Mackenzie Fitch has always known she wanted to do more than care for patients at the bedside. Drawn to improving systems, supporting staff, and strengthening team culture, she spent the early part of her career in pediatric critical care before her ambitions pulled her toward a bigger role. What she needed was a degree that could take her there.
That search led her back to Emporia State University (ESU), where she had already earned her bachelor’s degree, to pursue the online Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Manager and Leader. Mackenzie started the program in January 2025 and graduated in May 2026. She is now a clinic practice manager, putting her coursework to work every single day.
Choosing Emporia State a second time was an easy call. Mackenzie already had strong relationships with faculty from her undergraduate years, and the program’s curriculum matched exactly what she was looking for. “I wanted a program that would prepare me for real-world leadership in healthcare; budgeting, conflict management, quality improvement, and ethical decision-making,” she explains. The MSN’s emphasis on practical application over theory and its reputation for developing nurses who think at a systems level confirmed the fit. “ESU’s focus on developing nurse leaders who can think strategically and lead systems just felt right for me.”
The return on investment has already been tangible. Before finishing her degree, Mackenzie had already moved into a formal management position, and the classroom and the job have been deeply intertwined ever since. “This program directly opened the door for my current role as a clinic manager,” she says. “One of the most valuable parts of the experience has been applying what I’m learning in real time to my new position.”
The breadth of the curriculum in the online MSN in Nurse Manager and Leader program has given her a practical toolkit she reaches for constantly. “Courses in leadership, finance, informatics, and quality improvement have directly shaped how I approach staffing challenges, workflow efficiencies, and team communication,” Mackenzie says. She is also completing her practicum with the CEO of her hospital, an opportunity that reflects both her ambition and the program’s commitment to real-world leadership development. “Without that educational foundation behind me, I don’t think I’d feel as confident as I do.”
Learning Without Leaving the Job Behind
As a full-time employee navigating a brand-new leadership role, flexibility was not optional. The online format delivered. “The flexibility of the online format allowed me to continue working full-time while advancing my education. I’ve essentially been taking full-time classes throughout the entire program,” Mackenzie notes. She was able to structure coursework around her schedule and pace, with advisor Dr. Haddock guiding her from enrollment through course planning. “Having someone check in and help with course planning was incredibly reassuring, and I feel like that support system really contributed to my overall success in the program.”
The online format also created something she didn’t fully anticipate: a genuinely rich academic community. The shared professional context elevated every discussion. “Because so many of us were working professionals, the discussions were filled with real-world examples, something I didn’t experience in my undergrad.” Faculty access went far beyond what she expected, too. “In some of my classes I was the only student enrolled, so I really had true one-on-one faculty engagement.”
Mackenzie’s motivations extend well beyond her own career. For her, healthcare leadership is personal. “I’m from a small town, and I genuinely want to better the community I serve,” she says. “By improving systems and supporting healthcare teams, we improve access, safety, and quality of care for the community as a whole.” Her clinical background brings compassion and a ground-level perspective to every leadership decision she makes, and she doesn’t take that responsibility lightly.
Looking ahead, Mackenzie’s goal is to become a Chief Nursing Officer or executive-level nursing leader, and she is building toward it one deliberate step at a time. Her advice to anyone considering the program is direct: “This program will challenge you, but it will grow you tremendously. It is completely attainable for anyone who wants to pursue it.”
Prepare to Advance Your Nursing Career with an Online MSN
Emporia State University’s online MSN in Nurse Manager and Leader program prepares registered nurses to step into healthcare management and leadership roles. The ACEN-accredited program is delivered entirely online and can be completed in as few as 18-24 months, with multiple start dates each year. The 33-credit-hour curriculum, including courses in financial and resource management, quality improvement, strategic management, healthcare law, informatics, and a practicum, is aligned to AONL’s Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) certification standards. Small class sizes support meaningful faculty mentorship, and clinical placement assistance may be available. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
A University Built on Access, Excellence, and Opportunity
Founded in 1863, Emporia State University is a public institution with a longstanding tradition of academic excellence and student support. Located in Emporia, Kansas, the university serves learners across the state, the nation, and around the world through both on-campus and online programs. Emporia State offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees combining rigorous academics with practical experience. The university is committed to accessible education, small class sizes, and meaningful faculty engagement. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Emporia State among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest and among the Top Public Universities in the Midwest.
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