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Healthcare Quality and Safety Online Master's Track Within the MSN Program

Kristina Libby, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2017, wearing blue scrubs with a pink stethoscope around her neck.

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Total courses 12 (of 17)

Term length 10 weeks

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Track Overview Why focus on healthcare quality and safety?

As part of your Master of Science in Nursing program, choosing a specific track adds focus to your degree in a particular area of study. So, if you're a passionate advocate for change who wants to implement better patient care processes, the healthcare quality and safety track can prepare you to lead the way in improving healthcare outcomes.

In the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Healthcare Quality and Safety track at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll focus on developing the skills you need to promote a culture of safety, recommend policy improvements, and facilitate communication between providers and patients.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Advanced communication
  • Health policy analysis
  • Quality improvement
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Leadership in healthcare
  • Resource identification and evaluation
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Courses & Curriculum Online healthcare quality and safety courses to help you succeed

The MSN, Healthcare Quality and Safety track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Your coursework will help you develop the skills to design, implement and evaluate healthcare quality improvement initiatives. Courses in this track focus on leadership in healthcare quality and safety, preparing you to spearhead policy changes for better patient care and increased efficiency.

Track Course Descriptions

Your 7-course healthcare quality and safety track explained

Your entire MSN degree consists of 12 courses (36 credits). For 5 of your courses, you’ll take the Master of Science in Nursing core (15 credits). If you choose the healthcare quality and safety track, the remaining 7 courses (21 credits) will focus specifically on healthcare quality and safety coursework. In addition to the online coursework, you'll complete 135 clinical practicum hours under the guidance of a preceptor.

Courses may include:

Course ID: IHP 604
This interprofessional course will take learners through the process of healthcare delivery from a quality and safety lens. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of how quality is measured, tracked, and improved in healthcare. They will focus on organizational assessments, commonly used tools, and the application of analytical frameworks to identify the root cause of an event. Learners will gain knowledge of healthcare data relevance, use of change management principles and tools, and evaluation methods.
Course ID: IHP 610
In this interprofessional course, students will examine the ways that stakeholders and interest groups can influence health law and policies. Students will examine ways to articulate the needs of individuals, communities, and vulnerable populations based on cultural, socioeconomic, and political factors to key decision makers. They will explore concepts and principles of public health, health law, health policy, finance, and risk management in healthcare. Students will gain knowledge regarding health law and policy to inform decision-making.
Course ID: IHP 630
In this interprofessional course, students will explore healthcare reimbursement systems and financial principles relevant to strategic planning for healthcare organizations. Topics explored include revenue cycle management, governmental and non-governmental payment methodologies, and financial accounting principles. Students will gain knowledge of reimbursement methods and models, regulatory compliance requirements, and collaborative teamwork principles related to revenue cycle management.
Course ID: IHP 670
In this interprofessional course, students will explore program planning, design, and evaluation. Topics explored include needs assessment, cultural competency, ethics, and data analytics. Students will utilize project, financial, and resource management skills to achieve the outcomes of the proposed program. They will gain an understanding of how community needs assessments and resource allocation are used in program proposals. Students will also apply leadership skills that facilitate the program planning process.
Course ID: NUR 659
In this course, students will explore the impact of regulatory and accreditation standards on organizational compliance and liability. Topics will include accreditation and regulatory standards, compliance, and advocating for a culture of safety. Students will lead change by developing person-centered solutions that mitigate risks and promote quality and safety.
Course ID: NUR 675
In this course, students will examine topics in preparation for practicum experiences such as the best practice for leadership, education, information technologies and management, and healthcare quality and safety. They will gain skills in the application of leadership, the use of informatics, and address a range of safety and quality considerations. Students will utilize data to guide decisions, evaluate safety and quality, while integrating leadership skills into the role of the MSN professional.
Course ID: NUR 689
In this practicum, students will synthesize prior learning and theoretical foundations of healthcare quality and safety in the development of an implementable quality improvement project or change initiative. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through a risk mitigation assessment, the development of recommendations, and the dissemination of a healthcare quality and safety improvement plan to a targeted audience. Students will engage in 135 hours of supervised, direct clinical practice experiences to demonstrate synthesis and application of knowledge, skills, and behaviors of the healthcare quality and safety role.

Visit the course catalog to view the full MSN, Healthcare Quality and Safety track curriculum.

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Upcoming term starts: July 6, 2026 | September 21, 2026

Next term starts:
April 20, 2026

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

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Faculty Profile

Learn from dedicated instructors

With Southern New Hampshire University's online MSN programs, you'll learn from instructors with industry experience. All of our 100% full-time faculty members are doctorally prepared and come to the classroom with real-world healthcare experience.

Featured Faculty

Dr. Debra K. Sowell, DNP, RN

Dr. Debra K. Sowell joined Southern New Hampshire University in 2016 as an adjunct faculty member with her decades of experience in healthcare and higher education. In 2018, she transitioned to her current position, serving as graduate faculty team lead, patient safety quality capstone coordinator and healthcare quality safety practicum coordinator. In 2023, Sowell received the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty.

Position
Clinical Faculty, Graduate Nursing

Joined SNHU
2016

Education

  • DNP from Duquesne University
  • MSN and BSN from South University
  • Diploma in Nursing from Baptist Medical System School of Nursing

"In the MSN, Healthcare Quality and Safety program, you'll participate in simulated and clinical experiences as you complete course work. In addition, you'll get supervised, clinical practicum hours in a healthcare setting that focuses on safety and quality."

Read more about Dr. Debra K. Sowell and other online faculty at SNHU.

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No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms. You can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.

MSN admission requirements for the healthcare quality and safety track are:

  • Must maintain an active unencumbered registered nurse license. Licensure exam must be equivalent to NCLEX-RN examination. (If a student holds active licenses in more than 1 state/jurisdiction, all licenses must be unencumbered.)
  • Must have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN, CCNE or CNEA).
  • The required minimum cumulative GPA for MSN admission is a 3.0. For purposes of MSN admission, cumulative GPA is calculated by including the pre-licensure BSN or associate degree/diploma in nursing and the BSN.
  • Must complete the MSN Program Acknowledgement Form.

Provisional acceptance may be extended to applicants with an undergraduate GPA between 2.67 and 2.99.

SNHU nursing programs are not authorized in the state of Washington or U.S. territories, and we are not accepting students residing in Washington state or U.S. territories into nursing programs at this time. Currently enrolled students who move into the state of Washington or a U.S. territory will not be able to continue in nursing courses until they move out of the state of Washington or the U.S. territory. Prospective students are encouraged to contact admission, and current students should contact their advisor, for more information.

Please note that we are currently only accepting students in the family nurse practitioner track in the following states: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and New Jersey. Students must reside in 1 of these states while taking FNP courses at SNHU, and all practicum experiences must be completed in 1 of these states. Please note that the family nurse practitioner track is accepting applications from a limited number of students per term.

Applicants and students are advised that their success in their chosen program may be dependent on an ability to meet the Nursing Program Health and Technical Requirements (PDF).

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Southern New Hampshire University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791.

NECHE Logo CCNE Accredited Logo

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$659
$1,977
$23,724
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Students enrolled in the MSN program may be subject to ongoing licensure checks through a third party vendor, additional fees will apply and may vary by state.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,977 $3,954 $5,931 $7,908
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $21,747

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,770

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,793

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,816

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do when I finish my healthcare quality and safety track?

With your MSN, Healthcare Quality and Safety degree, you'll be qualified to pursue roles as a nurse leader. Top treatment centers – including American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet hospitals – typically seek nurses with master's degrees to take their patient care to the next level.

Occupations

You'll have the knowledge and skills you need to serve as a nurse leader in various healthcare settings, including:

Take the lead in a number of hospital settings, including emergency departments, trauma centers, intensive care and cardiology.

Improve the outcomes of patients by identifying inefficiencies and potential safety and quality measures and make recommendations to update policy, communication and culture.

28%
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Job growth projected nationally for medical and health services managers through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$110,680
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The median annual wage nationally for medical and health services managers as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

George Carillo, who earned his degree from SNHU in 2020.

I had a good experience with my online studies. The program challenged me and provided ample opportunities to enhance my literature appraisal and writing skills.

George (Jorge) Carillo '20

Frequently Asked Questions

Healthcare quality and safety is a discipline within nursing that focuses on improving care outcomes through process, policy, practice and culture on both a macro and micro level. Nurses are one of many healthcare professionals that play a role in healthcare safety and quality.

With SNHU's MSN, Healthcare Quality and Safety track, you can gain the skills you need to lead teams as they implement better patient care processes. Armed with these skills, you can help make healthcare settings safer in a number of ways – such as preventing infection rates, establishing checks and balances to mitigate mistakes, and facilitating communication between staff, patients and their families.

Learn more about quality improvement in healthcare.

Healthcare quality and safety are very closely tied together. According to the National Academy of Medicine, patient safety is "indistinguishable from the delivery of quality health care."2

Together, healthcare quality and safety are designed to reach desired outcomes, prevent error, learn from errors when they do occur and build a culture that prioritizes the well-being of all patients, professionals and organizations.

The obvious answer is that better healthcare quality and safety measures lead to better care. Beyond that, the numbers indicating adverse harm in healthcare settings are staggering. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) specifically noted that, in high-income countries, 1 in 10 patients is harmed while receiving hospital care.3 This harm is reportedly caused by a range of adverse events, and nearly 50% of these cases are considered preventable.3

Consider, too, that this data predated the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent world events have further exposed the vulnerabilities of systems within healthcare — from staffing to supply chain to a host of other complex needs.

In its 2021 report, "The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity," the National Academy of Medicine points out some of the issues that have come to light:

"In the current health care system, care is often disjointed, with processes varying between primary and specialty care and between traditional and emerging care sites," the report notes.4 "People may not understand the processes of the health care system, such as where they will receive care, how to make appointments, or the various providers with whom they may come into contact."4

Because of this, today's nurses need to be well-versed in the art of "care management" – a cornerstone of healthcare safety and quality that can help deliver superior outcomes for the patients that need it most.

At colleges and universities, a track is a focused area of study within a larger degree program. A track can replace elective coursework in the major or discipline, allowing you to focus your studies in a specific area of interest. At SNHU, our online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers 5 specialized tracks to choose from — nursing executive leadership, healthcare quality and safety, family nurse practitioner, population healthcare and nursing education.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations 

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm (viewed Jul. 9, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm (viewed Jul. 9, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2National Center for Biotechnology Information, Defining Patient Safety & Quality Care, on the internet, at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2681/ (viewed Jul. 9, 2024)

3World Health Organization, 10 facts on patient safety, on the internet, at https://www.who.int/news-room/photo-story/photo-story-detail/10-facts-on-patient-safety (viewed Jul. 9, 2024)

4National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25982. (Jul. 9, 2024)