships between providers, payers and consumers will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on practical legal and ethical problems encountered in professional nursing practice, and the application of legal- ethical principles and theories to resolving ethical dilemmas in health care. Students will be encouraged to develop a process for creating a foundation of personal and professional ethics.

NURS G712   Nursing Financial Resources
This course explores the principles and practices of finance and the impact of reimbursement models and regulation in health care. Within this framework, content regarding finance and marketing, analysis of financial statements, strategic financial planning, cost/benefit analysis and capital project development is examined. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to decision making in the complex relationships among provider, payer, employer, and client are addressed.

NURS G716   Managed Care Methodologies
This course explores the theoretical, contextual and practical elements of managed care, quality management and care management. Tools, processes and methods required to effectively manage quality and implement case management practice across the healthcare continuum are examined. Quality improvement tools, clinical paths, clinical practice guidelines and other tools in managing care are analyzed for use

NURS G724   Outcomes Measurement & Data Management
This course focuses on the analysis and application of theory and skills needed to assess, plan and evaluate the care of populations within health systems. The evaluation of current outcome measures as well as the acquisition and management of outcome data will be studied. Program design is discussed as it relates to effective outcomes of care. Clinical outcomes, functional outcomes, financial outcomes and satisfaction indicators will all be emphasized.

NURS G732   Disease Resource Management
This course focuses on promoting optimum health and functional balance for clients enrolled in disease management programs. The etiology and manifestations as well as the long-term management of complex chronic disorders and disabilities are analyzed. Appropriate management strategies are examined. Emphasis is placed on accessing, coordination, monitoring and evaluating available options and services for enrolled clients.

NURS G735   Advanced Research Methods
This course is an in-depth study of nursing research methodologies. The focus will be on the interrelationships among theory, nursing practice and research. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills used in critical analysis of nursing research for the purpose of determining applicability of the research to nursing practice.

NURS G740   Health Care Systems
This course is designed to enable the learner to understand the health care delivery system in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the nursing role related to formulating health care police and political processes that have the greatest impact on health care. The course focuses on the business of health care, including the internal and external environment, financing of health care, and resource management and utilization. The legislative and regulatory processes as they are related to changing the health care system are explored.

NURS G744   Advanced Nursing Financial Resources
This course explores the principles and practices of finance and the impact of reimbursement models and regulation in health care. A prerequisite of the course is NURS 712 since the framework and content of the course expands on the students knowledge gained in NURS 712. The student will be provided principles

NURS G748   Human Resource Management
This course explores the knowledge and skills required for effective human resource management. Managerial behaviors that promote and maintain a professional health care practice environment are emphasized.

NURS G752   Practicum
This practicum provides a guided experience in an agency or agencies appropriate for the student’s selected concentration area. Designed as a capstone course of the master’s program in Health Care Systems Management, students are expected to be able to demonstrate theory and practice in a field under the supervision of selected preceptors.
*Students are required to complete 180 hours of on-site supervised work.

Call (866) 789-9809 to speak to a Program Manager about specific curriculum questions.

Certification Exams: The HCSM curriculum adheres to the standards identified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and the Standards of Practice for Case Managers (published by the Case Management Society of America). Graduates will be prepared to sit for the American Nurses Association Certification Exam in Nursing Executive, Advanced and/or the Commission for Case Manager Certification Exam.