Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The programme builds advanced nursing knowledge across three primary pathways: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Core coursework commonly covers advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology for advanced practice, nursing ethics and health policy, and research methods and statistics.

• Nursing Administration: leadership and management in healthcare, finance and budgeting for nursing services, human resource issues, quality improvement, strategic planning, organisational behaviour and regulatory compliance. Practical learning emphasises leading teams, managing units and implementing quality initiatives.
• Nursing Research: design and methods of clinical research, biostatistics, evidence‑based practice, grant writing and implementation science. Students typically complete a capstone or thesis‑style research project that applies research methods to a clinical question or systems problem.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical assessment and decision making, care of complex patients, population‑focused clinical interventions and role development for advanced clinical practice. Clinical coursework is reinforced by supervised practicum/clinical hours in healthcare settings under preceptor guidance.

Programme delivery is designed to accommodate working professionals, with a mix of online coursework, synchronous sessions and practicum placements. Students undertake a practicum or capstone in their chosen track to demonstrate advanced competence in leadership, research or clinical practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an accredited nursing degree and current, unrestricted RN licensure in the United States (or eligibility for state licensure where clinical placement is arranged). Typical academic and application requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an accredited associate degree in nursing (ADN) with completion of a bridge requirement if applicable; specific track prerequisites may apply.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA; individual programme minimums and conditional admission options may be available.
• Clinical experience as a registered nurse; many applicants have at least one to two years of practice, with more experience expected for administrative or clinical leadership tracks.
• Professional references, a current résumé/CV and a personal statement describing career goals and the chosen track.
• Successful completion of background checks, health clearance and proof of required immunisations prior to clinical placements; additional state‑specific requirements may apply for practicum.

International applicants must meet NAU’s graduate admission standards for international students and demonstrate English language proficiency where required. Prospective students should consult the programme office for precise prerequisites for each track and for guidance on licensure considerations if they reside outside Arizona.

Career prospects

Graduates from the administration, research and clinical tracks move into a range of advanced roles across healthcare organisations. Typical career paths include:

• Clinical leadership: nurse manager, director of nursing, patient care services manager, quality improvement coordinator.
• Clinical practice: clinical nurse specialist, advanced clinical practitioner in acute and community settings, specialist roles in areas such as chronic disease, critical care or population health.
• Research and academia: clinical research coordinator, nurse researcher, evidence‑based practice specialist, roles supporting grant development and outcomes evaluation; some graduates transition to doctoral studies.
• Policy and system roles: healthcare consultant, policy analyst, programme director for public health or community health initiatives.

The programme’s emphasis on practicum experience and applied projects helps graduates demonstrate competencies sought by hospitals, community health organisations, long‑term care providers and public health agencies.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a Master’s in Nursing with flexible delivery designed for working nurses, combining online coursework with supervised clinical experiences. The university has a strong focus on serving diverse and rural populations, which is reflected in clinical placement opportunities and community partnerships across Arizona and neighbouring regions.

• Faculty who combine academic expertise with clinical and leadership experience in health systems.
• Access to simulation facilities and clinical partnerships that support hands‑on skill development and practicum placement coordination.
• Support services for graduate students, including academic advising, career services and resources for students balancing work and study.
• Pathways for professional development and preparation for further academic study, including research‑focused projects that can lead into doctoral programmes.

Prospective students should contact NAU’s School of Nursing for specific information about the track options, practicum arrangements and guidance on licensure and state requirements relevant to their career goals.