MSN-CM or MBA?

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Specializes in ER and case management.

or MSN Healthcare Administrator?

Which do you think is better served or more flexible? Not sure what I want to be when I grow up. I'm in ED CM now. But someday I would like an office, no patients face to face on a regular basis and real weekends/holidays. Think I can get a double masters? Or just stay with my BSN and call it a day- I turn 50 this year.

If I do go on, know of any schools that aren't $800/credit (loyola) and are regionally accredited. Having bad luck finding one. Thanks for any help!

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You should be able to get that office job without the master's. I had one just like it in my first field case management position, and all the other CMs had diplomas, ADNs, and BSNs.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

I know I will be flamed by those that are wasting his/her money on a specific MSN degree in Case Management in order to have an edge in this field, but I have to speak up.... Your schools are lying to you! You do not need the degree to advance in this specialty and I highly doubt that you ever will...!

In my experience I have found that having a master’s degree is usually a preference for lower level management positions rather than required especially in CM and QA. Obtaining a BSN at least and work experience and/or major connections is the route to entry level and middle level management positions within this specialty. No one really truly cares that your masters (if you have one) is an MSN, MPH, MBA, MSN/MBA Combo, MSN in CM etc. at this level.

On the other hand, executive and senior level managerial positions usually require a master’s degree. However, the concentration can vary unless the position is specialty/expertise specific. I have not seen this to be the case for those who run resource management service areas (national, regional, local, hospital wide, outpatient, etc) and/or ambulatory service areas (national, regional, local, hospital wide, outpatient etc)... So, get your masters (or don’t) in whatever you wish. Good luck.

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Specializes in med/surg.

As far as the career path you should be on, I can't help you there. But if it makes you feel better, I am in Loyola's MJ in health law program and it is $1220 an hour. So feel happy about the $800! I about fell over when I saw the tuition!

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