Online Masters in Nursing FAQ

MSN in Nursing Executive Leadership Questions

Does this program provide certification as a Nurse Executive Leader?
This program prepares graduates with the course content required for the Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA) certification exam given by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC). However, the ANCC NEA certification eligibility requirements also include 24 months of full-time practice in a nurse executive role within the 5 years prior to taking the certification examination.

Is there a residency requirement for the program?
The curriculum includes a three-day on-campus experience at Saint Xavier at their beautiful Chicago area campus approximately midway through the program.

How does a practicum work?
Practicum experiences provide opportunities for students to apply content from the theory courses in an advanced nursing practice setting. Working with the preceptor and clinical faculty, the student conducts a leadership project focusing on an issue related to health care delivery to fulfill the course objectives.

I work in an organization that serves a population struggling with issues related to health care access. Is there coursework in the program that focuses on their needs?
Yes. Saint Xavier University's online MSN program is steeped in our organizational values of focusing on underserved populations, and addressing health care disparities. The course in Communication, Culture, Collaboration, and Conflict will specifically focus on building communication skills that will assist you in a leadership role that requires conversations between cultures, classes, and levels of administrative and care responsibilities within your organization's structure. (NOTE: Issues related to health care access and disparities in care are also addressed in NURSG 517 Health Care Systems and Financing, and NURSG 568 Advanced Health and Social Policy.)

I'd like to move into an administrative role, but I don't have hard skills in finance. Is there a course that addresses this area?
Yes. The course Advanced Health Care Financing approaches finance, marketing, and economics in the context of managing a health care organization.

I'm interested in advancing my nursing education and leadership skills, but I still want to work with patients. Is the MSN in Nursing Executive Leadership the right choice for me?
You might be more interested in our MSN in Clinical Leadership. To find out which online MSN option is the best fit for you and your career goals, call us at (866) 319-8966 to speak with a Program Manager, or fill out our Information Request Form.

About Saint Xavier University

Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Xavier University is a private, Catholic, comprehensive university grounded in the tradition of the liberal arts.

Chicago's oldest Catholic University now adds its online, global Saint Xavier campus to the existing campuses in Chicago and Orland Park.

As one of 18 colleges and universities sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Xavier University educates approximately 5,100 students each year.

Saint Xavier’s Catholic tradition promotes ethical development, service to the community, and a search for truth via observation, analysis, and debate. We have a long history of educating students to prepare them for professional success and lay the foundation for personal fulfillment with values such as to explore and respect different viewpoints, work for the betterment of the community, and engage students in the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Saint Xavier continues this tradition throughout our online curriculum with support from experienced faculty, stimulating discussions among a diverse student body, and rigorous coursework.

SXU holds regional accreditation (the highest level of accreditation for institutions of higher education) from the Higher Learning Commission, which is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In addition: