Nursing vs. Healthcare Management
Credit: Getty ImagesAre you considering advancing your nursing career? Nursing and healthcare management are two rewarding options. Both offer a high salary, a job outlook that surpasses other management occupations, and an opportunity to make a difference.
When choosing between nursing vs. healthcare administration, consider the educational approach for each field. You can further your schooling by earning a master of business administration (MBA) that places an emphasis on business and administration or a master of science in nursing (MSN) that concentrates on advanced clinical nursing skills.
Keep reading for more information on the differences between nursing vs. healthcare administration, including salary potential, education requirements, and roles and responsibilities.
In Brief: Nursing vs. Healthcare Management
| Nursing Career Path (MSN) | Healthcare Management (MBA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Years to Earn Degree | Two years in a full-time program | Two years in a full-time program |
| Salary Potential (range) | $111,130-$183,580 | $89,880-$116,380 |
| Job Outlook from 2020- 2030 | 45% increase in jobs | 32% increase in jobs |
Career Path: Healthcare Management
Healthcare executives are also referred to as medical and health managers. These professionals focus on the leadership, business, and administrative aspects of the facility.
Steps to become a healthcare administrator with a graduate degree include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Active registered nurse (RN) licensure
- Two to three years of experience in an RN career role
- MBA degree
Earning an MBA helps you get the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a healthcare facility.
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Two or more years of work experience in clinical or administrative nursing
- College essay
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score over 600
- Recommendation letters
- Resume
- Official transcripts with a minimum GPA (usually 3.5 or higher)
Length of schooling:
Standard MBA programs last two years for full-time students. However, you can earn an MBA in as little as one year through accelerated programs. Part-time coursework can increase time frames.
Program curriculum:
MBA programs require anywhere from 30-60 credit hours, with an average of 36. For example, the Wharton MBA curriculum distributes its 19 credits across three tracks.
Skills gained:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Analytical
- Detail oriented
- Interpersonal
- Technical
Career Path: Nursing
Advanced clinical nurses are highly specialized and dedicated to a specific patient population. These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) work in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and outpatient facilities.
Steps to become an APRN with a graduate degree include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- One year experience in a nursing role
- MSN
- APRN certification
Admission requirements:
- Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution (accelerated RN-to-MSN programs accept students with an associate or a bachelor’s degree in another field)
- Active RN license
- Official transcripts with a minimum GPA (many require a 3.5 GPA or higher)
- Recommendation letters
- Academic essay
- Some require one year of clinical experience
- Some require Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test scores
Length of schooling/program:
An MSN degree typically takes two years to achieve for a full-time student. An accelerated nursing program lets you earn your nursing master’s in a year. Part-time learners can take longer than two years to complete degree requirements.
MSN program curriculum:
MSN program curriculum varies by institution and concentration and can range from 36-60 credits. Accredited schools follow the American Association of Colleges of Nursing structure in the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing.
Focus areas include:
- Education and advanced-level nursing education
- Knowledge of nursing practice
- Person-centered care
- Population health
- Scholarship for the nursing discipline
- Quality and safety
- Interprofessional partnerships
- Systems-based practice
- Nursing informatics and healthcare technologies
- Professionalism
- Personal, professional, and leadership development
Skills gained:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Compassion
- Detail oriented
- Interpersonal
- Resourcefulness
Nursing vs. Healthcare Management FAQ
Can a nurse become a healthcare administrator?
A nurse with a BSN can work as a healthcare administrator. Advanced education in business or administration, essential credentialing, and specialized clinical experience puts you at a greater advantage for employment. An MBA or master of health administration is highly desirable for this position.
What is the difference between healthcare administration and nursing?
Comparing health administration vs. nursing, healthcare administration concentrates more on the business and management aspects. You may collaborate with the healthcare team and physicians while focusing on the operations, standards, and budget of a facility. An APRN manages and cares for patients directly.
Is healthcare administration a good career choice?
This path offers an income stream with a high demand for healthcare administration. Healthcare administration is also growing more rapidly than all other management occupations.
How useful is a healthcare administration degree?
Having an advanced degree as a healthcare administrator presents you with an industry-leading salary and a variety of job prospects in different settings.
Can’t Decide? Consider Earning a Dual Degree
By earning a dual MSN/MBA degree, you develop a knowledge of clinical leadership and business management. With this combined degree, you open the doors to opportunities with the highest positions nursing offers.
Admission requirements:
While prerequisites vary by institution, a BSN from an accredited school is required to enter an MSN/MBA program. Holding an active RN licensure is also mandatory. Additionally, schools may require GRE/GMAT test scores and a minimum GPA.
Time to complete:
Typically, a full-time student can graduate in three years. Some schools also offer accelerated options. Part-time enrollment may result in a longer time commitment.
Credits required:
54-65
Curriculum:
MSN/MBA programs have different tracks that include core courses on:
- Leadership in healthcare
- Nursing administration
- Accounting for management control
- Legal, regulatory, and economic management
Job opportunities:
A dual MSN/MBA offers the opportunity to work in high-profile roles, such as chief nurse executive, chief nursing office, nurse administrator, director of nursing, director of compliance, or director of care management.
