Health administration vs MSN

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What is the difference between a MSN in nursing for management positions, and a health administration masters degree? They both seem to focus on management, but was curious to if a Master in health administration would lower my chances of being like a main charge nurse. It appears the masters degree would give me a better chance at a head manager position.

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Specializes in tele, med/surg, step down.

Masters degrees in nursing unlocks more doors. For example you could become a nursing instructor with a masters degree in nursing. You could do a post masters certificate NP program after you complete an MSN. You can also do management but with a healthcare administration degree it would be more limiting to administration level work.

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What is the difference between a MSN in nursing for management positions, and a health administration masters degree? They both seem to focus on management, but was curious to if a Master in health administration would lower my chances of being like a main charge nurse. It appears the masters degree would give me a better chance at a head manager position.

I decided against the administration masters degree and instead decided for a MSN because it is more flexible. Some hospitals actually started to favor the CNL (clinical nurse leader) masters degree for charge nurses and even floor managers. Some places prefer a Health care admin degree for managers.

While the MSN gives you some basic knowledge about management, budgeting, HR issues and such it is not as heavily focused on it like healthcare administration. The MSN focuses on mastering nursing practice and not administration though some administration is certainly part of being a manager (not so much of a charge nurse ). There is also a MBA with concentration in healthcare, apparently that is more manager focused and in my opinion probably the more serious degree if you want to manage healthcare systems/manager. Some of my classes were shared by HCA students and to be honest - the thought of non clinicians who have no experience in healthcare or little becoming managers is terrifying, I thardly ever seem to work in practice. If you are a nurse and study HCA it is a different story but there were many students who just want a "career in healthcare without getting dirty or stressed out" - some of them have never seen a hospital or nursing home from the inside.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
was curious to if a Master in health administration would lower my chances of being like a main charge nurse.
A master's degree, nursing or non-nursing, is not needed to be a charge nurse or nursing supervisor. The vast majority of charge nurses are educated at the associate or baccalaureate degree level and were selected to fill that role due to experience and solid nursing judgment.
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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

In my organization, an MSN is required for nursing leadership jobs beyond first-line positions. Many of our Chief Nurse Execs have MSN/MBAs... based on my own observations (they're a phenomenal bunch) I would imagine that is pretty much an ideal credential for the role.

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How effective would a BSN and a masters of health services administration be? Would that be better than a MSN? I was just curious because i'm not sure if i'd rather get a master in a practitioner role or a Masters degree for a management role. Even after I got the masters in health service administration there is no promise I will get any type of management role. There is another route though I could get my masters in a practitioner role, and then get a doctorate in healthcare administration. it teaches the same stuff as the masters and a bit extra. Any input?

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

I'd suggest getting the BSN, and keep your eyes and ears open as to where you want to end up. As you go through school, your interests WILL change.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I've known a few nurses to complete their MBA, and I am presently enrolled in an MPH program. I considered the MSN, but my interests are broad, so the MPH is worthwhile for me.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I perceive the MHA as carrying more stroke if you're trying to separate from nursedom and become a COO, CIO, CFO, CEO, etc.

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