Mercy College

What you'll study

This programme combines advanced nursing content with core management and organisational topics so you can lead safely and efficiently in complex healthcare settings. Typical modules cover leadership and organisational behaviour in health services; healthcare finance and resource management; quality improvement, patient safety and risk management; healthcare law, ethics and regulatory issues; human resource management, workforce planning and collective bargaining; health informatics and data-driven decision making; strategic planning and change management; and evidence-based practice and research methods.

The course usually includes a practicum or capstone project in which students apply administrative theory to a real-world setting under the supervision of a nurse executive or clinical leader. Teaching methods mix seminars, case studies, simulation, applied projects and workplace-based learning. Assessment commonly uses a combination of assignments, presentations, a leadership portfolio and the practicum report or capstone project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an active Registered Nurse (RN) licence. Mercy College typically expects a minimum undergraduate GPA and at least one to two years of recent clinical nursing experience, preferably in a role with some informal leadership responsibility.

Required application materials generally include official transcripts, proof of RN registration, a current curriculum vitae, a personal statement outlining leadership goals, and references (often at least one professional reference). Candidates without a BSN but with substantial nursing experience may be considered for an alternative or bridge pathway; contact the admissions team for guidance about eligibility and any preparatory requirements.

Career prospects

• Clinical nurse manager or ward manager
• Director of nursing or nursing services
• Patient safety and quality improvement lead
• Health service manager or operations manager in hospitals, community services or long-term care
• Workforce and human resources specialist focused on nursing staffing and development
• Clinical informatics or data governance roles supporting care delivery
• Consultant or policy advisor on healthcare delivery, regulatory compliance and organisational change

Graduates typically move into senior frontline management and executive roles within hospitals, health systems, community health providers, long-term care organisations and governmental or third-sector health agencies. Many also take on roles leading education, quality improvement and change projects within their organisations.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College emphasises practice-focused leadership development, drawing on faculty with active clinical and administrative experience. The programme offers strong links with local hospitals and healthcare providers for practicum placements, enabling students to complete real projects that benefit their employers and communities.

Students benefit from a supportive learning environment with small cohort sizes, flexible delivery options to accommodate working nurses, and professional development resources such as mentorship and career services. The curriculum balances managerial skills, ethical practice and evidence-based decision-making to prepare graduates to lead compassionate, effective services across a range of healthcare settings.