Best Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online MSN in care coordination program?

An online MSN in Care Coordination trains you to bridge clinical practice and system-level management. Expect coursework in patient-centered care planning, population health, quality improvement, health informatics, and leadership/administrative skills, plus interprofessional communication and ethics.

Most programs include a practicum or capstone to apply care coordination tools and technology in real settings, and typically require an active RN license. The format is fully online, with flexibility but an emphasis on data-driven coordination and outcomes. 

Where can I work with an online MSN in care coordination program?

Graduates can land in both clinical-navigation and managerial care coordination roles: overseeing transitions, optimizing patient flow, and aligning care across settings. Common employers span direct care facilities and system-level organizations.

Top-employing industries:

• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: 147,250 employed
• Offices of Physicians: 68,370 employed
• Outpatient Care Centers: 38,150 employe
• Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities): 28,100 employed
• Home Health Care Services: 25,750 employed

The states with the largest employment bases for these care coordination-related roles include:

• California: 57,310 employed
• Texas: 51,030 employed
• Florida: 35,950 employed
• New York: 25,910 employed
• Pennsylvania: 20,800 employed

How much can I make with an online MSN in care coordination program?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates moving into administrative/leadership care coordination roles (Medical and Health Services Managers) had a median annual wage of $117,960 in May 2024; those in more clinical coordination roles aligned with Registered Nurses saw a median of $93,600 in May 2024.

Other reported salary estimates:

• Zippia: Nurse Coordinator average salary about $79,040 per year.
• Salary.com: Nurse Coordinator roles report roughly $97,000 annually (typical range varies by specialization).
• ZipRecruiter: Clinical Nurse Coordinator sees about $99,600 per year (based on weekly averages). 
• Indeed: Nurse Coordinator compensation averages $38.64/hour (≈$80,400 annually).
• Payscale: Nurse Care Coordinator roles are reported around $31.91/hour (≈$77,704 per year).
• Glassdoor: RN Care Coordinator salary ranges from $81K - $108K/yr, with an average base pay of about $93,015 per year. 

Best Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs for 2025

1. Capella University – MSN in Care Coordination

Capella University is a pioneer in online education based in Minneapolis, MN. Founded in 1993, Capella has grown into a well-known institution for working professionals. It’s recognized for competency-based learning and flexible online programs, especially in nursing and health sciences.

• Program cost: $450 per credit
• Program duration: 12–28 months (flexible pace)
• Total credits: 54 quarter credits
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); CCNE

2. Nebraska Methodist College – MSN Care Coordinator Track

Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) in Omaha, NE is a private health professions college with a strong nursing legacy dating back to 1891. Known for its healthcare focus and close ties to Methodist Health System, NMC offers small class sizes and personalized support for students.

• Program cost: $588 per credit
• Program duration: ~2 years
• Total credits: 39 credits
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); CCNE

3. University of Missouri – Master of Science in Care Management

Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri (Mizzou) is the state’s flagship public research university. Located in Columbia, Mizzou is known for strong healthcare programs through its Sinclair School of Nursing and for pioneering interdisciplinary research. As Missouri’s most comprehensive public university, it offers students robust resources and a rich academic tradition.

• Program cost: $561.80/credit (in-state tuition for online students)
• Program duration: 3 years (part-time; can be accelerated)
• Total credits: ~36 credits (varies by prior coursework)
• Program/School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

4. Caldwell University – MSN in Population Health 

Caldwell University is a private Catholic university in Caldwell, NJ, founded in 1939. It is known for its strong liberal arts tradition and expanding health programs. The university’s small-community feel provides students with individualized attention in both campus and online settings.

• Program cost: $564 per credit
• Program duration: 2 years (6 semesters part-time)
• Total credits: 36 credits
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); CCNE

5. Robert Morris University – M.S.N. in Nursing Leadership: Care Coordination

Robert Morris University (RMU) is a private university in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, founded in 1921 and named after the American founding father Robert Morris. RMU is renowned for career-focused education, especially in business, healthcare, and technology fields. The School of Nursing, Education and Human Studies offers modern online programs with the personal attention of a smaller university.

• Program cost: $745/credit
• Program duration: ~1.5 years (accelerated full-time)
• Total credits: 36 credits (approximately)
• Program/School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); CCNE

6. Western Governors University – RN-to-MSN Leadership & Management 

Western Governors University (WGU), based in Utah, is an innovative nonprofit university founded in 1997 by U.S. governors. Renowned for its competency-based education, WGU serves students nationwide entirely online. It has a solid reputation for affordability and flexibility, especially for working adults.

• Program cost: ~$5,035 per 6-month term (graduate portion)
• Program duration: ~1–2 years (self-paced)
• Total credits: Competency-based (no fixed credit count)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; CCNE

7. Purdue University Global – MSN (Executive Leader Track) (Online)

Purdue University Global is the online branch of Purdue University, a top public research university. While Purdue Global launched in 2018, its roots stem from Kaplan University’s programs. It offers career-oriented education with Purdue’s academic rigor. Students benefit from extensive resources and alumni networks of the Purdue system.

• Program cost: $420 per quarter credit hour
• Program duration: ~2 years (varies by specialization)
• Total credits: 30–90 quarter credits (depending on specialization)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); CCNE

8. Post University – MSN (Case Management Specialization)

Post University, based in Waterbury, Connecticut, is a for-profit university that traces its roots to 1890 as a business schoolusnews.com. It has grown into an institution known for innovation in online and hybrid learning, especially for adult and military students. Through its American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Post offers an online MSN with a specialization in Case Management – a program that builds skills in care coordination, utilization review, and patient advocacy.

• Program cost: $588/credit (standard term-based track)
• Program duration: 16–24 months
• Total credits: 36 credits
• Program/School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); CCNE

9. Chamberlain University – MSN in Population Health (Online)

Chamberlain University, established in 1889, specializes in nursing and healthcare education. Based in Illinois, Chamberlain has campuses nationwide and a large online student body. It is known as one of the nation’s largest nursing schools and is respected for its extensive support resources (the “Chamberlain Care®” approach) for student success.

• Program cost: $720 per credit (MSN non-NP tracks)
• Program duration: ~2 years (as few as 12 sessions full-time)
• Total credits: 36 credits (12 courses x 3 credits)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); CCNE

10. Seton Hall University – MSN in Health Systems Administration with Case Management

Seton Hall University, founded in 1856, is a private Catholic institution in South Orange, NJ. Its College of Nursing has a long history of excellence and is noted for blending nursing practice with leadership training. Seton Hall’s online graduate nursing programs mirror their on-campus rigor, taught by doctoral-level faculty.

• Program cost: ~$630 per credit (estimated for Nursing Administration track)
• Program duration: ~2 years (30–33 credits, including internships)
• Total credits: 30 credits (plus two clinical internships)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; CCNE

How long does it take to complete an online MSN in care coordination program?

Completion time depends on prior credentials and pacing. Accelerated MSN pathways (including care coordination concentrations) can be finished in 12 to 18 months, especially when built on a BSN foundation. 

RN-to-MSN bridge tracks usually span 18 to 24 months, with traditional RN-to-MSN routes requiring 2 to 3 years full-time and potentially longer if taken part-time. Self-paced or competency-based formats (e.g., some of the shortest RN to MSN online program options) let experienced RNs accelerate completion further, while others balance slower term structures. 

Practical clinical placements or practicums are standard and can extend timeline if scheduling conflicts arise; part-time learners should budget up to three years. The variation reflects transfer credits, delivery model, and whether care coordination is a dedicated track or embedded specialization, but all maintain rigorous, accredited credit requirements.

How does an online MSN in care coordination compare to an on-campus program?

Online and on-campus MSN in care coordination programs largely share curriculum standards and accreditation, so academic quality is comparable, but delivery and logistics differ. Online formats offer far more scheduling flexibility, reduced overhead (no commuting or housing), and broader geographic peer networks, while on-campus programs give more direct face-to-face mentorship, structured cohort cohesion, and easier informal networking.

Professionals researching MSN care coordination salary often note that both online and on-campus graduates are similarly competitive in the job market.

Clinical requirements remain real in both; online students typically arrange local practicum sites, preserving hands-on experience. Technology-mediated interaction substitutes for in-person discussion, and many online programs build virtual simulation and support services to bridge engagement gaps.

Employers generally accept accredited online degrees equally, especially when care coordination outcomes and competencies match those of campus peers. 

What is the average cost of an online MSN in care coordination program?

Online MSN in care coordination tuition fluctuates widely. Surveyed 2024–2025 listings show total program costs from about $18,000 for the most affordable RN-to-MSN bridge tracks to roughly $57,000 for standard online MSN degrees, with a realistic average near $37,500. Professionals exploring MSN clinical nurse leadership salary often consider tuition alongside potential earnings to evaluate return on investment.

Most full MSN programs fall in the $35,000 to $70,000 range, reflecting the added overhead of clinical coordination content, graduate-level coursework, and faculty expertise. Specialized or private programs can charge between $300 and over $1,000 per credit, so per-credit budgeting matters. 

Public or in-state options tend toward the lower end while private or out-of-state online offerings push toward the high end. Beyond base tuition, students should account for technology fees, required simulation software, and any clinical placement administration costs; some programs bundle those, others add them separately, raising the effective total. 

Prospective students are best served by multiplying required credits by per-credit rates and then adding expected extras to avoid sticker shock. 

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online MSN in care coordination program?

Financing an online MSN in care coordination means stacking aid: start with cheap online nursing programs to shrink tuition, then layer federal loans, scholarships, employer tuition benefits, forgiveness, and veteran support.

• Federal student loans: Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS through FAFSA cover most remaining costs; Grad PLUS closes gaps after unsubsidized limits, with income-driven plans available post-graduation.
• Scholarships and grants: Nursing-specific awards from organizations like AACN and other aggregators reduce out-of-pocket expense; some are renewable and target underrepresented or rural nurses.
• Employer tuition reimbursement: Many health systems supplement education costs, and up to $5,250 per year can be excluded from income under IRS Section 127 educational assistance rules.
• Loan forgiveness/service repayment: Public Service Loan Forgiveness and service-backed programs (e.g., Nurse Corps–style commitments) reward care coordination work in public or shortage areas, usually after sustained eligible employment.
• Veteran benefits: The GI Bill, including Yellow Ribbon support for distance learning, helps eligible service members and veterans pay for online graduate nursing degrees.

The graphic below shows that in 2023–2024 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students received $256.7 billion in student aid, highlighting how much funding exists to support an online MSN in care coordination and how much of it you can access.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online MSN in care coordination program?

Admission into an online MSN in Care Coordination program requires verified nursing preparation and readiness; students should also confirm the school’s accreditation and degree-granting status via national data like NCES before applying. Professionals exploring an aerospace engineering online degree may note parallels in prerequisite rigor and the need for verified academic and technical readiness when pursuing specialized programs.

• A BSN from an accredited institution (or equivalent bridge pathway) and an active, unencumbered RN license maintained throughout the program.
• A minimum cumulative GPA (often around 3.0) to demonstrate academic preparedness.
• Letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining goals and relevant experience.
• Relevant clinical or professional nursing experience, which programs evaluate as part of readiness for advanced coordination roles.
• Completion of prerequisite coursework (e.g., statistics, health assessment) if not already satisfied.
• Background checks, drug screening, immunizations, and other clinical clearance steps before practicum placements.
• Basic technical competency with online platforms and electronic health records for digital delivery.

The image shows 147,000 master’s degrees in health professions awarded in 2021–22, highlighting the large and growing peer pool. Meeting prerequisites—BSN, active RN license, GPA, and experience—proves you’re ready and competitive for advanced care coordination roles.

What courses are typically in an online MSN in care coordination program?

An online MSN in Care Coordination blends advanced nursing core content with specialty classes that build leadership, data fluency, policy understanding, and applied coordination skills. Professionals pursuing an online adult-gerontology primary care NP graduate certificate often encounter similar course emphases in leadership, informatics, and patient-centered care. Typical courses include:

• Care Coordination Leadership: Project design, stakeholder alignment, and implementing system-level change.
• Evidence-Based Practice & Population Health: Using research to inform care and improve outcomes across communities.
• Health Informatics / Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging EHRs and analytics to guide personalized and population care.
• Quality Improvement: Measuring performance and redesigning processes for safer, more efficient care.
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Coordination: Navigating compliance, patient rights, and professional standards.
• Interprofessional Collaboration & Communication: Coordinating multidisciplinary teams and transitions in care.
• Healthcare Policy and Systems: Understanding how policy, financing, and organizational structures affect coordination.
• Practicum / Capstone: Supervised real-world application of care coordination strategies and leadership projects.

The following resume-skill breakdown shows why the curriculum matters: courses in leadership, informatics, quality improvement, and communication cultivate top skills such as patient focus, data collection, EMR fluency, and service orientation for nurse coordinators.

What types of specializations are available in an online MSN in care coordination programs?

Among the types of Masters in Nursing, online MSN in care coordination programs allow students to specialize to amplify system-level impact. Common tracks include:

• Population Health: oversee care for communities, reduce disparities, and drive prevention.
• Nursing Informatics: use data and EHRs to improve communication and workflow in coordinated care.
• Case Management: coordinate services, referrals, and follow-up for complex patients.
• Quality Improvement & Patient Safety: lead initiatives to reduce errors and improve transitions/outcomes.
• Healthcare Leadership / Health Systems Management: align organizations and policies to support integrated care pathways.
• Geriatric Care Coordination: focus on aging patients with multiple chronic conditions requiring continuity.
• Chronic Disease Management: manage long-term illnesses through proactive, coordinated interventions.
• Transitional Care: smooth hospital-to-home handoffs to prevent readmissions.
• Behavioral Health Integration: combine mental and physical healthcare for whole-person coordination.

Many programs allow combining concentrations or adapting them to specific employer settings. Choosing complementary specializations boosts influence on care pathways and leadership roles.

The following chart shows leading industries hiring care coordination and health services managers, so selecting specializations like population health, case management, or quality improvement aligns directly with demand in hospitals, outpatient centers, nursing facilities, and home health services.

How do you choose the best online MSN in care coordination program?

Selecting the best online MSN in care coordination program means treating it as a credentials investment; use a checklist to cut through marketing. A systematic comparison prevents wasted time and expensive mismatches.

1. Confirm CCNE/ACEN accreditation for recognized quality, required clinical standards, and eligibility for advanced roles.
2. Prefer programs with an on-campus counterpart, signaling institutional investment and consistent curriculum across delivery modes.
3. Check that clinical placement support is structured, with partner sites and preceptor coordination for online students.
4. Ensure care coordination is a formal track or closely aligned focus matching your goals, and that course sequencing builds measurable competencies.
5. Demand transparency in outcomes—graduation rates, certification pass rates, employment data, and employer satisfaction.
6. Evaluate student services like advising, tech help, and career support, especially for remote learners.
7. Compare total cost and, if non-nurse, how it relates to direct entry MSN programs online for entry flexibility.
8. Consider reputation and employer connections; third-party guides, alumni outcomes, and hiring partnerships validate choices.

What career paths are available for graduates of an online MSN in care coordination programs?

Graduates typically follow a stepped internal ladder, building on coordination, clinical insight, and leadership.

1. Nurse Care Coordinator / Nurse Navigator: entry-level, managing individual patient plans and transitions.
2. Clinical Nurse Coordinator / Senior Care Coordinator: deeper operational oversight of programs and multi-patient flow.
3. Case Management Supervisor / Senior Case Manager: supervises care managers, ensures quality and continuity across populations.
4. Care Coordination Manager / Population Health Manager: designs and integrates broader coordination strategies across departments.
5. Director of Care Coordination / Director of Case Management: sets vision, aligns interdisciplinary teams, and leads organizational initiatives.
6. Executive Leadership (e.g., VP of Care Management or Chief Nursing Officer): system-level integration, strategic oversight, and accountability for care outcomes.

Each promotion leverages prior experience in patient navigation, team collaboration, quality improvement, and strategic decision-making, creating a coherent upward path.

The chart compares 2024–2025 average annual wages for nursing roles, showing that Clinical Nurse Coordinators earn nearly $100K—slightly above registered nurses and well above nursing instructors—illustrating monetary upside as professionals move up the care coordination career ladder.

What is the job market like for graduates of online MSN in care coordination programs?

Graduates with an MSN degree are entering a growth sector where healthcare systems urgently need skilled coordinators and managers. Medical and Health Services Managers—a common advancement target—are projected to grow 29% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average, with a median annual wage of $117,960 in May 2024. 

The U.S. workforce for these roles numbered roughly 755,712 in 2023, indicating both scale and opportunity. Persistent workforce strain and care fragmentation, documented in the 2024 health workforce report, amplify demand for professionals who can streamline transitions, reduce duplication, and improve outcomes. Online MSN care coordination graduates are well-positioned to fill supervisory and strategic gaps in hospitals, managed care, and population health programs, making their credentials a market differentiator in a tight but growing labor environment.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Online MSN in Care Coordination Program

What are the future trends in online MSN in care coordination programs?

Emerging innovations in digital health and data analytics are reshaping care coordination education. Online MSN programs are incorporating advanced telehealth modules, simulation-based clinical training, and artificial intelligence tools to enhance decision-making and patient management. These trends are paired with greater industry partnerships to ensure curriculum relevance and proactive skill development. Professionals transitioning from traditional roles can also explore complementary pathways like accelerated BSN programs USA to stay competitive in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Other Things You Should Know About Online MSN in Care Coordination Programs

What certifications should I pursue after completing an MSN in care coordination?

Graduates often pursue CCCTM (Care Coordination and Transition Management), the CCM (Certified Case Manager) credential, and ANCC’s Case Management Nurse – Board Certified (CMGT-BC™). These validate expertise, are employer-preferred, and require meeting eligibility, passing exams, and ongoing professional development or renewal. Holding one or more boosts credibility and career mobility. 

How do clinical practicums work in online MSN in care coordination programs?

Online students typically secure local practicum sites and preceptors with help from school advisors, alumni, or existing professional contacts; the site and preceptor must be approved. Programs mandate background checks, clinical clearances, and documented hours, with remote supervision and periodic evaluation. Some schools require a short in-person orientation, but most coordination occurs virtually, preserving hands-on experience without relocating. 

What is the difference between care coordination and case management, and will my degree prepare me for both?

Care coordination orchestrates services across systems to ensure continuity and information flow, while case management centers on managing an individual’s specific care journey, often including discharge planning and resource linkage. They overlap: strong coordination underpins effective case management. Most online MSN care coordination degrees teach both frameworks, but some employers or advanced roles expect extra credentials like CCM or CCCTM to signal specialized mastery. 

What technology and support will I need to succeed in an online MSN in care coordination program?

To succeed you need reliable high-speed internet, a recent computer with webcam, microphone, and required OS, plus access to the school’s LMS and any EHR or simulation tools. Programs usually give technology orientation and have help desks for troubleshooting. Schools publish minimum specs and may require specific platforms (e.g., Mac mandate in some accelerated tracks), so verify compatibility early and keep a backup connection to avoid missed deadlines.