Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

What to get after MHA?

I am currently an assistant nurse manager of an ICU. I have my BSN, and I am halfway through with my MHA. I hope to advance to the manager level after I finish my graduate degree. I am already thinking about whether I want and/or need a doctorate level degree. I have heard that some hospitals, particularly those with Magnet recognition, prefer senior nursing leaders to have an advanced nursing degree vs a MHA or MBA. Is that true? Should I try to get a DNP in nursing administration? If so, are there any DNP programs out there that would take my MHA into consideration to help avoid redundant course work? Is a DNP worth the cost and time to make myself more marketable? Thanks!

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    I do not have enough knowledge to speak to your question about the DNP. But it is true that per Magnet, director and CNO level roles must be held by someone with a graduate level NURSING degree.

  • Quote

    OP: No worries.. Not all hospitals are buying into the magnet status/model. MHA, MBA, etc is still very much acceptable for RNs in management / leadership within senior level positions. My current CNO and the VP of a major nationally known hospital system have an MHA and the other an MBA... not an MSN or a DNP....

    With that said, if you are looking at advancing your career in a magnet status hospital system, then get a degree that is required by that system. In fact, try getting them to pay for it or part of it so that it will not cost you as much.

  • Quote
    • Guides

    I work for an ANCC magnet designated hospital system. Our CNO has an MHA and a NEA-BC which is a nurse executive certification program offered by ANCC. Previosly, I worked at a non-magnet institution that is large and well respected in the area. The CNO there has an MBA. The DNP is rather new and many of the nursing administration focused DNP are housed in "for profit" institutions that tend to not command that much respect overall. Personally, I think post-graduate fellowships can also help: Directory of Fellowships in Health Services Administration

  • Quote

    I am new into management and have decided to go for a MHA in the fall rather than MSN. I did my BSN online and honestly felt like I did not learn anything that helped me become a better nurse, I was just jumping through the hoop of getting my BSN because I worked at a magnet facility. I am in a different magnet facility and after looking at the courses I feel like the MHA would help me more in my current position. I also feel like with the MHA, I have the option to leave a hospital and go to a management position in another sector of healthcare.

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.