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.
MSN & MHA Dual Degree Programs
Top Masters in Nursing Schools
A master’s degree in nursing can be the first step to becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader (CNL). Several accredited online MSN programs are listed below. Fill out any school’s form to quickly receive additional information and application materials.
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Georgetown University – Georgetown University has been educating nurses and helping improve healthcare since 1903. The programs are designed to help the next generation of nursing leaders with majors available in: Family Nurse Practitioner and Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. |
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Capella University – This masters in nursing program is designed specifically for nurses who wish to enter the teaching profession as nurse educators. With practical applications and engaging assignments, student can accomplish the assets required to be successful in leadership and educational positions with in the nursing industry. The Nurse Educator degree curriculum is centered around the industry’s best practices and standards and is constantly updated to reflect the latest developments. |
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Kaplan University – Kaplan University offers a number of RN to MSN degrees for those seeking career advancement. Each program allows students to focus their curriculum on their particular career interest. In addition to the general program, specializations are also offered in informatics and health education. |
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Sacred Heart University – Sacred Heart University offers accredited BSN to MSN and RN to MSN programs that prepare students for leadership or specialized positions, including clinical nurse leadership (RN to MSN option), nursing education (RN to MSN option), and patient care services administration (RN to MSN option). |
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American Sentinel University – American Sentinel University offers a wide variety of accredited online masters in nursing degrees, each with a specific focus designed to teach MSN students the exact skills they need for their particular career focus. By specializing in Management and Organizational Leadership, Infection Prevention, Case Management, or Nurse Informatics through online courses as opposed to campus programs, students can complete assignments at a time and place that is convenient. |
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University of Phoenix – University of Phoenix offers a number of online master’s in nursing programs. Their general MSN degree program gives students a well-rounded master’s in nursing education, while more specific degrees are available in health administration, health education, and nursing informatics. |
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Drexel University – The Masters in Nursing Leadership program from Drexel is designed for students who want to take leadership positions in the health community, and involves leadership training and learning the skills needed to manage other nurses. Drexel University provides an affordable option through online courses which can cut down on many of the cost associated with on-ground programs. DU offers a Masters of Science in Nurse Leadership. |
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Grand Canyon University – Grand Canyon University’s online masters in nursing programs focus on becoming a leader and an educator respectively. These accredited degrees are offered via a fully online curriculum. The Masters in Nursing Leadership prepares RNs for roles as leaders in a variety healthcare settings; the Masters in Nursing Education prepares RNs for teaching positions within the nursing profession. |
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Gonzaga University – Gonzaga University offers a wide range of Masters in Nursing degrees, allowing students to fulfill high level roles and leadership roles in Nursing. These MSN degrees, whose options include nursing education (MSN), nursing education (RN to MSN) and health systems leadership, can be completed at a relatively fast pace and provide more convenience to students with busy or inconsistent schedules. |
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Walden University – One of America’s leading online universities, Walden’s online Masters in Nursing (RN to MSN) program is a masters in nursing program designed for registered nurses. In addition to this general track, concentrated RN to MSN degrees are also offered in education, informatics, and leadership/management. While each program can be completed in just two years it does require a bachelor’s program for enrollment. |
