DrPH Vs MSN

[Success2011]

Hello All,

I am an RN BSN MSW (masters in SW) with 13 yrs of nursing experience. Currently working as a CM in an acute care setting (Hospital) for the last 5 years. I have worked in different health care settings in my career. I intend to step my game up and apply for leadership roles in Nursing/Case Management. I intend to enroll in a new degree program next spring . What degree will work better? I really don't want to take a pay cut. I want to assume a leadership/Managerial role in Nursing . 5years bedside 8years Case Manager/Community Health experience

[pro-student]

Your goals seem kind of vague. I'm not aware of a lot of leadership roles in case management other than supervisor which would probably require experience more so than an advanced degree. If you're looking to move towards administrative/leadership in healthcare more broadly then an MSN with a focus in administration/leadership is probably a good bet.

DrPH are not common for nurses (although I do know a few nurses with the degree in very high level positions). As a degree in public health practice, they typically require an MPH for admission. If you're after a doctorate with a practice focus, you might want to consider a DNP. A big advantage would be that you can probably earn an MSN in leadership and then decide if you want to continue on to the DNP.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

OP: To add to the above poster, you do not need a doctorate to receive an entry-level or middle management position of nursing case management. Most leadership positions in case management require a BSN and prefer an MSN (and will hire an MSN if given the opportunity). You may want to look at schools that offer MSNs in Leadership, MSNs in Case Management (since that is your focus and passion), and/or just a general MSN. Otherwise, I believe a doctorate in whatever is of interest to you will be suitable too.

[Success2011]

Thanks ya'll. Advice appreciated