Nurses have pursued graduate degrees to get promoted in their job and get extra wages. The MSN-MBA Dual Degree program Online allows nurses can simultaneously earn a business administration and nursing degree. With an MBA, Nurses can pursue lucrative roles in their professional field.
For instance example, they can perform as healthcare executives. Based on data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), by 2026, the demand for healthcare executives projected to grow 20% from the present time. As the demand gets rising, it will mainly benefit the MSN-MBA graduates, as they combine expertise in nursing and training in business administration.
MBA-MSN dual degree online programs offer a convenient, flexible way to earn in-demand degrees. This article describes the curriculum of this MSN-MBA dual degree. Besides, the status of the job and salary outlook for graduates and scholarship opportunities for nurses earning their MSN-MBA degrees.
Why Get an MSN-MBA Dual Degree?
By Completing an MSN-MBA dual degree program, a candidate can earn up to dated sets of skills both in nursing and business. The graduate can find himself in the leading position in many of the fields of his carrier by completing these two degrees.
Health management, patient consulting, and administration are the fields, for instance. By earning an MBA, nurses can build their carriers outside of the healthcare field as well. This dual degree design, in a way, that students can take courses in both programs.
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The Best Online MSN-MBA Programs
- Johns Hopkins University
A flexible MSN-MBA online program offered by Johns Hopkins university.it will take 3-6 years to complete this duel degree. Johns Hopkins MSN program also offers the students of health system management tracks to fulfill their interests in public health, technology, policy, and administration. In this MBA program, students are allowed to take six elective subjects for a further customized education. Decision making and organizational policy have emphasized in this program.
In this program, it requires to complete 65 credit hours and 376 clinical hours. The student has to stay in Baltimore, Maryland, to complete three days of excellent business communication and leadership courses and one-and-a-half day’s negotiation course. Both nursing and business courses can learn by the students simultaneously.
The student has to have a BSN with a 3.0 GPA and satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores to admit themselves in this degree.in addition Student must have an active RN license and two years of work experience, with recommendations to fulfill the requirement to admit in this program.
- University of Texas – Tyler
Part of the University of Texas system, UT-Tyler, is located in east Texas is a part of the University of Texas system. Tyler has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18-to-1, and they permit them to access the University resources on the campuses located at Longview, Houston, and Paradise.
Students can earn their online MSN-MBA degree within three years and have to attend full time. The degree designed with 63 credit hours and 112.5 clinical hours—the course outlined with translational science, care delivery, legal and financial management, and leadership. Students have to select three elective courses and complete a capstone course. In this degree, no residency required; students allowed to complete their practicums in their community or where they want to.
Out-of-state tuition is the charge for the nonresident students by UT-Tyler. Those who have a BSN degree may apply to the program for the spring or fall season. It requires scores in GMAT and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Besides, three professional letters of recommendation, an essay, and proof of licensure have to submit by the applicant.
- West Virginia University
In Morgantown, West Virginia University School of Nursing situated. Great medical system owned by WVU. Besides, it also has a WVU medicine facility within a campus hospital with multiple clinical facilities. A research facility on the campus run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These facilities are valuable learning opportunities for students.
While earning the MSN-MBA dual degree, students can take advantage of on-campus experiential opportunities by using the four multi-day residencies in the WVU facilities. The total 67-credit hours are required to complete within 8-11 semesters. Students can take online coursework in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Besides, two practica and an executive project are required to obtain this degree.
In the fall semester, the applicants have called to apply for this program. Applicants with Graduation degree are eligible for the nurse executive, advanced certification, or the certification in executive nursing practice exams. The executive focuses significantly on design in a way to meet the competency requirements for various nursing and business organizations and open the opportunity for positioning graduates for employment in executive roles.
- Benedictine University
A catholic university with Benedictine tradition, Benedictine University has campuses in Arizona, Illinois, and Vietnam, China. This university offers one of the top MSN-MBA online programs, with the student-to-faculty ratio of 13-to-1.
Based on enrolment status, students can earn their degree within 2.5 to 4 years. This program is designed to complete 78 credit hours and must have to complete the MSN requirements to take MBA course work. Students should complete MSN requirements before enrollment of MBA. The program requires 78 credit hours . Classes of the course offered asynchronously, and there are no residency requirements.
Among 78 credit hours of MSN coursework, it requires to complete 36 credit hours in leadership, interpersonal relationships and cultural competency, and safety. Moreover, the 42 credits focused on economics, accounting, and management.in addition; Students have to complete140 clinical hours in their area of interest in nursing and have to develop an applied project. Students get the opportunity to analyze the cases and integrate their executive nursing skills while completing their course work.
- Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian institution under The Wesleyan Church.it based In Marion, having institutions Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Fully online and accelerated format based MSN-MBA online program has offered by this university. A student can complete 60 credits within 22 months. Students are allowed to take one course after another to complete all the courses gradually. Besides, at least 210 practicum hours have to complete to obtain the degree; students are allowed to choose their practice sites and must have valid nursing. A student also needs to demonstrate a project which integrates nursing and administration skills as a requirement for the degree.
To apply for the degree, applicants must have a BSN or ten years of experience as an RN. Moreover, applicants have to have 1,000 hours of nursing practice. IWU does not have an application fee, and they take the student for the program three times in a year (January, April, and June).in addition, students must have a minimum of GPA 3.0 to become eligible for the program.
- Jacksonville University
Based in northeastern Florida, Jacksonville University also offers an online MSN and MBA dual degree. This program administered by the institution, part of downtown Jacksonville campus named the Nathan M. Bisk Center for Professional Studies.
The offered course comprises a total of 55 credits, on which 37 credits are consist of business credits, and rest 18 are nursing credits. Students can enroll in upper-level course work after completing the required courses in accounting, economics, quantitative methods, human resources, and legal environment. In business courses, a student has to take courses on global business, strategy, service operations. The nursing program focuses mainly on research and includes courses in technology and advance leadership. Moreover, it also requires a practicum to complete the degree.
The application is accepted by the university three times every year. The eligible candidate has a minimum GPA of 3.0 in nursing, a minimum GRE score of 290 or having a higher GPA, and a current Florida RN license; the university also accepts an out-of-state application.
- University of Mary
As a private Catholic Benedictine university, the University of Mary, situated in Bismarck, North Dakota, has additional campuses in Arizona, Montana, Minnesota, Kansas, Rome, and Peru.
The University of Mary’s MSN-MBA online program offered an accelerated way, and students can complete their degree in seven semesters. Students of the program complete 22 courses with a total of 60-semester credit. The course of the program topics focus on critique research, developing resilient leadership, and evidence-based nursing and business practices. Students get the opportunity to apply their learning through service projects and leadership experiences by completing 500 experimental hours. During their capstone course, students work as a part of a clinical team to serve the community by developing a service project. Students have to submit their findings to the board for review.
To apply in the program, the student required an undergrad GPA of 2.75 and a valid RN license. Besides, the application also need two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a goal statement.
- California University of Pennsylvania
Thirty-five miles away to the south from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the rural campus of Cal U is situated. Students of the Online MSN and MBA program have access to library resources, dedicated support staff, and the global online learning platform. Online students also connect themselves with graduates around the world with the help of the alumni network.
In CAL U, The online MSN and MBA dual-degree program does not require any residency, and student can obtain their degree in two and a half years. One has to meet the prerequisite if any student has not taken an introductory course in economics and financial accounting. Apart from this, the program comprises of 54 credit hours, from which includes coursework in nonprofit financial management and disease prevention. The student has to complete 150 hours practicum with a capstone project. A student has the opportunity to complete their practicum in their place of employment.
Eligible candidates must have an MSN with a GPA OF 3.0 and an active RN license. An online student may get the opportunity of reduced out-of-state tuition fees.
- Grand Canyon University
GCU was a Baptist university during its beginning; in the present time, it is a Christian missionary university. GCUs main campus is in Phoenix, Arizona, having locations throughout the state.
A student has gone through a 66-credit program without any residency and practicum program to complete the degree in GCU. In their capstone course, Student has to complete an evidence-based practice project, where they identify a problem, develop a proposal, and based on the proposal they have to write a report to solve the problem. Ethics in nursing, management, and leadership theory will cover in 16 additional courses. Courses are eight weeks long having multiple start dates are available.
Students can transfer up to 12 courses to the MSN MBA program. To be eligible for the program, a candidate must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 or have a GMAT score of 500 or a GRE score of 1,000. Online students have to pay the same rate of tuition fees regardless of their residency.
- Liberty University
Rev. Jerry Falwell founded Liberty University as a nonprofit evangelical university. LU is located in Virginia and providing distance education since 1985.
It requires 60 credits to complete The MSN-MBA online degree with a timeframe of two-and-a-half years. Students can enroll in this fully online program with multiple start dates each year, which consists of eight-week courses. The total credits have divided into two equal parts where students complete 30 credits in nursing and rest 30 credits in business. There is a requirement to complete four courses that cover topics in leadership, professional roles, and resource management. There is also a requirement of a capstone project on nursing administration. In business course topics include are international business and organizational design.
In Liberty, there is a scope to transfer up to 30 credit hours to the program Liberty transfers up to 30 credit hours to the program. Interested applicants have to provide a valid nursing license and a written recommendation from a nurse supervisor. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to apply for the program. Military service members and spouses and veterans get a waiver in application fees.
MSN-MBA Online Programs: An Overview
By enrolling in an MSN MBA dual degree online program, nurses have prepared themselves for healthcare management positions. From this section, one will introduce the structure of a dual degree program, admission process for MSN-MBA students, and the curriculum requirements. The details of these requirements may vary by school and program.
What is a Dual Degree Program?
Dual degrees are a type of degree where the students can earn two degrees at the same time within a short time. Programs identify curriculum overlap between an MSN and an MBA, and students are allowed to apply certain credits towards both degrees. For example, a student can take coursework in management and healthcare leaderships which fulfill the requirements for both the MSN and MBA degree. Nurses who are seeking carrier advancement, especially nurses who are interested in management positions, can be benefited from these programs.
Admission Requirements for an Online MSN-MBA Program
The admission requirements widely vary from one university to another for the online MSN-MBA. Even so, all programs across universities expect the students who have a current and unencumbered RN license. A student also has to have a minimum GPAs and standardized test scores for full admission. Candidates who do not have any BSN degree have to complete prerequisite courses. Some of the programs may ask for proof of work experiences, recommendation letters, and essays. To admit to the MBA program, MSN students have to submit their GMAT scores.
To Complete an Online MSN-MBA Program how long it takes?
Student can earn their dual degree on MSN-MBA online program simultaneously with less time than it takes to earn them separately. For instance, if a student wants to earn two-degree separately, he has to complete over 70 credits. However, this dual MSN-MBA degree needs to complete under 60 credits. As a result, a student from a nursing background can advance their carrier early in time. Enrolled Students in MSN to MBA online program can earn their degrees in less than three years.
Based on internships and clinical hour requirements, credits requirements, and structure of the program determine the duration of the MSN-MBA dual degree program. Some of the programs feature individually paced learning, where students complete classes at their own pace. On the other hand, many programs focused on cohort learning, where every student must complete coursework at the same pace as their peers. Student should research all the requirements from every program that are offered by the universities for the students to find out the best program.
Concentrations Offered for an Online MSN-MBA Degree
| HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION |
| Concentration in healthcare administration emphasizes the skills, knowledge, and abilities required for leadership positions in healthcare organizations. Here students learn business leadership principles and methods to apply them in settings of health care.
This concentration helps to build Careers in: Healthcare administrators, healthcare executives, and program director. |
| HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS |
| In the MSN-MBA program, healthcare informatics is a specialization training course where students using data, informatics, and quantitative research to find out how to increase efficiency and patient outcomes. Through this training, students can strengthen their research, analytical, leadership, and management skills.
This concentration helps to build Careers in: healthcare administrator, Program director, nursing consultant. |
| NURSING ADMINISTRATION |
| In this specialized course, the MSN-MBA coursework focused mainly on managing staff, overseeing program administration, and managing finances. Graduates who completed this course can work in leadership roles as administrators, directors, and consultants in healthcare organizations.
healthcare administrator: Nurse administrator, nursing consultant, program director |
Example Courses for Online MSN-MBA Students
MSN-MBA online program is a kind of program, which develops curricula to train students in such a way that they have a good grasp of advanced medical practice and can build skills in leadership and management. Courses vary from program to program, but there are some typical courses in MSN-MBA.
ONLINE MSN COURSES:
- Advanced Health Assessment: Students from Nursing explores the best practices in conducting comprehensive health assessments. The course will provide tools, which will help them for assessing patients of all ages and conditions or focus on populations by their concentration in courses. Students can build health assessment tools by using their experience and simulation.
- Health Informatics: In health informatics, MSN students will learn the method or way to collect and use health informatics, which includes conceptual training on informatics. Topics may include courses on healthcare information systems training, theoretical models for informatics, healthcare computing, and data management. The course also covers the ethical issues in healthcare informatics.
- Evidence-Based Nursing: Students of nursing degree study how to apply theoretical knowledge to practice. The class will cover topics on clinical experience with research-based studies on healthcare practice. This course helps students to build research skills, expand knowledge of patient care methods, and learn about the requirements of vulnerable populations.
ONLINE MBA COURSES:
- Healthcare Management: Students from an MBA background study on how to manage healthcare facilities, including the structures of healthcare systems organization, governance issues, and management practices. The course cover topics in trends in healthcare management, practical management skills, and how to give direction and staffing medical facilities.
- Health Economics: Classes on health economics cover topics on supply, cost, and demand determination in healthcare systems. In health economics, Students also study the economic decision-making process, issues related to economic that affect healthcare, and behavioral models that influence health economics. Students can understand health economics from analytical and conceptual perspectives when thy completed the class.
- Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations: In this course, MBA students study strategic finance that affects healthcare organizations, such as cost concepts, costing systems, and budgeting. This course also covers cost and revenue predictions for healthcare organizations, inventory management, and performance evaluation. After completing these courses, students build skills in business and management, which is relevant to careers in healthcare management.
Internship Component
One way to earn hands-on experience, MSN-MBA online programs incorporate internships and clinical experiences. Nursing Students complete an internship in their specialization under the supervision of a preceptor as part of the MSN requirements. On the other hand, students usually complete an internship to meet the MBA requirements. The number of hour’s requirements may vary by program. Working nurses can meet both requirements at their current place of employment. Students who enrolled in online programs work with the university to find local internships and clinical experiences.
Certifications and Licenses This Program Prepares For
- Board Certified in Healthcare Management: Candidates who have been members for a minimum of three years, hold a master’s degree and boast five years of executive healthcare management experience have offered board certification by The American College of Healthcare Executives. Besides, candidates have to shoe 36 hours of continuing education, provide two references, and demonstrate community, civic, and healthcare engagement.
- Licensed Healthcare Administrator: Interested graduates can pursue a healthcare administrator license to build a carrier in a managerial position. Almost in every state to earn the license, applicants must hold an accredited degree with coursework in healthcare administration or management, besides have to pass an exam. A few states also require to have work experience. By enrolling in an MSN-MBA degree, students meet all the educational requirements.
- Board Certified Registered Nurse (RN-BC): The American Nurses Credentialing Center provides the board certification for RNs. To earn the certification, RNs have to go through a clinical knowledge exam; based on their field, and applicants can choose a specialized exam. When the nurses earn the RN-BC designation, they must complete continuing education credits to keep the credential.
Accreditation for Online MSN-MBA Programs
Independent accreditation reviews undergo to measure the effectiveness and quality standards of the Colleges, universities, and programs. An entire college or university evaluated by the Regional and national accreditation; the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation list accredited institutions.
In addition to institutional accreditation, specialized reviews from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education have done for the nursing programs. Student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements assess by these nonprofit, independent agencies.
As many licenses and certifications require an accredited degree, and many employers only hire graduates from accredited programs, it is wise to choose an accredited university and nursing program when students considering an MSN-MBA program. Nursing students receive high-quality training only from an accredited program.
Job and Salary Outlook
Job Opportunities for MSN-MBA Graduates
After completing the graduate degree both in nursing and business, graduates prepared themselves to work in top healthcare positions. By earning an MSN-MBA graduate degree, graduates can work as healthcare administrators or healthcare executives, leading hospitals, or other medical facilities. Working in These positions, most of the time, offer six-figure salary opportunities. Graduates can work as program directors or nurse consultants.
Average Annual Salary: $98,350
Generally, healthcare administrators manage a facility, which includes its budget, staff, and all the other resources. They monitor and ensure that facilities under him follow applicable laws and regulations.
Average Annual Salary: $104,700
Healthcare executives also manage hospitals and other facilities, like what the healthcare administrator does. They apply their business knowledge along with healthcare experience to improve their facility.
Average Annual Salary: $86,747
Nurse consultants generally work for medical facilities to identify problems and propose solutions to resolve those problems. To work in this role, they need a background in healthcare and business.
Average Annual Salary: $110,930
Graduates who perform the role of a nurse practitioner, also act as advanced practice registered nurses, offering primary care in a variety of specialties. In some states, nurse practitioners can diagnose conditions and allowed to prescribe medication.
Average Annual Salary: $80,115
Program directors in a Healthcare facility, lead a department or program related to health or medical care. Overseeing the budget, manage staff, and develop program goals are the primary responsibilities of a program director.
Source: PayScale, BLS, Nov. 2018
How Much Do MSN-MBA Graduates Make?
Graduates with master’s degrees in nursing and business can get high-paying careers in healthcare administration, management, and other leadership roles. Professional experience and title affect Salaries. Graduates working as Hospital administrators and have experience can earn six-figure salaries. The given table lists the average salaries for five MSN-MBA careers by experience level.
| JOB TITLE | OVERALL AVERAGE SALARY | AVERAGE SALARY FOR ENTRY-LEVEL EMPLOYEES (0-5 YEARS) | AVERAGE SALARY FOR MID-CAREER EMPLOYEES (5-10 YEARS) | AVERAGE SALARY FOR LATE-CAREER EMPLOYEES (20+ YEARS) |
| Healthcare Program Director | $80,115 | $62,000 | $74,000 | $88,000 |
| Hospital Administrator | $89,236 | $71,000 | $94,000 | $123,000 |
| Healthcare Administrator | $64,332 | $50,000 | $63,000 | $87,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $92,306 | $90,000 | $97,000 | $105,000 |
| Nursing Manager | $83,011 | $74,000 | $80,000 | $90,000 |
Source: Payscale
Professional Organizations
Nursing student’s network with other nurses by joining professional organizations, moreover pursue certifications, and complete continuing education requirements. Members of the organization get access to professional development resources and develop themselves. Besides, many organizations offer scholarships, publish research, and provide clinical practice guidelines for the members. Many Professional organizations also offer career services and job boards.
American Nurses Association: In America, this is the largest professional organization of nurses, the ANA formed in 1896. Nurses and nursing students have provided with publications, certifications, and professional development resources by the association.
Emergency Nurses Association: The ENA offers emergency nurses with education resources, scholarships, and clinical practice resources, which mostly benefitted them. Policies have designed by the association, which also supports improving emergency healthcare.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Annual conferences, events, and other networking opportunities for critical care nurses have organized by the AACN. The association also has a support program, which offers certifications, confers awards, and provides continuing education programs for members of the association.
Financing Your Online MSN-MBA Program
There are methods by which nursing students can pay for their degrees, which may include savings, loans, and scholarships. Many students cover their tuition and other expenses by doing work during the program. Master’s students can apply the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program to qualify for federal financial aid opportunities, which includes loans, grants, and work-study programs. Nursing students also get financial support from state programs, especially those planning careers in high-demand fields. Nursing students may get benefitted from scholarship opportunities offered by private organizations and foundations.
Scholarships for MSN-MBA Students
Anita Dorr Graduate Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Emergency Nurses Association offers this scholarship to emergency nurses pursuing an MSN with a focus in administration, including online MSN-MBA programs. The ENA offers two scholarships each year.
Amount: $5,000
Graduate Scholarship in Cancer Nursing Practice
Who Can Apply: students earning a graduate degree in nursing, including students enrolled in MSN-MBA online programs, are eligible for this scholarship, offered by the American Cancer Society. Applicants who are plan to work in oncology nursing can get this scholarship and can renew the award for up to two years.
Amount: $10,000
Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship
Who Can Apply: American Red Cross is the authority of this scholarship, and it funds volunteers or employees of any Unit of American Red Cross. Students with a graduate degree in nursing are eligible for the scholarships and can use the award to pay for tuition, books, and academic fees.
Amount: $3,000
Who Can Apply: Each quarter a nursing student awards with one $2,500 scholarship from the program. Students earning graduate degrees and planning to work as nurse educators get special consideration. Furthermore, the applicant should have enrolled in an AACN-accredited program.
Amount: $2,500
Nurses Educational Fund Scholarships
Who Can Apply: From an accredited Master’s nursing program, students can apply for this scholarship. Both the full-time and part-time students can apply if they have completed at least 12 credits toward their degree with a minimum 3.6 GPA. A personal essay and goal statement has included in the application process.
Amount: Varies
Healthcare Leaders Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Students who are pursuing a nursing degree are eligible for this scholarship. Students from MSN to MBA students are also eligible for this scholarship. To apply for this scholarship, applicants have to submit an essay describing their objectives in nursing career Applicants submit an essay describing their nursing career goals. Candidates also have to have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: Members of the National Black Nurses Association, who are obtaining a graduate degree, are fit for several scholarship scopes. In the time of their application submission, candidates have to submit an official transcript, an essay, two letters of recommendation, and a headshot.
Amount: $1,000-$6,000
Who Can Apply: Members of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses are eligible for various scholarship opportunities, which includes scholarships for in nursing graduate students. Based on their financial need, academic standing, and course of study criteria, the committee evaluates the candidate’s application.
Amount: $1,000-$5,000
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