MSN & MHA Dual Degree: MS in Nursing with a Master of Health Administration
For RNs interested in healthcare administration, there are some options for earning a dual degree that combines nursing and health administration expertise. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Master of Health Administration (MHA) dual degree enables an RN to become an advanced practice nurse, nurse educator, or nurse administrator, while also receiving graduate-level education in healthcare administration. It would be typical for an advanced practice nurse with both the MSN and MHA degree to excel in a senior administrative position within a healthcare organization. Positions such as Director of Nursing, VP of Nursing, Chief Nursing Officer, or Chief Nurse Executive would likely be obtainable. For those interested in combining general business administration with nursing, there also exist an MSN and MBA dual degrees.
How to Apply to an MSN & MHA Dual Degree Program
Dual degree programs have unique admissions requirements and areas of emphasis. For an MSN and MHA program, students must typically submit the following materials:
- Application form with application fee
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate work
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), depending on the program requirements. Note: This may not be required if you have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing courses for the baccalaureate degree in nursing.)
- Current RN license
- Statement of Purpose
MSN & MHA Dual Degree Program Requirements
An MSN and MHA dual degree program focuses on health management and policy that offers students the chance to hone both their nursing and administrative skills. As such, students must complete advanced study in administration, education, and healthcare information technology as well as graduate-level nursing courses.
Program requirements vary according to the degree program, but students must typically complete the following:
- Complete all graduate degree requirements to earn an MSN degree
- Complete all graduate coursework in a specialty area which may include: nurse administrator, nurse informaticist, or nurse manager
MSN & MHA Dual Degree Career Options
An MSN and MHA dual degree prepares students to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, physician practice management, community health centers, health departments, consulting firms, insurance companies, associations, home health agencies, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Nurses with advanced administrative skills and specialized training can expect an excellent job outlook and salary potential.
