Nursing administration graduate programs: current status and future plans.

BACKGROUND

Much controversy has been reported in the literature regarding the value of graduate programs in nursing administration. Yet a rapidly changing healthcare delivery system requires that nurse administrators be well prepared to deal with a fiscally restrained environment that demands the delivery of high-quality care

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to investigate the current status and future plans of graduate programs in nursing administration. We particularly focused on anticipated program reforms and relationships with external stakeholders.

METHOD

A survey was mailed to 338 National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited master's programs. Data from 105 completed surveys were analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Graduate programs in nursing administration are alive and well. Programs appear to be adding needed content as suggested by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and American Organization of Nursing Executives and others to keep pace with a changing healthcare delivery system. Programs continue to explore creative ways to reach more students with fewer faculty resources.