MSN or PhD when I already have an MBA

allnurses Guide · Apr 19, 2009

What do you want to do with it? There's no point getting either an MSN or a PhD just for the hell of it. Usually it's best to work a bit, figure out what job/specialty you'd like to concentrate on, and then figure out what degree will get you there.

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 19, 2009

Either choice could be the wrong one if it doesn't match your career/personal goals. If you want an academic career -- focusin on research, publishing, teaching, etc. -- then a PhD is for you. If you have the opportunity to do it now, I would take it.

However, a PhD program will require you to make a much larger committment -- both to your studies in general and also to a particular topic that you study in depth for a few years. Are you ready to make that big of a committment? Or are you at a point where you still want/need to explore a variety of topics and specialties? If you are not ready, I would recommend waiting a bit ... trying out a few things first to help you find a focus for your career.

In your OP, you said you were not even sure of your specialty yet. I recommend settling on a specialty and getting some experience in it before you enter a PhD program. The purpose of a PhD program is to make you one of the world's leading experts in a particular topic -- so, it will be to your advantage to enter the program with a least a mid-level degree of knowledge and competence in the area that your studies are focusing upon. Image getting 2/3 of the way through the program only to discover that the topic is not a good fit for you.

You might take a few classes while you try out a few things in the job arena to help you feel confident in your choice ... but I would recommend waiting until you are sure of yourself and your goals before you make such a large committment of time, effort, and money.

llg, PhD, RN

MBARN · Apr 19, 2009

I plan to consult and research. I think that article that I am writing about could lead to a research focus and be expanded to include a few consulting projects. I plan to used my business skills in nursing and migrate more towards a nursing/business focus such as administration. It is foolish to waste over 20 years of work experience. Nursing is so diverse that the MBA and hard core business experience can be utilized effectively once I have a few years of nursing under my belt. A PhD will enable me to shuffle into academics when I get older and it will also give the marketing credibility for consulting. Thanks for all the feedback!

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 19, 2009

It sounds like a PhD program would be an OK choice for you. Just be sure you get that actual practical experience in your field before you try to market yourself as an expert in that area.

For example, if you are going to market yourself as an expert in Nursing Administration, then you'll need to get some experience in that. If you are going to market yourself as an expert in Hospital Administration, you will need to get some experience in that (and maybe your PhD should be in Health Services Administration instead of Nursing).

Few people take a consultant seriously if they have never actually done the type of work they claim to have expertise in.

MBARN · Apr 19, 2009

It won't be any of those things, my expertise will focus on basic management issues and the development of increased professionalism within the nursing profession. I will used my business consulting experience and relate it to the health care field.

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 19, 2009

What do you mean by "basic management issues?" Don't they fall under the heading of administration?

MBARN · Apr 19, 2009

What do you mean by "basic management issues?" Don't they fall under the heading of administration?

What I meant was that there are common management issues in every organization whether it be in health care clinics, hospitals or non-health care organizations. Many times specific work in a hospital administrative setting isn't needed when dealing with issues that are prevalent in any large organization. I have consulted with many different kinds of companies in all sizes and didn't have to work in those types of companies to successfully determine their management issues and correct them through education and realignment of business strategy.

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 20, 2009

What I meant was that there are common management issues in every organization whether it be in health care clinics, hospitals or non-health care organizations. Many times specific work in a hospital administrative setting isn't needed when dealing with issues that are prevalent in any large organization. I have consulted with many different kinds of companies in all sizes and didn't have to work in those types of companies to successfully determine their management issues and correct them through education and realignment of business strategy.

But is that previous experience of yours in healthcare? If not, then you should plan on getting some actual work experience in health care -- and particularly in nursing -- if you want to transfer your existing expertise into a health care setting. If the expertise that you want to sell is not directly related to nursing, then why bother getting a PhD in nursing? If you have already done the type of work you want to do and already have the needed experience, then there is no need to go back to school at all. Get a job with one of the health care consulting firms or set out on your own. You don't need 4 more years of education to do that if you already have the qualifications in your chosen field of expertise.

I guess the key question is: What do you hope to learn from additional education? What skills and knowledge are you looking to acquire?

MBARN · Apr 20, 2009

But is that previous experience of yours in healthcare? If not, then you should plan on getting some actual work experience in health care -- and particularly in nursing -- if you want to transfer your existing expertise into a health care setting. If the expertise that you want to sell is not directly related to nursing, then why bother getting a PhD in nursing? If you have already done the type of work you want to do and already have the needed experience, then there is no need to go back to school at all. Get a job with one of the health care consulting firms or set out on your own. You don't need 4 more years of education to do that if you already have the qualifications in your chosen field of expertise.
I guess the key question is: What do you hope to learn from additional education? What skills and knowledge are you looking to acquire?

No, not specifically in health care, that is why I plan to get several years of nursing under my belt and at the same time go to school part time! PhD is needed for consulting and researching and for credibility.

UVA Grad Nursing · Apr 21, 2009

It is particularly important for PhD programs that you study under someone who is actively engaged in nursing research in your general area of interest (for example, reducing LOS, falls/safety, proper ways to train newbies, ethics in decision-making, effective staffing, leadership successions, etc). Do not pursue a PHD for PHD's sake -- find who you want to be mentored by.

Some states require that all nursing faculty have a MSN if you wanted to teach, others do not. So you might need a combined MSN/PHD (even though you have a MBA). Other programs will take your MBA, and you would progress directly to a PHD.

MBARN · Apr 21, 2009

Thank you so much, good advice! I already have 3 professors interested in the article I am writing for academic journal submission. I have an appointment with one of my professors this Friday to discuss all of this, she has a doctorate, MSN and MBA so I think she will be perfect as an insightful mentor!