Msn or certification?

MSN is the only way to go in my opinion, competition is hard enough even with your MSN.

Yes, if you want to go into administration, you need an MSN (if not a doctorate).

An alternative option is an MBA or MHA. But notice, both of those are Master's degrees as well.

OP: I agree with the others. A certification in health management exist and are important to some degree, but I have never ever seen them trump a Master's degree. They are usually specific to a particular specialty and look good when you work as an Administrator within that particular specialty. With that said, I have the same aspirations as you and am being sought out now for two entry level management positions because I not only have a BSN and nursing work experience, but I also have an MBA (MSNs look good too).

By the way, to break into management is tough even for nurses! You will find that becoming charge is not as hard, but after charge nurse it is a fight! :) I have personally applied to many positons that I qualified for based upon the job description and was rejected for a more qualified candidate. Typically one that already had managerial work experience even though the positons I apply to are entry level managerial positons not requiring management experience. Thus, I highly advise that you not only obtain a Master's degree, network your bottom off and participate on committees and/or QI projects. This will get your face and name out there in a way that speaks of your leadership abilities, your clinical/technical mind, and your personality. Good luck! :)

-Fellow future nurse manager