RN MBA vs. ARNP vs. RN MSN

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 30, 2010

For careers in nursing administration, an MSN is a must. This is rapidly becoming a requirement even for nurse managers in my area - those with MBAs are having to get an MSN if they want to keep a nurse admin job. Chief Nursing Officers in large healthcare organizations are expected to have doctorates these days. There are some MSN/MBA programs out there, but an generic MBA by itself does not really impress anyone in healthcare.

If you are interested in non-RN healthcare admin, I would suggest obtaining an MBA with healthcare-finance focus because our industry is very different. MHAs are still being hired if they managed to snag a really good fellowship as part of the program.

virgo08 · Sep 30, 2010

HouTx, thank you very much for your response, it was straight to the point. You mentioned the MBA in a healthcare finance: what are the jobs that require that particular degree? Are they paid well? Thank you. :) :nurse:

goingCOASTAL · Dec 21, 2010

Nursing isn't the only part of a hospital that requires management. Theoretically, you could follow the Operations track and work to become a Chief Operations Officer, or Chief Financial Officer ... both which are more likely to lead to a hospital CEO position than an MSN. However, a lot of experienced RN administrators not only have an MSN, but an MBA as well, and many more nurse administrators are stepping into CEO roles as years pass (I personally know two CEOs with RNs who did the COO track).

To my knowledge, hospital administration is the highest paid "anything" a nurse can get. I'm currently finishing my BSN, have a mid-level management job at my hospital, and am currently exploring ALL of my grad school/career path options.

BCRNA · Dec 26, 2010

Are you wanting strictly administration? If so then if your staying in nursing administration then an MSN/ or DNP would be best. At least that's what the hospitals I work at want. Highest paid would actually be certain NP's and CRNA's are the highest paid of all nursing specialties, almost twice as much. Though if you made it to COO or CEO then it would be more if it were at a large hospital. Nurse Managers at my hospital make in the 70,000's. NP's > 80000. Have a friend who makes over 100000, but he works 6o hours a week at two jobs.

If you wanted to be able to get a job away from nursing someday then MBA or other degree might be good.

BCRNA · Dec 26, 2010

You wanted to know salary for RN MBA, at my hospital MSN is required. They will not hire an MBA into nursing administration. You should check out the education of the people at the hospitals you think you might work at. Pick a position you want, find out their education.

alphil · Aug 8, 2011

if you want to move up in administration whether it be in the hospital or any place of employment in the nursing field , which degree would be of better use at this time , a MBA or MSN in administration / education ??? any info will be appreciated folks

MrChicagoRN, RN · Aug 10, 2011

I chose a master of management, virtually the same as the MBA. I figured that a lot of the content in a nursing administration program would be redundant to my BSN and past experience. Plus, I've been a nurse for more than 25 years, and I'd like to have the option of applying to jobs both in, and outside, of the department of nursing. I see many nurse managers, directors, and executives with MBA/MM. Many postings now say "Requires MSN or ____ degree."

I can do anything any nurse with an MSN can do, plus I (hopefully) have a deeper understanding of how businesses function. It's nice to be able to apply for jobs that aren't open to RN only. I can't write scripts, and I can't teach student nurses, but that's OK.

As profit and loss become more important in an increasingly competititive health care arena, the management degree is becoming more valued. Plus, we need capable nurses involved in the process instead of leaving the important decisions to those who have never touched a patient in their life.