Health Systems Management — Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing with a major in Health Systems Management (HSM) prepares nurses for leadership positions across the complex and dynamic health care continuum. The program emphasizes content from all nurse executive competency domains (AONE, 2011) including communication and relationship building, knowledge of the health care environment, leadership skills, professionalism, and business skills. Students build a systems-thinking approach to patient care, starting with clinical microsystems as a building block. The use of evidence to shape decisions is emphasized through coursework in nursing informatics, decision support, business planning, and outcomes and care transitions management.

Graduates of the HSM program are prepared for a variety of nursing leadership roles including nurse manager, clinical microsystem leader, case manager, quality improvement specialist, and program or project manager. Coupled with appropriate experience, graduates may be prepared for advanced roles in nursing informatics, or as nursing directors or executives. Those with requisite experience may be eligible to seek certification in case management, nursing informatics, or as a nurse executive.

Nursing Leadership Preparation

Graduates of the HSM program are prepared for a variety of nursing leadership roles including nurse manager, clinical microsystem leader, case manager, quality improvement specialist, and program or project manager. Coupled with appropriate experience, graduates may be prepared for advanced roles in nursing informatics, or as a nursing director or executive. Those with requisite experience may be eligible to seek certification in case management, nursing informatics, or as a nurse executive.

Program Requirements and Delivery

The MSN degree with the HSM major requires 38 credits and 268 internship and clinical hours. The program is taught in an engaging online format that is flexible and student-centered. Students need not be a resident of Michigan to enroll in the program. Clinical sites and qualified preceptors are identified near the student's home to complete the required HSM Internship experience. Full-time and part-time options are available for degree completion. The Master of Science in Nursing
Degree is conferred at the completion of program requirements.

Graduate Nursing Program Objectives

Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing degree program achieve the following terminal objectives:

  1. Demonstrate own professional role practice consistent with the competencies of the unique specialty at the master's level.
  2. Translate theoretical and conceptual knowledge into advanced nursing practice actions that promote optimal health care quality and patient safety outcomes.
  3. Integrate informatics, health care technology, and interpersonal collaboration in the delivery of person-centered nursing practice for individuals and populations.
  4. Engage in systems leadership with a focus on preventive care, policy development, and patient advocacy.
  5. Integrate the Jesuit and Mercy traditions in providing culturally competent, compassionate, holistic, and person-centered care with a commitment to human dignity in the contemporary world.