Are you a Nurse and interested in assuming a Management Position in a Healthcare Organisation? Have you been wondering how to obtain double Honors in MSN and BSN without having to quit your current job?
This post is for you. I will guide you in the selection of affordable online Colleges that offers quality Dual MSN MBA Online programs and all the necessary information you need to take up the course.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the demand for healthcare executives will grow to 20% by 2024 leading to the high demand for experienced nurses whose career includes assuming middle or executive managerial positions in health services agencies or in health-related companies.
Apparently, this degree combines the traditional Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to demonstrate that the nurse has leadership as well as business skills and It prepares the nurse to assume roles in leadership, management, and at the executive level.
Table of contents
- About MSN-MBA Online Program
- What is a Dual Degree Program?
- How Does Dual Degree Program Work?
- What are the Admission Requirements for an Online MSN-MBA Program?
- What Can I Do with Both an MBA and MSN-L Degree?
- How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online MSN-MBA Program?
- List MSN/MBA Courses
- Why MSN-MBA Dual Degree?
- Cheapest Dual MSN MBA Online Programs Selection Criteria
- List of 10 Cheapest Dual MSN MBA Online Programs in 2024
- University of Mary
- California University of Pennsylvania
- Jacksonville University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Benedictine University
- West Virginia University
- University of Texas
- Johns Hopkins University
- Scholarships for MSN-MBA Students
- Conclusion
- References
- We also recommend
About MSN-MBA Online Program
MSN-MBA is a double Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MSN/MBA) Program Online. Enrolling in combined MSN and MBA degrees online prepares nurses for healthcare management positions.
What is a Dual Degree Program?
Dual degrees enable students to obtain two degrees at once and the degree is earned in less time than it takes to earn each degree separately. However, this online program is designed for working nurse who is not able to attend classes on campus.
Notwithstanding, the program can be completed full-time in two years. Also, there is an option for a part-time allowing students to complete in 3-4 years while still keeping their work and family.
How Does Dual Degree Program Work?
Students must be accepted into both degree programs. Therefore, students will first complete the MSN degree and then begin the courses for an MBA degree. Thereafter you will be awarded two diplomas.
However, the online dual MSN/MBA program is designed for professional nurses seeking comprehensive knowledge in advanced nursing practice and the skills needed to give reliable decisions based on financial operations, economics, marketing, and management principles within healthcare settings.
Below is various sections and structure of a combined online MSN-MBA degree program. Nevertheless, these details may vary by school and program.
MSN: Duration/course type/No of courses
2 years of school, 1 degree
Learn both management skills and the nursing profession
12 courses
Fully online program
MB: Duration/course type/No of courses
1.5 years of school, 1 degree
Master business management skills
16 courses
Fully online program
DUAL MSN/MBA: Duration/course type/No of courses
3 years of school, 2 degrees
Obtain both nursing and business
23 courses
Fully online program
What are the Admission Requirements for an Online MSN-MBA Program?
The necessary requirements for MSN-MBA online programs vary. However, a standard test score is set for full admission as well as minimum GPAs. Correspondingly, newly admitted students must have the following;
- A current license as a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Candidates without a Bachelor of Science in Nursing(BSN) may require prerequisite courses.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Proof of work experience.
- MSN students must submit GMAT scores to be admitted to the MBA program.
What Can I Do with Both an MBA and MSN-L Degree?
The MSN-MBA degrees prepare you for managerial positions that combine advanced business strategies and healthcare. However, the Potential careers are listed below:
- Chief Executive Officer of healthcare-related organizations.
- Chief Nursing Officer.
- Head of Patient Services.
- Working for or starting a healthcare company.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online MSN-MBA Program?
There are several factors including, internship, clinical hour requirements, required credits, and program structure that determines the duration of an MSN-MBA dual degree program.
For instance, some programs feature individually paced learning, where students complete classes at their own pace while other programs require students to complete their coursework at the same pace as their peers. nevertheless, students should research the requirements before taking up each prospective program.
List MSN/MBA Courses
The following are the core courses in the MSN/MBA programs that nurses must start with before choosing the area of specialization.
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Nursing theory for advanced-practice
- Role development
- Health Informatics
- Leadership in nursing
- Advanced physiology
- Evidence-Based Nursing
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced physical assessment
- Population health
- Policy
- Ethics
- Project management
- Healthcare Management
- Financial accounting
- Business analysis
- Health Economics
- Accounting
- Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations
READ ALSO: 13 Best Online EDD Programs In The World | 2024 Ranking
Why MSN-MBA Dual Degree?
Completing an MSN-MBA combined degree program is proof that you have advanced skills in nursing and business. Apparently, these fields lead to lucrative careers in healthcare management, consulting, and administration. (adventurelandri.com)
In the combined MSN/MBA program, you will master how to:
- Demonstrate your ability in the execution of nursing and the related sciences required to analyze, design, implement, and evaluate outcomes of nursing care in diverse populations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of macroeconomic and microeconomic concepts and analytic tools used in business.
- Use your leadership skills to give quality and safe care delivery to individuals and communities in various healthcare delivery systems.
- Implement quality research outcomes practices across healthcare environs and communicate results intended to improve clinical practice.
- Identify assessment models for measuring and improving productivity and operational performance.
- Practice the use of cost accounting concepts.
Cheapest Dual MSN MBA Online Programs Selection Criteria
For this ranking, we focused on public and private colleges and universities that offer dual MSN-BSN online programs. However, to be eligible for consideration, the school must be accredited by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
In addition, we controlled for affordability by only considering schools with tuition rates less than or equal to $1,000/credit.
Ranking Factors
To rank each school, we examined thoroughly the primary aspects of their online dual MSN-MBA degree programs.
First, we consider the no of accredited online MSN-BSN programs that each college offers.
Secondly, we looked at the acceptance rate the dual MSN-MBA program offers to students. We quantified this measure by looking at the average number of graduate nursing degrees that each college has conferred over the past five years.
However, we included the graduation and employability rate of dual MSN-MBA online programs. Therefore, we calculated the no graduates at least ten students/year for at least four of the last five years.
In addition, this approach allowed us to distinguish relevant and productive programs from those that have struggled to produce graduates.
List of 10 Cheapest Dual MSN MBA Online Programs in 2024
Liberty University
Tuition: $549
Duration: Two-and-a-half years
No of Courses: 14
Liberty University’s dual MSN/MBA program is online and has no required on-campus courses, therefore, you can complete your online coursework from the comfort of your home at any time of the day.
However, the fully online program consists of eight-week courses with multiple start dates each year. Students complete 30 credits in nursing and 30 credits in business. Four courses in nursing administration are required, covering topics in professional roles, leadership, and resource management.
Liberty transfers up to 30 credit hours to the program. Applicants must provide a valid nursing license and a written recommendation from a nurse supervisor. Transcripts showing a minimum of 3.0 GPA are also required.
Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE
Grand Canyon University
Tuition: Varies per credit load
Duration: 2-3years
No of courses: 16
The 66-credit program does not require a residency and during the capstone course, students complete an evidence-based practice project in which they identify a problem, develop a proposal, and write a report.
However, the 16 additional courses cover topics in leadership theory, management, and ethics in nursing. Courses are eight weeks long, and multiple start dates are available.
Up to 12 credits may be transferred to the MSN MBA online program. Admission requirements include a 2.8 GPA or a GMAT score of 500 or a GRE score of 1,000. Online students pay the same rate of tuition regardless of residency.
Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE
University of Mary
Tuition: $540
Duration: Less than 2.5 years
No of courses: 22
The MSN-MBA online program can be completed in seven semesters and 60 credits of courses. Also, coursework covers topics in developing resilient leadership, critiquing research, and evidence-based nursing and business practices.
However, 500 hours are required to give students the opportunity to apply their learning through service projects and leadership experiences.
Also, students work as a part of a clinical team to develop a service project that serves the community during the Practicum and students report their findings to the review board.
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education( CCNE)
California University of Pennsylvania
Tuition: Varies
Duration: two and a half years
No of courses: 16
Students who have not taken introductory financial accounting and economics courses will need to complete the prerequisite. Else, the program consists of 54 credit hours, which includes coursework in nonprofit financial management and disease prevention. Also, the 150-hour practice is required and practice can be completed at your place of work.
However, Candidates must have a BSN with a 3.0 GPA and an active RN license. Students offering programs online may be eligible for reduced out-of-state tuition.
The tuition depends on a number of variables, including whether or not you are a Pennsylvania resident. Every July, the Board of Governors establishes the tuition rates for the following academic year.
Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE
Jacksonville University
Tuition: 653Euro per credit
Duration: 2years
No of courses: 10
Students complete a total of 55, which consists of 37 business credits and 18 nursing credits. Essential courses in accounting, economics, quantitative methods, human resources, and the legal environment are required before enrolling in upper-level coursework.
Also, the business program includes courses in strategy, global business, and service operations. The nursing program has a research focus and includes coursework in technology and advanced leadership. A practicum is required.
However, candidates must have a 3.0 GPA in nursing, a GRE score of 290 (or a higher GPA), and a current Florida RN license; out-of-state applicants must be eligible for endorsement.
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education( CCNE)
Indiana Wesleyan University
Tuition: $617 / credit hour
Duration: 22 months
No of courses: 22
Students are required to take one course at a time until all courses are completed and a minimum of 210 practicum hours is required. students must maintain a valid nursing license and locate their own practice sites.
Therefore, a project to demonstrate the execution of nursing and administration skills is also required.
In addition, candidates must have a BSN or 10 years of experience as an RN. Additionally, 1,000 hours of nursing practice are required. However, the school does not charge an application fee and the program offers three start dates which are January, April, and June. To be eligible for graduation, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC )
Benedictine University
Tuition: MSN-$670, MBA-$625
Duration: 3years
No of Courses: 23 courses
Benedictine has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13-to-1 and the program requires 78 credit hours, and students must complete MSN requirements before taking MBA coursework.
Also, the MSN course requires 36 credits load in interpersonal relationships and cultural competency, leadership, and safety. Correspondingly, students must complete 140 clinical hours in their chosen area of nursing.
However, the MBA curriculum consists of 42 credits in management, economics, and accounting.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and The Master of Science in Nursing (both online and on-campus) are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
West Virginia University
Tuition: $607 – $1,603 per credit hour
Duration: 8-11 semesters
No of courses: 30+63 credit hours
Online coursework is offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. An executive project is required.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for a fall start date. Graduates are eligible for the nurse executive, advanced certification, or certification in executive nursing practice exams. The executive focus is to meet the requirements for multiple nursing and business organizations, positioning graduates for employment in executive roles.
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education( CCNE)
University of Texas
Tuition: $27,783 Estimated for full-time
Duration: 3 years
No of courses: Varies
The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18-to-1. However, the degree requires 63 credit hours and 112.5 clinical hours. Coursework includes translational science, legal and financial management, care delivery, and leadership. Students are to select three electives and complete a capstone course. Since there are no residences, students may complete the practicums in their own communities.
UT-Tyler charges out-of-state tuition for nonresident students and also offers Scholarships/Financial support. BSN graduates may apply to the program for spring or fall start dates. GMAT scores and a minimum 3.0 GPA are required and candidates must also submit three professional letters of recommendation, proof of licensure, and an essay.
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education( CCNE)
Johns Hopkins University
Tuition: $1,688 per credit
Duration: 3-6 years
No. of courses: 6
The MSN program offers a health management system that students can execute to meet their interests in administration, technology, policy, and public health. Also, the MBA program allows students to select six elective courses for further education. The program focuses on decision-making and organizational policy.
However, the program requires 65 credit hours and 376 clinical hours. A 3.0 GPA and merit GRE or GMAT scores are the requirements for admission. Also, applicants must have an active RN license and two years of work experience, with recommendations.
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education( CCNE)
Scholarships for MSN-MBA Students
Who Can Apply: The Emergency Nurses Association offers this scholarship to emergency nurses pursuing an MSN with a focus on administration, including online MSN-MBA programs. The ENA offers two scholarships each year.
Amount: $5,000
Who Can Apply: Nursing students earning a graduate degree in nursing, including those enrolled in MSN-MBA online programs, qualify for the American Cancer Society award. Applicants must plan to work in oncology nursing and can renew the award for up to two years.
Amount: $10,000
Who Can Apply: Offered by the American Red Cross, this scholarship funds volunteers or employees of any American Red Cross Unit. Students completing a graduate degree in nursing will qualify and can use the award to pay for tuition, books, and academic fees.
Amount: $3,000
Who Can Apply: The program awards a nursing student one $2,500 scholarship each quarter. Students earning graduate degrees and planning to work as nurse educators receive particular consideration. Applicants should already be enrolled in an AACN-accredited program.
Amount: $10,000
Who Can Apply: Master’s nursing students in an accredited program can apply for this scholarship. Both full-time and part-time students are eligible if they have completed at least 12 credits toward their degree with a minimum 3.6 GPA. The application process includes a personal essay and a goal statement.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Students pursuing a graduate degree in nursing qualify for this scholarship, including MSN to MBA online bridge program students. Applicants submit an essay describing their nursing career goals and how the scholarship would help them reach them. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: National Black Nurses Association members pursuing a graduate degree qualify for several scholarship opportunities. To apply, applicants 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 qualify for several scholarship opportunities, including scholarships for graduate students in nursing. The committee evaluates applicants based on their financial needs, academic standing, and course of study.
Amount: $1,000-$5,000
READ ALSO: 21 MBA Scholarships For Canadian Students 2024
Conclusion
Students considering the Cheapest Dual MSN-MBA Online program should choose an accredited university and nursing program. Many licenses and certifications require an accredited degree; employers only hire graduates from accredited programs. Accreditation ensures that nursing students receive high-quality training.
References
- Wilmington University – Dual degree MSN/MBA
- Grand Canyon University – Masters of Business Administration & Masters Of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership Program