Quality, Safety, and Risk Management MSN

Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Minimum Required Credits: 35.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.3801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9111

About the Program

The MSN in Quality, Safety, and Risk Management (QSRM) in Healthcare program prepares nurses to become leaders in advancing safe, high-quality, and equitable care across all areas of healthcare. Designed for nurses seeking to improve patient outcomes, reduce preventable harm, and foster cultures of safety, this program integrates evidence-based frameworks, systems thinking, and experiential learning to build the core competencies essential for today’s QSRM professionals.

Students develop expertise in quality improvement science, patient and workforce safety, risk mitigation, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and the use of data and technology to support high-reliability healthcare environments. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, systems-level leadership, and the application of improvement science to strengthen processes and outcomes in diverse care settings.

Through practicum experiences, students apply QSRM principles in real-world environments. Practicum placements are tailored to individual professional goals and may include opportunities in patient safety, quality improvement, risk management, accreditation and regulatory compliance, and healthcare operations. These experiences prepare graduates to lead initiatives that improve patient care and organizational performance.

A distinctive feature of this program is that graduates also earn a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Nursing Leadership. This additional credential recognizes that nurses in QSRM roles must lead change, influence practice, and collaborate across disciplines. The PBC strengthens leadership capacity and career potential, preparing graduates to drive organizational improvement and advance strategic initiatives in healthcare quality and safety.

This program also offers a seamless pathway to advanced doctoral study. Students who elect to continue into Drexel’s Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program may apply two courses from the MSN curriculum (NURS 5000 and NURS 5001) toward the DNP program requirements, providing an accelerated progression to doctoral education.
Ultimately, graduates from this program are prepared for leadership roles in clinical quality improvement, patient safety, risk management, regulatory affairs, and healthcare system performance. They are equipped to lead with accountability, integrity, and vision, contributing to safe, reliable, and patient-centered care.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Additional Information

For more information on this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation).

3.0 or above on all previous coursework or the last 60.0 credits completed. Applications from RNs with a GPA less than a 3.0 may be considered on an individual basis.

Official transcripts from all previous educational institutions are required.

Two professional references are required from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to the applicant’s knowledge, skill and potential aptitude for graduate study.

Letters of recommendation are waived for students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Personal statement (no more than two pages and no less than one page, double-spaced) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of the following:
Why you are choosing this particular program of study.
Your plans upon completion of the certificate.
How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this program.

Curriculum vitae or resume.

Copy of current United States RN license is required.

Copies of any Advanced Practice Nursing licensure and certification documents.
While specific experience is not required for applicants to the track, previous related work experience may make an applicant more competitive.

International Students:
International applicants must possess a BSN (or its equivalent) and a current United States RN license.
Additional information can be found here:
https://www.online.drexel.edu/support/international-students.aspx

Degree Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes