Masters Degree??

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I am thinking of getting into case management. I have a bachelors degree but I want to pursue a masters degree. I am just not sure what would be the best to obtain a masters degree in while being a nurse case manager. I do see online they have programs that focus on case management but I'm not sure I want a masters degree that specific. I saw the clinical nurse specialist degree which I thought may be really good. I don't think I want to go the nurse practitioner route because I really don't see myself wanting to prescribe meds and stuff like that. I want to further my education though. I'm wondering what are some of the masters degrees you case managers may have and how it worked out for you in your career choice.

I am also wondering if its really worth obtaining or should I just get the case manager certification instead. I planned on doing both eventually but I'm just unsure. I landed a job as a home health nursing case manager getting paid $39 an hour and I'm really not sure how much more money I'd make if I got my masters degree. So I'm not too sure if the loans would even be worth it. Please give me your advice!

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From what I have seen, the CCM would be more valuable than a master's for a CM. And i certainly wouldnt advise doing a degree as narrow as case management, but I'm sure there are those who feel differently....

But, if you think you may one day want to switch to another specialty or to administration, the masters is a good investment. If you have a union, look at the contract to see if the Masters gets anything extra.

My current CM job does offer extra money for a nursing master's, but not enough to make it worth while. The CCM actually gets more money, and the payment step between adn and bsn is bigger than from bsn to msn.

If you kinda feel you wont have time/energy years down the road to get a master's, and you know you want to join admin or another specialty, by all means do it now. But otherwise, dont bother. You can wait if you want.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

I think NP may give you a more complete view of case management, i.e. thinking beyond start standard nursing care. You can become a NP and not prescribe anything (or even bother seeking prescriptive privileges), but of course you could if it were indeed up your alley.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Tele, PH, CM.

I think the CCM certification would work for you until you decide exactly what you want. Many employers are requiring Masters for case management, as well as Acute Care Experience. My Masters is a MBA in Health Care Management, which is very compatible with the type of CM I do. I do have a CCM certification, as well as CDE, but I got them after I had been in my job for a couple of years.

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Specializes in Casemanager CCM.

Hi ,Katie82 how much did your MBA helped you in your career.Iam thinking about doing MBA,but unbale to decide on general MBA or health care concentration .also Online vs campus MBA . Please advise.

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Specializes in LTC, AL, Corrections, Home health.

I am in the same boat (only in CM for a few years considering higher education) and agree the CCM is probably #1 requirement I see preferred, plus it is easier/cheaper/faster than Obtaining a masters degree.

But if pursuing a masters is the plan, look at schools/options/what is most practical for you— I am a firm believer in looking at the cost benefit analysis of an debt you are considering and if you aren’t 100% sure this is what you want you probably want to wait a bit. MSN with an emphasis in leadership and management is probably what I have seen the most ??

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Specializes in Med Surg, Tele, PH, CM.
On 1/29/2020 at 9:23 PM, Champanurse said:

Hi ,Katie82 how much did your MBA helped you in your career.Iam thinking about doing MBA,but unbale to decide on general MBA or health care concentration .also Online vs campus MBA . Please advise.

I have a MBA with a health care management concentration. I find it very valuable in CM. Many nurses don't have a complete view of the "big picture" of health care, which is certainly useful in they type of CM I do. This is a trend I am happy to see. I love health care, but there is so much more to it than nursing. Go for it.

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