A Career in Nurse Administration in New York State

Nurse administrators are nurses whose experience and knowledge are integral to running a healthcare organization smoothly. As a nurse administrator, you will be able to apply that information to make a real difference in how healthcare organizations like nursing homes and hospitals are managed. Nurse administrators are involved in many aspects of management, including patient coordination, staffing, scheduling and compliance regulation.

These essential administrators always work as a part of a healthcare team and are responsible for making the difficult decisions that affect patients and staff alike. In addition, opportunities in management can mean stretching yourself and learning new skills, making it an excellent career for anyone who likes to gain new abilities and keep things fresh.

As a nurse administrator, you will need solid organizational skills, good communication and the ability to manage both people and caseloads. Nurse administrators need to work with computers to assess documentation, create spreadsheets and charts, compose a variety of correspondence, as well as help other nurses with clinical, hands-on jobs. The job is demanding, and those in the profession often need to work long hours under stressful conditions.

Requirements for Nurse Administrators to Work in New York?

Becoming a nurse administrator generally means committing to higher education by earning a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree. Prior to attending university, you will be required to have a high school diploma or equivalent already. Many nurses making the leap to administrative work have already completed an associate degree in nursing and are working as licensed RNs. However, working toward a higher degree is possible from the get-go. In either case, you will likely want to spend some time learning direct patient care and gaining experience in the field before moving to an administrative role.

Best Universities in New York for Nurse Administration Degrees

If you live in New York State, you probably already know that nursing programs are plentiful and available throughout the state. However, as you move from an associate-level degree to bachelor’s and graduate programs, you will likely have to search a bit further afield. Below are some of the top programs in New York for nurse administrators, though it is by no means an exhaustive list.

1. SUNY Empire

SUNY Empire has a centralized office in Saratoga Springs, NY, with satellite centers throughout the state in places such as Brooklyn, Cheektowaga, Corning, Fort Drum, Olean, Schenectady, Utica and more. What sets SUNY Empire apart from its peers is its flexibility and accessibility. The college offers many opportunities to experience different types of learning, with classes offered online, in person, or through independent study. Students at SUNY Empire can cross-register at other colleges, gain credit for experiential learning, or choose from the college’s diverse course offerings. In addition, students at the university can build a degree program with the help of a mentor in a wide variety of programs.

Nursing degrees at SUNY Empire include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Students can also choose a degree in a related field, like Health Care Administration. To be admitted to the BSN programs, prospective students will need to have already become a Registered Nurse through a two-year program. MSN students will need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

SUNY Empire is well-suited for non-traditional students, with programs designed to accommodate adult learners and those with disabilities. In addition, its adaptable design and program offerings make it an ideal choice for anyone pursuing education while working, caring for family or both. Though the college has students from all over the state, students can participate in a variety of activities, including clubs and student government.

Tuition for undergraduate students is $295 per credit hour for in-state students and $353 per credit for out-of-state online students. Graduate students from New York State will pay $565 per credit hour, while non-residents pay the same due to a grant program. For those in need of funding, the financial aid office is available to assist with applications for state and federal aid and any available scholarships.

2. Russell Sage College

With campuses in Troy, NY and Albany, NY, Russell Sage College offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs for nursing degrees. In fact, Russell Sage has a 100-year-history of offering nursing degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing has two tracks, one for new students and one for those already working as RNs. New students will benefit from a complete education in nursing and liberal arts, while RNs working toward a BSN can work on their degree with a self-paced, flexible schedule.

Nursing students in the bachelor’s degree programs will become well-versed in the clinical application of nursing, along with patient education and leadership skills. Students will enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and a well-trained faculty that includes nurse practitioners, educators, midwives, graduate nurses, nurse specialists and administrators. The college reports that its graduates fill a high number of administrative positions throughout New York’s capital region.

Though traditionally a female-only institution, the college became coeducational in 2020. Students can enjoy a rich recreational life with fitness facilities, clubs and a wellness center. In addition, the college offers many accessibility and academic services.

Tuition and fees at Russell Sage run around $33,851 for undergraduate students and $725 per credit hour for graduate students. The college offers financial aid from various resources, including state and federal aid, institutional aid and academic merit scholarships. For more information, you can contact the financial aid office here.

3. Columbia University

New York City’s Columbia University offers an abundant variety of graduate degrees for nurses, including Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia and other specialty programs. Admissions and program specifics vary depending on your enrollment program, but Columbia guarantees excellence, regardless of your choice. Nursing students at Columbia University can expect to participate in classroom activities and hands-on clinical experience. Being in the heart of a large and thriving metropolis gives students the advantage of a variety of learning experiences in challenging and clinically diverse settings.

Tuition and fees for nursing students at Columbia University will run around $135,500 annually; however, financial aid and scholarships are available. Students at the college have access to numerous activities and assistance programs, including honor society, peer mentorship, the Black Student Nurses Club and the Columbia University Men in Nursing club. In addition, students can access academic help through the college’s generous educational assistance programs.

4. Daemen University

Daemen University in Amherst, NY, offers bachelor’s and master’s programs for nurses, plus a number of advanced certificates for post-baccalaureate nurses and nurse practitioners. The programs focus on professional nursing, ethics and management skills, with an emphasis on promoting nurses as healthcare team leaders. In addition, students will learn clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills to apply innovative ideas to healthcare situations.

Undergraduate tuition and fees will run about $32,760 per year, while graduate students will pay $1056 per credit hour. For help covering tuition costs, the financial aid office can aid students who are applying for scholarships, federal and state aid, and student loans. The college also offers special admissions help to veterans and international students.

Students at Daemen can participate in athletics, activities, clubs and organizations, and health and wellness programs. A suburb of Buffalo, Amherst has a reputation for being clean, friendly and safe. Students can enjoy small-town life and still have all the advantages of being close to the city.

Industry Growth and Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of nurse administration continues to expand, with an expected 32% growth between 2020 and 2030. Healthcare jobs will continue to grow as the baby boom generation ages and their healthcare needs increase. It is estimated that the field can expect an average of 51,800 job openings annually.

Wages for nurse administrators also look promising, with the BLS reporting an average annual salary of $119,840 in 2021. In the same year, the lowest-paid administrators made $60,780, and the highest-paid made $205,620. New York nurses can expect wages at the higher end of the scale, as the state has the highest salaries in the nation for medical health and service managers.

Opportunities for Nurse Administrators in New York State

According to the BLS, most nurse administrators work in hospitals and physicians’ offices, while the highest-paid nurses work in wholesale electronic markets and pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing. In any case, a career as a nurse administrator generally means working for an organization or business in a management role. The profession does not allow for much flexibility with work scheduling or allow for many self-employment opportunities. However, nurse administrators can expect a generous benefits package and retirement plan in most situations. Those in the profession can also rest assured that the work will be steady, potentially lucrative and fulfilling. Prospective employers in New York State include the NYU School of Medicine, Pfizer inc., Excellus Health Plan, Inc. and the University of Vermont Medical Group.