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Continue at WGU with a Healthcare-Focused Master's Degree

Keep Your Momentum and Earn a Master's Degree in Healthcare

You've earned a bachelor's degree in healthcare, but why stop there? As a new WGU healthcare grad, it’s easy to continue and pursue your master's degree. Whether you're looking to earn your MSN or you'd like to pursue a Master of Healthcare Administration, WGU offers career-focused programs tailored to help you progress in many diverse specialty areas in healthcare. Simply speak with a Continuing Graduate Enrollment Counselor to get started. You'll enjoy Elite Applicant Status for faster admission and access to alumni-only scholarships.

32%

The market for medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 32% from 2020 to 2030.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  

139,600

It's projected there will be more than 139,000 new medical and health service manager jobs between 2020 and 2030.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  

$84,000

The average salary for nursing instructors at colleges and universities is over $84,000 as of May 2020 with the top 10% making more than $133,000.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Why Should You Earn a Master's Degree in Healthcare?

  • Progress at work. Add a master's degree to your résumé and earn a promotion or change your career direction.
  • Boost your salary. A master's degree could help you earn more money. Time earning a master's in healthcare is time well spent.
  • Keep moving. You already know the ins and outs of a WGU degree program. Keep up your momentum and earn an advanced degree.
  • Finish fast. Most graduate students earn their business master's degree in 12 to 24 months. You may be able to move even quicker.

Healthcare Master's Degrees Offered

WGU provides a number of bridge programs to help healthcare professionals earn an MSN degree, including three RN-to-MSN programs and five BSN-to-MSN programs. WGU also offers a Master of Healthcare Administration program to provide education and training for future healthcare leaders. For most of these graduate degrees, you will have to have earned either an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution or state board of nursing approved program, have an active RN license in your state of employment, or have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you're looking to add another specialty to your license or gain additional expertise in the healthcare field, a master's degree in healthcare can be a perfect fit. For specific information on degree-specific prerequisites and steps, view the Leavitt School of Health admission requirements.

Here are some ways to get started:

Nursing Master's Degrees Online (students must possess an active RN license to be eligible for all MSN programs at WGU)

BSN-to-MSN Programs

Nursing – Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for additional career opportunities.

  • Time: 68% of grads finish within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 15 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for current RNs who have a BSN and are ready for the next step in their education.

Sample careers and jobs this degree program will prepare you for:

  • Director of Nursing
  • Chief Nursing Officer
  • Quality Director
  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Project Manager

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 17% by 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Compare degrees

This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.

A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have...

A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have a BSN but seek the success a master's can bring:

  • Time:  72% of grads finish within 18 months.
  • Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 14 total courses in this program.

Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:

  • Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
  • Informatics Director
  • Nursing Informatics Specialist
  • Informatics Analyst

The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for nurses who take this path.

Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.

A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs....

A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs.

This degree will prepare you to teach the next generation of nurses.

  • Time: 64% of grads finish within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 15 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for RNs who already have their BSN and are ready to progress in their career.

Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:

  • Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Faculty
  • Program Director
  • Academic Clinical Nurse Educator

Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your MSN – Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers.

RN-to-MSN Programs

Nursing – Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap...

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.

  • Time: 75% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 42 months.
  • Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
  • Courses: 32 total courses in this program.

Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:

  • Director of Nursing
  • Chief Nursing Officer
  • Quality Director
  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Project Manager

If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality. This program is ideal for current RNs who are interested in earning both their BSn and MSN in an accelerated program.

Compare degrees

This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.

A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses with a BSN and MSN...

A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses with a BSN and MSN component, allowing them to go from RN to MSN.

  • Time:  67% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 36 months.
  • Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
  • Courses: 31 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for currently licensed RNs who are looking to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at an accelerated pace.

Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:

  • Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
  • Informatics Director
  • Nursing Informatics Specialist
  • Informatics Analyst

The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for registered nurses who take this path.

Nursing – Education (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.

This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program...

This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program component and is a substantial leap forward for an aspiring nurse educator.

  • Time: 73% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 42 months.
  • Tuition and fees: $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion, and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
  • Courses: 32 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for current RNs who are looking to earn both their BSN and MSN in a single, accelerated program.

Sample careers and jobs this online nursing degree will prepare you for:

  • Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Faculty
  • Program Director
  • Academic Clinical Nurse Educator

Given the growing nurse educator shortage, earning your MSN with a focus in education is both a rewarding decision and a solid career move.

Nurse Practitioner Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing

This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...

This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

  • Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the FNP is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington.
  • Time: 2½ years.
  • Tuition: $6,525 per six-month term.
  • Courses: 16 total courses in this program.

Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing

This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...

This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

  • Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
  • Time: 2½ years.
  • Tuition and fees: $6,625 per six-month term.
  • Courses: 17 total courses in this program.

This program is for current RNs who have earned their BSN and are ready to move forward in their career. This MSN program prepares students to become licensed as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in select states. 

Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.

Healthcare Master's Degrees Online

Master of Healthcare Administration

A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly...

A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly in line with innovations in health and healthcare.

  • Time: 81% of grads finish within 24 months. 
  • Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 12 total courses in this program.

Examples of careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:

  • Managed care executive
  • Director of integrated care management
  • Health center manager/clinic manager
  • Director of integrated facilities

Your rich experience in a health-related field can mean more when you bring a master's level of understanding to the problems that organizations need to solve.

Compare degrees

This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

MBA Healthcare Management

Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations....

Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations.

  • Time: Graduates can finish within 12 months.
  • Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 11 total courses in this program.

Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:

  • President and CEO
  • Vice president
  • Administrative director
  • Chief financial officer
  • Other executive-level roles

Healthcare is big business in today's complex economy.  Steer your career with this specialty MBA.

Compare online business degrees

This program is not the only online business degree WGU offers that is designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed.

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for...

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.

No teaching license required.

  • Time: 73% of grads finish similar programs in 18 months
  • Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term
  • Courses: 12 total courses in this program.

This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:

  • The K-12 pathway
  • The Adult Learner pathway

Careers you will be prepared for after earning this degree include:

  • Instructional coordinator  
  • Instructional designer 
  • Curriculum developer
  • Instructional technologist
  • Learning engineer
  • Learning architect
  • Instructional design coordinator
  • Academic technologist
  • Learning experience designer  
  • Distance education administrator 
  • Director of instructional design 
  • Online course designer
  • Online course developer
  • Corporate training

Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.

Post-Master's Nursing Programs Online

Nursing Education – Post-Master's Certificate

A specialty certificate in nursing education for nurses with MSNs....

A specialty certificate in nursing education for nurses with MSNs.

This program will prepare you to teach the next generation of nurses.

  • Time: 12 months.
  • Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 8 total courses in this program.

Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:

  • Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Faculty
  • Program Director
  • Academic Clinical Nurse Educator

Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers. This program will prepare you to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Executive (CNE) exam.

Nursing Leadership and Management – Post-Master's Certificate

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who...

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.

  • Time: 12 months.
  • Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term. The cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam is included in tuition.
  • Courses: 8 total courses in this program.

Sample careers and jobs this degree program will prepare you for:

  • Director of Nursing
  • Chief Nursing Officer
  • Quality Director
  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Project Manager

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 17% by 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate

This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are...

This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are wanting to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through a post-master's certificate program.

  • Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP post-master's certificate program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
  • Time: 2 years or less
  • Tuition and fees: $6,625 per six-month term.
  • Courses: 11 total courses in this program.

This program is for current RNs who have earned their MSN but are wanting to add a specilization to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This post-master's certificate program is only available in select states.

Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.

Family Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate

This is a program for individuals who already have an MSN and are looking...

This is a program for individuals who already have an MSN and are looking to now become a family nurse practitioner with a post-master's certificate program.

  • Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the FNP is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington.
  • Time: 2 years or less
  • Tuition: $6,252 per six-month term.
  • Courses: 10 total courses in this program.

Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.

Ready to Continue at WGU?

You know what a WGU degree can do for your career and your life. Another degree could be the crucial next step you need to take. You've seen how WGU fits inside your life, so there's no better time than today to get started at WGU—again! We would love to have you return to WGU and continue your education. Don't wait any longer! Schedule an appointment with a continuing grad specialist to learn about the next steps, today.

Talk to Leavitt School of Health

Returning Grads Enjoy VIP Benefits

You've learned how easy it is to fit a WGU degree program into your life, so keep going! As a returning student, you'll receive a number of perks. If you're ready, we'd love to welcome you back to WGU to pursue a master's degree. Click here to learn more about returning to WGU.

Elite Applicant Status

Your application for admission is much shorter than the standard application, and it will automatically be moved to the front of the line for consideration.

Exclusive Scholarship Opportunities

Returning grads are eligible to apply for the exclusive Alumni Master's Degree Scholarship, valued at up to $2,500.

New Student Scholarship Eligibility

Returning WGU graduates are also eligible to apply for the scholarship opportunities available to new students.

What Careers Can I Pursue with an Healthcare-Focused Master's Degree?

With an advanced degree in healthcare, you’ll be prepared to explore many different career paths in nursing or healthcare. Completing a master's program will qualify you for management positions and leadership roles such as:

  • Chief Nursing Officer
  • Head Nurse
  • Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical Nurse Educator
  • VP of Nursing
  • Healthcare Quality Director
  • Nursing Home Manager
  • Hospital CEO

Why Continue at WGU?

Maintain Momentum

You’ve earned a bachelor’s degree. You know how a WGU degree fits into your life, so why not keep going? Continue on and earn your master’s at WGU in as few as 12 to 18 months.

Progress Your Career

On average, advanced degree holders make $17,000 more than those with just a bachelor’s. For a small investment, you can earn your master’s degree at WGU and see big returns.

Exclusive Access

As a continuing student, you can enroll more quickly and apply for an alumni-only scholarship. Visit your student portal to complete the enrollment process quickly.

Explore Master's Degree Programs at WGU

We offer degree programs in four in-demand fields. See what else is available.