person at front of a classroom leading a group of nurses in a workshop

Leadership and Strategy in Healthcare - Master of Science in Nursing

Advance your nursing career through strategic leadership, systems thinking and innovation in healthcare.

Leadership and Strategy in Healthcare program at Ohio State

The Leadership and Strategy in Healthcare Master of Science in Nursing program at The Ohio State University prepares BSN-prepared nurses to lead teams, strengthen healthcare systems and drive meaningful organizational change. Designed for working professionals, this flexible online program combines advanced nursing leadership education with strategic decision-making, operational management and immersive experiential learning.

Prepare for leadership in a top-ranked nursing program

Through asynchronous coursework and 525 hours of leadership practicum experiences, students gain hands-on exposure to executive leadership, workforce development, organizational operations and system-level decision-making across diverse healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared to influence patient, clinician and organizational outcomes while advancing into formal nursing leadership roles.

Whether your goal is to become a nurse manager, director, service line leader or chief nursing officer, Ohio State’s nationally recognized faculty and practice-based learning experiences will help you develop the expertise to lead confidently through the complexity, transformation and innovation shaping today’s healthcare environment. 

MSN program outcomes

As a student in the Leadership and Strategy in Healthcare MSN program, you will develop the skills to:

  • Lead strategic decision-making across complex healthcare environments
  • Strengthen organizational leadership and team performance
  • Manage workforce development and operational effectiveness
  • Improve quality, safety and patient outcomes through evidence-based leadership
  • Drive innovation and systems-level change in health care organizations
  • Apply financial, operational and resource management strategies
  • Lead organizational transformation and practice change initiatives
  • Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams to improve healthcare delivery 

Application deadline

Spring 2027

Opens: June 1, 2026

Apply Info sessions


  • laptop Online
  • Book stack 34 credit hours
  • Graduation cap 4-7 semesters

Admission requirements for the MSN Leadership and Strategy in Healthcare program

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
    • Must be from an ACEN/CCNE/CNEA-accredited institution
  • An active RN license
  • Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last degree earned relevant to the program of study
  • Reside in an authorized state

How to apply to the Master of Science in Nursing program

Applicants must submit all application materials by 11:59 p.m. ET on the deadline to be considered for admission.

FAQ