Nursing professionals looking to take on supervisory roles often find a rewarding career in nurse management. Those interested in advancing their career on a flexible schedule may want to consider the online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program from Youngstown State University (YSU).
This CCNE-accredited online program prepares nurses for leadership roles within healthcare organizations, hospitals and medical practices. Graduates qualify for a wide range of roles such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, public health nurse, care coordinator, case manager and nurse manager. These roles give nurse leaders a voice in shaping the quality and delivery of care.
What Nurse Managers Do
A nurse manager is essentially the leader of a hospital unit or department, acting as the link between the nursing team and the administration. They must be able to effectively balance the needs of patients with the day-to-day business of running a unit. Their responsibilities include:
- Hiring, evaluating and mentoring team members, overseeing nursing staff and directing daily operations.
- Monitoring and evaluating patient care to ensure it meets high standards and follows established protocols, and planning, coordinating and revising programs to enhance the quality of care.
- Managing the unit budget, which includes overseeing departmental supplies and making decisions about how resources are used.
- Serving as a liaison between various departments and teams, making decisions around unit operations and communicating unit needs and concerns to hospital administration.
How Much Do Nurse Managers Make and What is the Job Outlook?
The average annual salary for nurse managers across the U.S. is $102,684 in 2025, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23 percent between 2024 and 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
While demand for healthcare leaders is strong, compensation varies based on geographic location, years of experience and the type of facility. Nurse manager salaries tend to be higher in hospitals, followed by outpatient clinics, followed by long-term care facilities.
The Value of BSN Education for Advancement
Most positions in nurse management require at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While nurses can become RNs with an associate degree (ADN), the BSN is often the ticket to leadership roles.
BSN programs include coursework that covers the administrative and organizational aspects of daily operations in healthcare settings. The path to becoming a nurse manager starts with clinical experience. With further education, nurse managers can qualify for advanced leadership roles. Typically, there are 4 steps along that path which may include the following:
- Registered nurse: This starting point in nursing is mainly focused on bedside care.
- Nurse manager: These administrative leadership roles involve supervision of staff, operations and budget.
- Director-level roles: A manager with more experience, often having earned a graduate degree like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), can advance to high-level roles like Director of Nursing (DON) or Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).
- Nurse practitioner: Nurse practitioners hold the highest position in clinical nursing outside of management. After becoming an RN, they get advanced education which enables them to diagnose conditions and create treatment plans, often working independently or with doctors.
Prepare For Nurse Leadership With an RN to BSN from YSU
The flexibility of YSU’s CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN program allows nurses to prepare for leadership roles while they continue to work. Courses like Nursing Leadership — which teaches students how to use management methods that support accountability and high standards of care — build on a nurse’s current experience
The program’s well-rounded curriculum helps nurses hone their analytical, organizational and critical thinking skills while expanding their understanding of public health and evidence-based practice. Requiring only 28 credits, the program can be completed in as few as 10 months, giving nurses an accelerated path to qualifying for leadership roles in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Learn more about Youngstown State University‘s online RN to BSN program.
