Yet more MSN vs. MBA advice needed again

[RN34TX]

I participated in an MSN vs. MBA type thread when I was just finishing my BSN 3 years ago. Some questions answered, but still more cloudy areas as I continue on in nursing 3 more years later.

It seems like a lot of responses are of the "It depends on what you want to do" variety and that I shouldn't pick a degree without knowing what the job is like before I get it.

But do I really need to be working as a nurse manager or administrator with my BSN first? I followed a manager around during my BSN completion program, and now that I often work in the charge nurse position and have constant interaction with both my manager as well as the house administrator all day, I feel that I have a pretty good grasp of what those roles are and what they entail.

I'm happy as a staff nurse for now but plan on moving to a more administrative role another 5-8 years from now.

I'd rather get started now and have the degree completed before I even attempt to apply for such positions but is this the wrong approach?

I am very interested in learning more about the business side of healthcare. It's the only type of masters that I've had any ambition in completing.

There is no longer any doubt at this point that I have no desire to teach or get another clinical type of degree such as NP or CRNA.

So for me, I believe it's going to be either:

1. MSN with an administration/health systems management type of focus

2. MBA generic or MBA with a health care emphasis or minor

3. MHA or MHSA (Masters in Healthcare Administration or Masters in Health Systems Management)

These are the degrees I see at work every day for people in administrative type roles. If there are others that I should consider, please feel free to enlighten me, but there are already so many options.

For those of you who have the same type of goals/aspirations, why did you choose one degree over the other?

I see so many managers/administrators/directors with the same jobs yet have different advanced degrees, why are some of you getting MSN's and some getting MBA's and MHA's? Why are some of you doing dual degree MSN/MBA's? Is there a big advantage in having both or is this overkill?

Too many choices and need clarification of advantages/disadvantages and when is it the right time to pursue.

[it's hot in phoenix]

I know the choices can be confusing and I took at least 6 months to decide, while finishing my RN-BSN. I decided on the MSN Executive tract/MBA dual degree with Chamberlain and this can allow for me to work in several different aspects. Good luck to everyone in your decisions :up:

[gomusic45693]

Which joint degree would be best for a RN with a BSN who wants to someday become CNO and, eventually, maybe even CEO of a hospital? MSN/MBA or MSN/MHA...I have been told different things; MBA is better because you are eligible to work outside of healthcare, giving you more options and better marketability....MHA is better because it focuses only on the business of healthcare leaving students better prepared for the unique challenges of hospital operation....HELP!

[rwethereyet]

I've heard that if you want to teach at some point, then getting an MSN in Administration/Leadership would be a better move than getting an MBA. Anyone hear this too?

[BCRNA]

If you want to teach nursing, then yes you need to get a degree in nursing. An MBA would prepare you more for teaching undergraduate business classes (though I bet they would not be likely to accept you either if you specialize in nursing only). Also, programs are moving to a DNP. Teaching at the graduate level will require a DNP soon.