healthcare policy professionals
healthcare policy professionals

Online MSN in Healthcare Policy

Transform healthcare from the inside out. Our MSN Healthcare Policy specialization empowers you to lead change through policy innovation.
Affect the Future of Population Health through Policy

Program Length: 
Finish in as few as 2 years

Start Date: 
Aug 31

"CCNE Accredited"

Accredited by CCNE 

Program Length:Finish in as few as 2 years
Start Date:Aug 31
Accredited by CCNE
"CCNE Accredited"
Save Up to $7,300

Commitment to Completion Grant™

New grant! Receive significant total savings, including two courses at no cost.

 *Savings applied to all new students. Represents specific savings for those with an institutional education partner discount.

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Shape Healthcare Policy & Improve Population Health Outcomes

In the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a specialization in Healthcare Policy, you’ll develop the skills to shape and improve healthcare policies and outcomes. 

100% Online Coursework With a Practicum Component

With 100% online coursework plus a practicum component, you’ll have the flexibility you need and faculty who provide individualized support.

Dedicated Practicum Support

Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment® helps ensure you successfully secure any needed practicum site and/or preceptor to complete your degree.  

Flexibility for Working Nurses

In our non-clinical tracks, deadlines flex to fit your schedule. Receive a three-day grace period after major assignment due dates.  

Go From MSN to DNP Faster

Earn credits toward your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) during your MSN program for a more cost- and time-effective journey.

Why More Nurses Choose Chamberlain

Lead the future of nursing in an MSN program built for working RNs. Designed by nurses, for nurses, our program features 100% online coursework with a practicum, as well as dedicated practicum support.

Engaging Coursework
Expand your perspectives

In the MSN Healthcare Policy specialization, you’ll take courses that integrate theory with practical application. Gain perspectives from classmates of diverse professional and personal backgrounds during online discussions. 

Special Recognition From DAISY
Founding educational partner

Chamberlain is proud to be the Founding Educational Partner of The DAISY Foundation, sharing a mutual mission to recognize extraordinary nurses for their skill, kindness, and compassionate care toward patients and families.

Chamberlain Care®
A supportive nursing environment

We nurture a culture of care at Chamberlain. Throughout our students’ academic journeys, they are supported by faculty who recognize their potential and teach them the skills, competencies, and knowledge they need to be successful.

Amy Parker, BSN '20, MSN '24

Curriculum

Learn the Fundamentals of Healthcare Policy 

In the Healthcare Policy specialization, you'll build foundational skills through coursework that covers healthcare policy, economics, global health, and leadership.  

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Practicum

Gain practical skills in a real-world environment. You’ll work closely with a mentor and faculty who will support you throughout your 144-hour practicum experience.    

Applied Learning

Practice concepts, principles, and skills from the MSN Healthcare Policy specialization in a real healthcare setting. 

Expand Your Network

Network with current healthcare policy professionals and build relationships while completing your practicum project.

Largest MSN program in the US: Chamberlain University

#1 in MSN Enrollments in the U.S.—Join the Nation’s Largest Network of MSN-Prepared Nurses

 

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What You Will Learn 

Chamberlain’s MSN Healthcare Policy specialization prepares you to turn your passion for change into real-world impact. You’ll develop strong policy knowledge and leadership skills to help improve healthcare quality, promote equity, and influence decisions at every level. Compassionate care is woven throughout our curriculum to ensure you graduate ready to make a difference.
 

Explore Policy Design and Analysis


Learn to develop, analyze, and advocate for healthcare policy. Explore how financing and economics affect care quality and access, so you can shape policies that benefit patients, providers, and populations.

Build Your Leadership Voice


Gain the leadership and strategic planning skills to turn policy ideas into action. Learn to guide teams, implement initiatives, and drive meaningful systems change in healthcare organizations and public health settings.

Promote Fair, Accessible Care


Study how global health trends and public policy influence population health. Learn to evaluate policy impact on equity and outcomes—and create practical solutions that improve care for all communities.

Engage in Interactive Learning


Through policy analysis exercises, simulations, and scenario-based learning, you’ll connect coursework to real-world practice and gain skills you can carry directly into policy and leadership roles.

Build Confidence During Your Practicum


In your practicum project, you’ll work with mentors to develop evidence-based healthcare policy—from research and planning to stakeholder presentation. Build practical skills as you explore leadership concepts and policy initiatives that influence public decision making.

MSN Core Courses

Chamberlain's CCN-accredited online MSN program is designed to help you build on your nursing experience.

Foundational Concepts for Advanced Nursing (3 credits)

This course examines the professional standards and fundamental historical, theoretical, and ethical underpinnings that guide advanced nursing practice. Exploration of concepts related to person-centered care, health outcomes and equity, communication, interprofessional collaboration, and contemporary issues in healthcare will enhance the professional formation of learners.

Leadership and Role Development for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)

This course explores advanced nursing leadership theory, roles, and skills, necessary to advance healthcare outcomes across diverse settings. Examination of policy and advocacy at all levels of the system will enable learners to act as definitive change agents in evolving healthcare. 

Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)

This course explores the application of healthcare informatics to advanced nursing practice. Examination of concepts surrounding technologies, emerging trends, and ethical and legal considerations involved in healthcare delivery and information management will enable the learner to advance healthcare outcomes and equity across diverse healthcare settings.  

Quality and Safety for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)

This course examines quality management and safety principles for advanced nursing practice. Exploration of best practice techniques, policies, processes, tools, and skills will enable learners to apply evidence to engage in continuous quality improvement and advance healthcare outcomes and equity across diverse settings. 

Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)

This course introduces research methods for advanced nursing practice. Emphasis on scientific reasoning, problem identification, research design, data collection methods, analysis, interpretation, dissemination, and ethical standards in research will enable learners to apply evidence to advance healthcare outcomes and equity.

Population Health and Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)

This course emphasizes epidemiological and population health principles for advanced nursing practice. Examination of population health research and data will enable learners to promote health, prevent injury and illness, and lead disaster response and recovery to advance healthcare outcomes and equity for diverse populations at the local, national, and global levels. 

Online MSN Health Policy Curriculum & Coursework

The curriculum consists of six MSN core courses and six Healthcare Policy specialization courses.   

Health Policy: Advancing Health Equity and Outcomes (3 credits)

This course analyzes the foundational concepts that shape health outcomes and health-related policy interventions. Social determinants of health are explored along with strategies to reduce disparity. In addition, efforts to enhance healthcare quality are examined along with implications for advanced nursing practice. Professional competencies to support health outcomes and equity are emphasized.   

Economics of Healthcare Policy (3 credits)

This course is an examination of the economics of healthcare on a national and global scale. Current policy involving financing of healthcare, health insurances, environmental and social issues related to health, and access to health services will be covered from an economic perspective. The effect of economic policy on patient outcomes and the role of nursing in healthcare economics will be explored. Develop skills in analyzing and improving healthcare systems and processes by integrating systems analysis, health systems engineering, and quality healthcare management techniques.  

Global Health (3 credits)

This course is an examination of globalization, global health systems, and associated challenges. It also covers opportunities for nurses to bring about community health promotion for populations through policy work. Students will apply global health concepts through the use of theoretical frameworks that impact population health and safety outcomes. Ethical principles related to global and population health are explored.  

The Nurse Leader and Health Policy (3 credits)

In this course, leadership competencies are applied to advocate for health equity across complex organizational systems and diverse communities. Health-related policy interventions designed to improve quality and reduce disparity are examined, along with implications for advanced nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on strategies to improve health outcomes.  

Healthcare Policy Concluding Graduate Experience I (3 credits)

This course requires student synthesis of concepts for both healthcare leadership and healthcare management, delivery of nursing services and educational components with role immersion through completion of a scholarly evidence-based proposal.  

Students develop a healthcare policy Concluding Graduate Experience (CGE) proposal utilizing evidence-based practice research, implementation, evaluation and dissemination models, in collaboration with CGE site stakeholders. Students must pass each of these in order to pass the course and progress in the program. If either are failed the course grade will revert to a failing grade (F).  

Healthcare Policy Concluding Graduate Experience II (3 credits)

In this course, students demonstrate comprehensive knowledge, skills, and ability to critically think as a policy leader to improve health outcomes. Students and Concluding Graduate Experience (CGE) site stakeholders collaborate on the implementation and evaluation of the proposed healthcare policy CGE project to address a CGE site need.

Students use implementation, evaluation, dissemination and stakeholders’ collaboration models in their project. Students complete the CGE practicum project with a manuscript-ready submission and presentation to healthcare administration and stakeholders. 

Complement Your Healthcare Administration Expertise With Targeted AI Training

Chamberlain, in partnership with Google Cloud, offers an AI certificate tailored for healthcare administration professionals. Learn to use AI tools to apply predictive analytics to support staffing optimization, patient admission forecasting, and quality improvement. The certificate, valued at $749, is included in your degree program at no extra cost. 

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Our Practicum Commitment® supports you through:
  • Practicum readiness tools
  • Streamlined site and preceptor contracting
  • Dedicated Advising & Retention Specialists
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Chamberlain Practicum Commitment® 

Dedicated support when you need it most

Chamberlain facilitates your MSN Healthcare Policy specialization journey with coaching, resources, and guidance to help you secure a practicum site and preceptor.

Search 
Chamberlain helps you find the practicum site for you. 

Connect 
Secure a practicum placement with a supportive preceptor. 

Apply
Submit your request via MyChamberlain student portal.  

How do I get started?

For your MSN Healthcare Policy application, you must have:

  • A degree in nursing at the bachelor’s level or higher from an accredited institution.
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • A current active and unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Your RN license must be valid for the state in which you plan to complete your practicum. 
What happens after I apply?

MSN Healthcare Policy online program students are required to provide a background and fingerprint check prior to starting. Our Enrollment team can get you started on a transcript evaluation so you’ll know exactly what will transfer in before making your enrollment decision.  

Can I transfer credits into the MSN program?

Chamberlain welcomes transfer students into our MSN FNP program. General guidelines for the transfer of master’s in nursing credits include:

  • A grade of “B” or higher is required for all transfer credits.
  • The following courses must have been completed within the past five years to be considered for transfer or for degree completion:
    • NR 507- Advanced Pathophysiology
    • NR 565 - Advanced Pharmacology Fundamentals
    • NR 509 - Advanced Health Assessment
  • For certified nurse practitioners Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology Fundamentals, and Advanced Health Assessment courses will receive an aging rule waiver to be considered for transfer or degree completion.1

MSN FNP online program students are required to provide a background and fingerprint check prior to starting. Our enrollment team can get you started on a transcript evaluation so you’ll know exactly what will transfer in before making your enrollment decision.

1  Prospective Certified Nurse Practitioners must show proof of active board certification upon admission for gap analysis and transfer equivalency evaluation. Failure to show proof of National Certification will prevent automatic transfer credit of the 3P courses and will default to the current aging rule of 5 years.
 

Admission 

How to Apply - Online Master of Healthcare Policy Program

Learn the requirements to get started on your MSN Healthcare Policy journey. 

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Transfer Information
Curriculum Plans
Admissions & Financial Aid Resources
Questions? Let us help you.

Request information to connect with an Enrollment Representative today.

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Academic Details

Tuition

MSN Healthcare Policy Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid Options

Chamberlain is committed to providing transparency in our education costs. See what you can expect to pay for your MSN Healthcare Policy degree. 

Tuition & Fees
Effective July 2026

Starting Cost

Amount

Tuition ($750 x 36 Credit Hours) 

$27,000

Books and Fees

Student Services Charge ($200 per session x 12 sessions)

$2,400

Course Resource Fee ($75 per course)

$900

Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment ($75-175 per session) - Estimate

$1,500

Other Clinical (related fees may apply)

Varies by state

$4,800

 

$31,800*

Average Savings**

Commitment to Completion Grant

-$6,175

Potential Total Cost

$25,625

 

*Please consult the Tuition & Expenses Grid for your program for full information. 
**Potential savings are estimates and are not guaranteed. The potential savings listed are based on meeting certain eligibility requirements. See the Scholarship and Grant guide for details.

Healthcare Policy Financial Assistance

Explore financial assistance options available to Chamberlain Healthcare Policy students who qualify, including scholarships and grants and discount tuition rates. 

View All Financial Assistance Options
Partner Tuition Savings
11,000+ Healthcare Partner Locations

Your employer, community college, or association may have an educational partnership with Chamberlain. See if you’re eligible for exclusive savings for the MSN program through one of our partner organizations.

Find out if you are eligible
Military-Affiliated Rates
Additional savings for military-connected alumni and applicants

We reserve special rates for our military community: active duty service members, veterans and retired military, Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs employees, and spouses of active duty/veteran/retired military.

Find out if you are eligible
Alumni Tuition Discount
Exclusive savings for Chamberlain grads

Save 20% on your MSN tuition, and there are no application fees for alumni.

Find Out if You Are Eligible
Federal and State Aid Options
Federal aid is available for those who apply and qualify.

Federal financial aid options, such as loans and grants, can help make your degree more attainable. Learn about the financial aid process and how to begin.

Did you know? Most of Chamberlain’s scholarship and grants require no applications. An Enrollment Representative will automatically determine your eligibility.

View All Scholarships

Commitment to Completion Grant

Save Up to $7,300

Daisy Honoree Scholarship 

Save 5% on tuition

Covista Foundation Scholarship Program

To learn more or apply, see all Covista Foundation Scholarship Program scholarships.

Need Help With Financial Planning?

Your goals are within reach. Speak to an Enrollment Representative today to learn more about current savings opportunities.

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Eligibility Criteria
  • Enrollment in one of our MSN non-clinical specializations  
  • Completion of the Prerequisite Waiver Request form  
  • Minimum cumulative grade-point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Program dean approval via the Prerequisite Waiver Request 
What can I do with a DNP?

A doctorate in nursing prepares you for a wide range of roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Gain skills to lead, analyze, and influence nursing practice to prepare you for advanced roles such as chief nursing officer, healthcare consultant, quality improvement specialist, nurse executive, or clinical nurse practitioner. 

Go From MSN to DNP Faster

Beginning May 2025, MSN Healthcare Policy students can take up to three DNP courses to fulfill MSN requirements—saving time and money. Dean approval is required; ask your Enrollment Representative to get started. This streamlined option helps you build toward a DNP while completing your MSN.

Learn more about our DNP program

Proudly Accredited

Accreditation and Approvals

Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).  

The Chamberlain University Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (delivered via distance education) holds continuing accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 

Chamberlain has also earned approvals in most states. 

For a complete list, view our authorizations or approvals in your state.

Chamberlain University confers degrees earned online from its main campus in Addison, Illinois.

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The DAISY Foundation 

As The DAISY Foundation’s Founding Educational Partner, Chamberlain is proud to be the No. 1 awarder of student and faculty DAISY Awards, supporting nurses with scholarships, research opportunities, and career development.

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National League for Nursing 

Chamberlain University College of Nursing was named a Center of Excellence™ in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing for promoting the pedagogical expertise of faculty.

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Chamberlain Care

We have your back

Chamberlain University is committed to caring for our students every step of the way. By living Chamberlain Care, we’re preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, values, and beliefs required to not only succeed, but to make a difference in today’s complex healthcare environment. 

MSN Career Outlook

‘The Wall Street Journal’ Reports: Nursing Is One of America’s Strongest Career Paths

Nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses can earn
competitive wages and enjoy greater autonomy. Employment in advanced
nursing roles is projected to grow 35% through 2034, compared to just 3% for the overall U.S. workforce. As the population ages, that demand will only grow. A recent WSJ article puts into words exactly why nursing—and why now

Read the WSJ Report

Nurse Educator 

Instruct aspiring or current RNs in various areas of nursing in colleges, universities, or hospitals.   

Expected growth 18% 

Job titles

Associate professor, clinical nursing instructor, faculty member, nurse educator, nursing instructor, nursing professor  

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH, Job Outlook | O*Net, Reported Job Titles 

No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program will obtain a job. Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.  

 Insights to Inspire

Explore Topics that ignite passion and purpose in your healthcare journey.  

FAQs - Online MSN Health Policy Program

Get answers to common questions about Chamberlain’s MSN Healthcare Policy specialization. 

Healthcare Policy Admission FAQ
Healthcare Policy FAQ
Is the online MSN program accredited?

Chamberlain’s MSN program, which includes its specializations, is among the university’s accredited nursing programs. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE). In addition, Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For the most updated accreditation information, visit chamberlain.edu/accreditation.  

How long does it take to complete the MSN program with a specialization in Healthcare Policy?

The MSN Healthcare Policy program can be completed in as few as two years with full-time enrollment, taking one course per eight-week session. Some students choose to space out the program requirements and take longer to complete their studies.  

What if I don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement?

If your cumulative GPA falls below our requirements―in the range of 2.5 to 2.99―you may still be considered for provisional acceptance into the online MSN Healthcare Policy program. Speak with our enrollment team for more information. 

How do you become a health policy nurse?

To become a health policy nurse, you generally start by earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and getting your RN license if you don’t already have one. After gaining foundational clinical experience, you typically pursue an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), with a focus on healthcare policy. An MSN with a specialization in Healthcare Policy prepares you to analyze how laws impact our healthcare system.

By advancing your education and participating in advocacy work during your MSN Healthcare Policy studies, you’ll be positioned to pursue roles that allow you to shape legislation and help improve health outcomes for our communities.

What is healthcare policy in nursing?

Healthcare policy shapes the laws, regulations, and public health decisions that guide our healthcare system. Nurses play a critical role in advocating for policies that impact both patients and the profession as a whole. As a nurse with healthcare policy expertise, you can help interpret, evaluate, and lead meaningful policy changes that help improve care for diverse communities.

What career opportunities are available with an MSN with a Healthcare Policy specialization?

With a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Healthcare Policy specialization, you’ll be prepared to work in a variety of settings as an advocate and change leader. These settings may include hospitals and health systems, government agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit and advocacy groups. You’ll also be qualified to teach in roles such as associate professor, instructor, lecturer, and faculty member.

What is an MSN with a specialization in Healthcare Policy?

An MSN with a specialization in Healthcare Policy is a graduate program that equips nurses with the skills to develop, implement, and evaluate healthcare policies. The curriculum for Chamberlain University’s MSN Healthcare Policy specialization covers health policy, economics, global health, and leadership, and includes a practicum for real-world application.  

What are examples of healthcare policies?

Some examples of healthcare policies include the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) as well as policies related to care coordination, health information technology (HIT), safe patient handling and mobility, nurse staffing, and addressing workplace violence and bullying.

Looking for something else?

Explore our related programs.

Masters In Nursing Executive Leadership (MSN)

Masters in Nursing Population Health (MSN)

MSN Nurse Educator Program

Masters in Nursing Informatics Program