Finished my MBA-HM last week. Ask me anything!

Nursing Students Western Governors

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Not completely nursing school related, but I have been concurrently enrolled in 's MBA Healthcare Management while working on my MSN/FNP. As of last week, I've completed all requirements and submitted for graduation. It's a great feeling to have the first of two Master's degrees done!

If anyone is interested in this program, feel free to ask me anything. I was enrolled in the "old" MBA program. The new MBA program has replaced many of the papers with exams, and I know nothing about them. I definitely would have rather taken the exams!

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How long did it take?

From start to finish, it took me 10 months. I probably could have gone more quickly, but 1) I wouldn't have retained much information, and 2) I was (and still am) also working on my MSN. I wouldn't recommend attempting to go any faster, unless you truly know the material. There is no value in the credential if you have no clue what you're doing when it's all said and done!

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Why did you do it, if you're working on becoming an NP?

So many NP's, PA's, physicians, and other healthcare providers have absolutely no idea how to actually run a business -- or at least how to run one efficiently. I wanted to differentiate myself on job applications, particularly when applying to practices that are not managed by a larger healthcare organization.

Additionally, I want to eventually open my own practice after getting a lot of solid clinical experience. I need to have that business foundation in addition to clinical skills to be able to operate a successful practice.

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Did your wife hate you for working on two Master's degrees at the same time while you have a new baby to raise?

No, my wife was very supportive and understanding. But, it was (and still is) definitely tough to focus on school while taking care of my awesome baby girl. I figure, why not get school out of the way now, while she's little and won't remember that daddy stared at his laptop all the time? ;)

[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR]I know this post is from several months ago but I was previously in the old MBA program format and took a leave of absence as it was too much me for me at the time as I did not have a business background. I am now returning but I will be taking the new MBA format which I think will be better. Were the objective assessments time consuming or were you able to move through them pretty quickly? I got my BSN from and was able to complete it very quickly and I hope to do the same with the MBA but now I am a bit concerned with the extra work and capstone.

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Specializes in Emergency, Case Management, Informatics.
Were the objective assessments time consuming or were you able to move through them pretty quickly?

featherzRN would definitely be the person to address this. Perhaps she'll bounce back in here.

I am a bit concerned with the extra work and capstone.

The capstone isn't that bad, depending on what your topic is and how well your employer will work with you on it. I don't think you necessarily have to use your employer, but it does make it a lot easier as you'll already have access and contacts. You'll also already have a good idea of things that need improvement.

I would just advise to start working on the capstone as soon as possible. At least get a skeleton of a plan in place and let your higher-up's know what you're working on. You never know what kind of bureaucracy you'll run into along the way.

Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.
[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR] Were the objective assessments time consuming or were you able to move through them pretty quickly? I got my BSN from WGU and was able to complete it very quickly and I hope to do the same with the MBA but now I am a bit concerned with the extra work and capstone.

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I didn't find the assessments difficult at all and it seems that people in the new program move through much more quickly than those in the old program. I have my BSN from also and completed the MBA in three months. The big snags for most people are the tests for finance and for economics - I'm a mathy type of person and did well on these but I did use outside resources to help me study.

I didn't find the assessments difficult at all and it seems that people in the new program move through much more quickly than those in the old program. I have my BSN from also and completed the MBA in three months. The big snags for most people are the tests for finance and for economics - I'm a mathy type of person and did well on these but I did use outside resources to help me study.

Ok, thank you, this is encouraging.

featherzRN would definitely be the person to address this. Perhaps she'll bounce back in here.

The capstone isn't that bad, depending on what your topic is and how well your employer will work with you on it. I don't think you necessarily have to use your employer, but it does make it a lot easier as you'll already have access and contacts. You'll also already have a good idea of things that need improvement.

I would just advise to start working on the capstone as soon as possible. At least get a skeleton of a plan in place and let your higher-up's know what you're working on. You never know what kind of bureaucracy you'll run into along the way.

Thank you for the input. I am still on the fence about obtaining my MBA.

Congrats! I am taking the same route you did...if I can get this is Capstone! I am 1 course shy of finishing the MBA-HM and I have already applied to several schools for ANP and NPP. Question: can you give any tips on the last task of the capstone or email me directly as I have more questions for you. [email protected]

Thank you!

Just wondering how those who've graduated since this thread first started -- I'd love to hear updates on the job front from grads of this program, thanks!

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