physical therapy degree or mba after BSN ?

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Hi everyone, I'm a male nursing student,

I'll be graduating very soon and I'm lost about what to do next.. Here's what I've been thinking about:

1- masters in public health

2- mba

3- physical therapy

Now to get a mph I need 2 years of experience, so during that time I'm thinking of getting an mba degree or a physical therapy degree (basically because of the good money and an escape from nursing in case I don't like it anymore)...

Any advice for me? Thank you

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

I believe physical therapy requires doctoral degree to enter into practice. Do you intend to work as a nurse since you are getting BSN? What would you do with MBA or MpH?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

In Texas a Masters is required for PT; there's a push to go the next level to PHD but not yet.

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Specializes in NICU.

You haven't even graduated and you are looking for alternatives if nursing doesn't work out. Isn't that the same as "I'm about to get married. Does anyone have any suggestions for online dating just in case this marriage doesn't work?"

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Kudos for thinking ahead, but you literally just mentioned three entirely separate graduate paths.

The MPH is somewhat terminal but offers little other than the "public health" component and will be the least paying.

The MBA is a fantastic choice but it will need a specialty like HCA, accounting, or HR to see the rewards.

As for the PT if you do the masters it will not be terminal therefore eventually you will need the PHd and this will be most limiting of the three options.

However, a graduate degree is a must, so I say do what gives you the most options in or out of healthcare, you do not want to be stuck because you got a graduate degree that is not applicable outside of a certain field.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Hmmmm, let me think.... work as a nurse? I know, it's crazy. You should spend 2-3 years learning your craft. Then, you can probably answer your own question. Good luck.

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Specializes in Psychiatric, Aesthetics.

I know I'm a chick in school, but my sister-in-law has her BSN and MBA.

My dermatilogist/plastic surgeon is an MD and has her MBA, they both have diverse careers. I know many men who have, and or, would like an MBA. From what I've seen an MBA can serve medical professionals well! I'm going back to my forums now...:)

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Hi everyone, I'm a male nursing student,

I'll be graduating very soon and I'm lost about what to do next.. Here's what I've been thinking about:

1- masters in public health

2- mba

3- physical therapy

Now to get a mph I need 2 years of experience, so during that time I'm thinking of getting an mba degree or a physical therapy degree (basically because of the good money and an escape from nursing in case I don't like it anymore)...

Any advice for me? Thank you

I did my MPH in epidemiology before I did my BSN. You'll have plenty of opportunities afterwards depending on your interest. I didn't have any experience before I did my MPH... So I'm not sure why you need 2 yrs exp before hand. It's nice to have, but not mandatory.

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Specializes in psychiatric nursing.

I don't know about the other paths much. But, I did get accepted to physical therapy school last year so I know a bit more about that field. I actually switched paths and got accepted to an entry-level master's of nursing program this year.

Anyways, PT is not easy to pursue because you need several hours of volunteering/working/observing a physical therapist. It can't just be any department in the hospital/clinic- it actually needs to be directly near physical therapists. Also, you need to take your GRE (probably required for all the paths you listed anyways), have a strong science GPA, plus you are required to have 1-2 recommendations from current physical therapists. The previous posters mentioned hospitals requiring a master's degree in PT, but PT schools have now transitioned to all DPT (doctor of physical therapy- it's not a Ph.d because it's a clinical degree).

The DPT program is 3 years long full-time and I heard it's basically impossible to work at least for the first 1-2 years (consider how you're gonna pay for grad school). One of the reasons why I switched from PT to nursing is because of tuition vs pay. By that, I mean that you will pay a ton of money for PT school (not including living expenses), but the amount you make doesn't really fit how much you pay for school. If you've looked into PT, hopefully you've looked into OT (occupational therapy) too. OT's have yet to transition from master's to doctorates, but OT graduates and PT graduates essentially make the same amount of money. If you're paying extra to get a DPT, you'd think you'd get paid more than an MSOT/MOT, but you don't. I don't think the PT degree is worth it unless you're passionate about PT. It's pretty expensive and it's a heck of a lot more competitive than BSN schools.

The thing about MPH though is that I heard that you can get a lot of fellowships/scholarships/work study, so you won't be paying as much to get the degree- but it probably depends on the school too.

Honestly, the BSN is a great degree. It's worth it because you get pretty good pay (depending on the area) to how much tuition you paid (assuming you got scholarships). There's also a chance to move up by pursuing a master's or a doctorate in nursing and become an APRN. Anyways, message me if you want more info on PT. I spent all 4 years in college working towards it- so I've done the work and research for that path.

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Hello. I have a BSN and have worked a total of two years in two different hospitals. I know that that was not for me. I am presently enrolled in an MPH program that is hybrid (on-line and meets 1x/week) but will soon transition to on-line only. I like the program since it allows you to work. The emphasis of my MPH is Leadership and Organizational Change. It is an accredited program in Ohio. I am also a PT Assistant since 1997. I am lucky to have such a diverse background. I think that, at the end of the day, it is how you present yourself. A degree gets you to the door. What you do next is up to you! Good luck!

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Amazing men in nursing title and 15 women show up to give us opinions always fun stuff......Your gonna need a BSN program. I would suggest "putting in the time, for my state it is 1500 hrs" retract from nursing all together, get your MBA. If you wanna be a nurse after do it

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.
Amazing men in nursing title and 15 women show up to give us opinions always fun stuff......Your gonna need a BSN program. I would suggest "putting in the time, for my state it is 1500 hrs" retract from nursing all together, get your MBA. If you wanna be a nurse after do it

Sorry - are we (wimmens) offending? Is the information or advice gender-specific?

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