[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chief nursing officers (CNOs), sometimes called [hen-ui-link href=”/executive-nurse/”]chief nursing executives[/hen-ui-link], are registered nurses (RNs) with a primary focus on high-level administration. CNOs create policies and processes to maintain compliance, improve patient outcomes, and retain nursing staff. RNs typically need a graduate degree and a few years of supervisory experience before pursuing a CNO position.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores a CNO’s role, including their daily duties, educational requirements, and salary potential. Learn more about how to become a chief nursing officer.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]10+ Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]MSN or DNP[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Job Outlook, 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”mt-0″]+23%for all medical and health services managers[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Chief Nursing Officer?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/chief-nursing-officer/”]chief nursing officer[/hen-ui-link] works under the chief executive officer or the president. This [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurse-exec-vs-admin-vs-manager/”]executive nursing leadership position[/hen-ui-link] manages all operational aspects of a healthcare facility, serving as the link between executive and medical staff. CNOs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, outpatient surgery centers, and government agencies. They tackle human resource issues and handle fiscal responsibilities. An CNO’s responsibilities include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Managing and creating budgets[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ensuring compliance with state and federal laws[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Strategizing to improve nursing care, patient outcomes, and staffing ratios[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Onboarding new nursing staff and implementing retention programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Handling personnel issues and grievances[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working to control costs and stay on budget[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consulting with administrative staff to meet goals and objectives[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maintaining and improving standards of care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Chief Nursing Officer[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an RN is the first step in pursuing a CNO career, but employers typically require additional educational and credentials. Keep in mind that specific licensing and program requirements for RNs vary by state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or BSN Degree From an Accredited Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You need at least an associate in nursing degree (ADN) to become an RN —the minimum educational requirement to take the NCLEX-RN. Many employers prefer to hire RNs with BSNs to improve quality of care. The average BSN takes about four years, unless you complete a bridge program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You typically need a BSN degree to apply for a traditional MSN program. However, the RN-to-MSN degree lets RNs with ADN degrees graduate in two years or less. MSN programs also accept non-nursing degree holders, who can use their general education requirements to complete an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You need to pass the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] to earn your RN license. Most nursing graduates take the exam about one month after earning either an ADN or a BSN degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The exam has a minimum of 75 questions and covers four areas: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. You have up to six hours to take the exam with the option to retake it if you fail.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Clinical Nursing Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You typically complete specialized nursing courses and practicum experiences during a BSN program that provides clinical experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also apply for part-time jobs in the medical field, such as a certified nursing assistant, or find volunteer opportunities to help build experience. Seek out guidance from senior nurses who are willing to mentor less experienced nurses or provide shadowing experiences.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an MSN Degree in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many employers prefer to hire RNs with [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]MSN degrees[/hen-ui-link] for CNO positions since they have an advanced nursing education. A graduate level degree may be the minimum requirement for larger hospital systems.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSN degree also offers the chance to specialize in family nursing, adult-gerontology, nurse midwifery, nurse administration, nursing anesthesia, or nursing informatics, among other specialties.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Even without a BSN, you can pursue a MSN. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-masters-in-nursing-without-bsn-programs/”]ADN-to-MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] only take 24-36 months, but this rigorous program requires a full-time commitment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Leadership and Management in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can get started in nursing administration by specializing in leadership and management as an MSN student.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students can also gain the work experience for a CNO position by applying for membership in shared governance or policy development committees. Some nurses may pursue a role as a charge nurse, assistant nurse manager, or director of nursing in order to prepare for a more senior role as a CNO.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Becoming Certified in Leadership or Informatics[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You do not need certification to become a CNO, but it can set you apart. Earning a certification from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) demonstrates your proficiency and leadership and informatics experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requirements for certification vary. Generally, you need to have at least an RN license, a BSN degree, and clinical work experience to become eligible for a certification exam.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Chief Nursing Officer Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a minimum education requirement, you need a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] to become a CNO. Larger hospital systems typically require an MSN degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs with a nursing diploma or an ADN can increase their nursing knowledge and advance their career by earning a BSN degree. Some nursing schools offer accelerated ADN-to-BSN programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students may also enroll in a traditional, four-year BSN program, provided they complete the prerequisites and meet other admissions criteria.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: First-year and transfer students generally need a 3.0 GPA, high school or college transcripts, and a minimum C grade for prerequisites such as anatomy, biology, and chemistry.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: BSN degrees cover human anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals and health assessments, pathophysiology, nursing research, and theory and pharmacology. A core element of the BSN educational experience includes a practicum.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Four years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Critical thinking skills, health assessments, clinical reasoning and knowledge, implementation of nursing plans, evaluate patients, patient safety advocacy, and collaboration on a healthcare team.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers typically prefer to hire CNOs with an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]MSN degree[/hen-ui-link]. Larger hospital systems typically require CNOs hold an MSN degree as a minimum requirement. You also need an MSN to become an [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN degree holders can specialize in specific areas, such as nursing leadership and management. Many chief nursing officers launch their careers after gaining managerial experience as a nurse practitioner.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: A BSN degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Applicants typically must submit transcripts, an essay, references, and hold a valid RN license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Advanced nursing education in healthcare policy and advocacy, nursing research and an evidence-based practice, health assessments, clinical pathophysiology, and organization leadership.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: 2-3 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Business skills, communication and team building, executive leadership and management, health systems, health policy, nursing care ethics, patient improvement, and technology and information literacy.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Chief Nursing Officer Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN license serves as the basic requirement needed to become a CNO. RNs need to pass the NCLEX exam to get licensed in their state or hold a Compact license. To maintain their license, RNs need to keep documentation of their clinical hours, with requirements varying by state. For instance, Connecticut requires renewal every year, and Colorado every two years. While you do not need an APRN license, CNOs may hold an NP license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification is optional for CNOs, unless required by a specific employer. CNOs who hold an RN license and a BSN degree can validate their leadership experiences with credentials from professional nursing organizations such as the American Nurses Association.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Available certifications for CNOs include the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader and Certified in Executive Nursing Practice Certification through AONL. RNs also obtain informatics and nurse executive credentials.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Chief Nursing Officer[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNOs made an annual average salary of $149,791 as of September 2025, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link]. Many factors influence what you can earn as a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/chief-nursing-officer/”]chief nursing officer[/hen-ui-link] like experience and work setting. For instance, CNOs who have more than 20 years of experience make an average of $163,000 a year, and the top 90% of CNOs earn $232,000 a year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals, outpatient care centers, clinics, and physician offices need chief nursing officers. Nurses often find CNO positions through their employers, nursing job boards, and professional nursing organizations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Chief Nursing Officer[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a chief nursing officer?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a CNO typically takes 8-10 years to meet the typical educational and experience requirements. Earning an MSN often takes 5-6 years to complete. However, graduation timelines vary by student, and if they study part or full time. Many nurses also work for years as RNs and gain management prior to taking on an executive administrative role such as a CNO.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do you need an MBA or MHA to be a CNO?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No. CNOs need a background in executive administration and business, but a master’s in business administration (MBA) or master’s in health administration (MHA) is not a prerequisite. But, an MBA or MHA degree can make you a more competitive candidate for a CNO position at larger hospital systems.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some nurses earn an MBA or MHA in preparation for executive leadership positions. An MBA or MHA degree teaches you about accounting, human resource management, financial management, and marketing, which may provide a competitive advantage over other candidates.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can a DNP be a CNO?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Candidates who hold a doctorate of nursing practice can pursue CNO positions as long as they meet the experience requirements. CNOs typically need several years of experience managing other nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What degrees do you need to be a CNO?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You need at least a bachelor’s degree, if not an MSN degree, to become a CNO. An MSN program helps future CNOs build nursing executive leadership and management knowledge and skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]