Nursing – Nursing Administration and Leadership Micro-Credential | Accelerated Online

Advance your nursing career towards becoming a leader in nursing administration in just eight months by earning a micro-credential that validates your in-demand career skills to employers. You’ll also earn graduate course credits to count towards your MSN or post-master’s graduate certificate if you are pursuing one (or plan to in the future!).

What is a micro-credential?

What are UMS micro-credential pathways?

Each UMS micro-credential pathway comprises stackable digital badges. As you complete each level, you earn verified badges that document your progress and the competencies you have demonstrated. When you complete the full pathway, you earn a University of Maine System micro-credential that you can share across professional platforms to showcase your leadership development.

How are nursing micro-credentials structured at USM?

As you move through the Nursing Administration and Leadership Micro-Credential pathway, you will earn digital badges that mark your progress and highlight specific graduate-level leadership competencies. These badges are verified, stackable, and easy to share on LinkedIn, your résumé, or your professional portfolio. Once you complete the full pathway, you earn a University of Maine System micro-credential that shows employers you have developed leadership skills that matter in today’s healthcare environment.

Digital badges

There are three levels in this pathway. After completing each level you will earn a digital badge. Badges are provided by Canvas Credentials, a leading digital credential platform. When you complete the three levels, your micro-credential is awarded by the University of Maine System, verifying your knowledge, skills, and competencies. Promote your progress with colleagues and employers by sharing your badges on sites such as LinkedIn.

Course information about the Nursing Administration and Leadership Micro-Credential Pathway

The Nursing Administration and Leadership Micro-Credential Pathway includes four 3-credit graduate courses. Each course lasts just seven weeks. Online courses are offered in an asynchronous format, so you can complete coursework from anywhere and on your own schedule. Your final course includes an in-person practicum experience in an academic setting.

Along with each graduate course, you will complete assessments. In Level 1 and 2, you will be assessed on your knowledge and skills, and in Level 3 you will demonstrate your competencies. You must meet all of the assessment criteria to earn the micro-credential.

Level 1

• Course: NUR 614 – Foundations of Nursing Education

Level 2

• Courses:
  • NUR 629 – Health Care Operations: Human Resources, Law, and Ethics
  • NUR 633 – Health Care Finance, Budgeting, and Planning

Level 3

• Course: NUR 662 – Leading Change in Complex Healthcare Environments

What are applicant qualifications for taking the Nursing Administration and Leadership Micro-Credential?

Any licensed nursing professional with a bachelor’s degree or higher is eligible to enroll, including:

• Licensed nursing professionals who are not currently studying at the University of Southern Maine (USM)
• Current USM graduate students
• A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from a degree program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing.
• RN licensure – unencumbered and current licensure in the state in which practicum will be completed.

Costs

The Nursing Micro-Credential Pathway includes four courses. Each course equals three credit hours. Your cost will vary depending on two factors:

• If you are not currently a USM student, your residency (in-state, out-of-state, or Canadian)
• Or if you are a current USM graduate student

Tip: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement – check with your HR supervisor to see what opportunities might exist for furthering your education.

Non-degree students

If you are not currently enrolled at USM, and will be taking this micro-credential only, you are considered a ‘non-degree student’ and will be charged the following fees:

Courses and credit hours	E-tuition	In-state and Canadian	Out-of-state
Cost for each course (3 credit hours)	$1,578	$1,722	$4,602
Total cost for all four courses (12 credit hours)	$6,312	$6,888	$18,408

Will you be taking this micro-credential simultaneously with another USM graduate degree?

If so, then you are considered a current USM student and will be charged e-tuition online course rates no matter your location. Each course is three credit hours. The Micro-Credential pathway includes four courses, for a total of 12 credit hours.

For your program’s rates, view Graduate Tuition and Fees.

Bonus: If you decide to continue into the Nursing Administration and Leadership or post-master’s Nursing Administration and Leadership Certificate of Graduate Study programs here at USM, your credits earned for this micro-credential can be applied.

Questions?

Connect with our helpful Student Financial Services team.

Currently enrolled in a USM program?

Your cost will vary depending on two factors: whether you are currently enrolled in a USM degree program; and your residency (in-state, out-of-state, or Canadian). Many employers offer tuition reimbursement.

Current USM students can contact Jill Olausson to enroll.