What is an MPH Degree and What Can You Do With It?
Health | 10min Read
MSN in Healthcare Quality and Safety Online Master of Science in Nursing
Program Overview Why get an MSN in Healthcare Quality and Safety online?
Become an advocate for change and develop skills to implement a culture of safety with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Healthcare Quality and Safety online degree from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
This MSN track can help you become a leader in healthcare quality and safety, capable of advocating for policy change to improve healthcare outcomes and promote a continual state of readiness.
Skills you'll learn:
- Healthcare technologies
- Advanced communication
- Equitable health policies
- Quality improvement
- Integrated healthcare systems
Courses & Curriculum Online MSN quality and safety courses to help you succeed
Our MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and based on professional nursing standards and guidelines. The MSN Healthcare Quality and Safety curriculum promotes advanced nursing knowledge across the 4 spheres of care and is grounded in evidence-based practice, interprofessional leadership and global health awareness.
In addition to the online coursework of the healthcare quality and safety track, you'll complete 135 clinical practicum hours under the guidance of a preceptor, providing an opportunity to apply theory to practice.
Online MSN safety and quality degree courses
The online MSN in Healthcare Safety and Quality courses are designed to help you build the skills you need to advocate for a culture of safety and promote a continual state of readiness.
Courses may include:
Global Health and Diversity
Course ID:
IHP 501
In this interprofessional course, learners will explore major global health challenges and their impact on healthcare delivery systems. Topics explored include determinants of health, multiple approaches to advance health, social justice principles, and strategies to advocate for social justice. Learners will gain knowledge to apply social justice and human rights principles to address global health and wellness.
Healthcare Quality and Improvement
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.
Health Policy and Law
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.
Healthcare Finance and Reimbursement
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.
Program Design, Planning and Evaluation
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.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MSN in Patient Safety and Quality curriculum.
ANCC Accredited Provider
At Southern New Hampshire University, we’re committed to your success — even beyond graduation. That’s why we’re dedicated to delivering accredited continuing education to nurses and healthcare professionals. From 1-hour webinars to multi-day conferences and more, these opportunities are built to help you continue to meet the community needs across the globe.
Visit our SNHU continuing education page to learn more.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- Clinical practice experience (CPE): Clinical practice hours are incorporated into all SNHU graduate nursing tracks.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) requires that all CCNE-accredited baccalaureate, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, as well as post-graduate APRN certificate programs, include clinical practice experiences appropriate for the roles for which students are being prepared. This requirement extends not only to the overall degree or certificate program but to each track within the degree and/or post-graduate APRN certificate program.
SNHU incorporates these authentic learning experiences into your MSN program through indirect and direct clinical experiences. You'll be able to achieve these CPE hours through coursework and assignments and time spent under the guidance of a preceptor, depending on your track choice. Connect with our Student Experience team to learn more about clinical practice experiences by track.
Students enrolled in the MSN program must comply with requirements of the organizations where their clinical practice experiences/practicum will be completed. These requirements may include (but are not limited to) a criminal background check, active and unencumbered license verification, immunization records and professional liability insurance. Students may incur additional costs to meet organizational requirements (ex. drug screening, physical examination, copay, etc.). These requirements must be met prior to registering for the clinical practice experience course.
It is a requirement that nursing students carry their own medical malpractice insurance while enrolled in practicum courses. At least 2 terms prior to the start of the clinical components, students will be required to demonstrate proof of having an active individual medical malpractice certificate.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Students enrolled in the MSN program courses are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum system hardware, software and equipment. In addition to the SNHU technology requirements, MSN healthcare quality and safety track students should have the following:
- 10Mbps or higher for ideal streaming (download)
- Ability to record (webcam and microphone are often built into laptop or computer)
- A laptop is recommended
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
HEaRT challenge
Looking to gain professional healthcare experience even before you graduate? Do it with HEaRT.
Specially designed for learners in healthcare and nursing, HEaRT (Higher Education and Real World Training) is a powerful experiential learning opportunity at SNHU. These online, asynchronous, voluntary experiences help connect you with employers to help solve real-world business problems, so you can be ready to make an impact in your field.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: Aug. 25, 2025 | Nov. 10, 2025
Next term starts:
June 9, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
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 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 in Patient Safety and Quality 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.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
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.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
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).
Step 3: Make your decision.
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.
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.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377
If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466
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.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Receive an online tuition discount if your organization has partnered with SNHU for educational benefits. See if your organization partners with us.
Career Outlook What can I do with an MSN safety and quality degree?
An MSN in Healthcare Safety and Quality can help prepare you to pursue roles as a nurse leader. Top treatment centers – including ANCC Magnet hospitals – are seeking nurses with advanced degrees to take their patient care to the next level.
Occupations
When you earn your MSN in patient safety and quality, you'll gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in various healthcare settings, including:
Acute Care
Take the lead in a number of hospital settings, including emergency departments, trauma centers, intensive care and cardiology.
Insurance Companies
Improve the outcomes of patients through identifying inefficiencies and potential safety and quality measures and make recommendations to update policy, communication and culture.
28%
Job growth projected for medical and health services managers through 2032, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$110,680
The median annual wage for medical and health services managers as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1
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
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
What is an MSN in healthcare quality and safety?
MSN stands for Master of Science in Nursing. An MSN is a graduate-level degree designed to help prepare registered nurses for success in an advanced healthcare role. 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.
At Southern New Hampshire University, you can earn your online MSN in Healthcare Safety and Quality, or pursue one of our other online MSN tracks: nursing executive leadership, population healthcare, nursing education or family nurse practitioner.
What is the nurse's role in healthcare quality and safety?
Nurses are one of many healthcare professionals that play a role in healthcare safety and quality.
Patient safety is not one single person's responsibility – it's a systematic issue that requires effective leadership, teamwork and communication.
As a nurse with an online MSN Healthcare Quality and Safety, 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.
Does having an MSN make you an NP?
This depends on your chosen track. MSN tracks can help prepare you for roles in leadership, administration, population health, nursing education, nurse practitioner and more.
If you are interested in becoming an NP, Southern New Hampshire University does offer a family nurse practitioner track. This track aligns with nurse practitioner competencies and can help prepare you for nationally recognized nurse practitioner exams. After successfully passing an NP exam, you can then apply to your state board of nursing to become a practicing NP.
What is the relationship between healthcare quality and safety?
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.
Why is healthcare quality and safety important?
The obvious answer is that better safety and quality 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.
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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)