MSN/MBA vs. MSN Nurse Admin./Executive

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I am interested in getting a masters degree, what would be be more beneficial as far as career options? Which would be more desired by employers MSN/MBA or MSN in nursing administration/nurse executive?

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That would depend on what your goals were. Personally, I'd look to the MBA route. An MBA translates into other work areas better than an MSN. Especially useful when you tire of the healthcare system and want to transition into something different.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I think it depends on what your career goals are and the quality of the particular schools you are looking at. Either route is a good one -- but could be bad if the particular program were not of good quality.

I would though, hesitate to get just and MBA without getting the nursing part. Many people believe that a nursing leader should have a graduate education in nursing. So, be sure you get that as part of your educational plan.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

The most popular degree in my area is the combined MSN/MBA. Good luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Agree with previous posters.

In the current healthcare environment, most large organizations are requiring MSN for anyone moving into nurse leadership. This is the credential that indicates advanced education in "nursing". It's also tied to Magnet & other recognition programs.

There are different varieties of MSN programs so you can probably locate one that aligns with your specific areas of interest.

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Your MSN/MBA will take you much further than your MSN because you're more marketable in a myriad of areas related to nursing. Speaking from personal experience, I see more nurses get promoted who also have a business background. If you want to stick to your MSN only, that limits your classification, which is fine. But with the growing area of healthcare and the merging of upper management responsibilities, you might want to think on a broader scale. Best of luck to you in your decision process!

:nurse:

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I personally think there are more options with a MSN. I can teach, be an APN, Nurse executive, etc. but if I had just a MBA I would not be able to have all those options.

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Specializes in Cardiac Surgical ICU.

ok this is probably a dumb question...but to complete an MSN/MBA program wouldn't I have had to majored in business as well?

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
ok this is probably a dumb question...but to complete an MSN/MBA program wouldn't I have had to majored in business as well?

No. You can get into an MBA program without having a Bachelor's in business. There are programs that are longer than the usual MSN program that involves courses in both disciplines for which you get the MSN/MBA combo.

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MBAs usually require about 30 hours of business coursework as a prereq for the grad. level business courses. I was on track to get one once, but I asked myself what I was going to do with it. At that time....I didn't know so I finished the prereqs, aside from operations mgmt, and I moved on.

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