[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading for more information on the differences between nursing vs. healthcare administration, including salary potential, education requirements, and roles and responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]In Brief: Nursing vs. Healthcare Management[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Health Administration vs. Nursing[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nursing Career Path (MSN)[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Healthcare Management (MBA)[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Standard Years to Earn Degree[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Two years in a full-time program[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Career Path (MSN)”]Two years in a full-time program[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Salary Potential (range)[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]$111,130-$183,580[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Career Path (MSN)”]$89,880-$116,380[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Outlook from 2020- 2030[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]45% increase in jobs[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Career Path (MSN)”]32% increase in jobs[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)[hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Career Path: Healthcare Management[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare executives are also referred to as medical and health managers. These professionals focus on the leadership, business, and administrative aspects of the facility.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Steps to become a healthcare administrator with a graduate degree include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Active registered nurse (RN) licensure[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two to three years of experience in an [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]RN career[/hen-ui-link] role[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MBA degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”primary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Earning a Degree in Healthcare Management”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an MBA helps you get the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a healthcare facility.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission requirements:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two or more years of work experience in clinical or administrative nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score over 600[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recommendation letters[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Resume[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Official transcripts with a minimum GPA (usually 3.5 or higher)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Length of schooling:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program curriculum:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills gained:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leadership[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Communication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Analytical[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Detail oriented[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interpersonal[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technical[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Working in Healthcare Management”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare managers collaborate with physicians and other healthcare members. In this role, you plan, direct, and coordinate the health services and business activities of the operation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Work settings:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare administrators work in hospitals, nursing homes, and medical practices. You manage all aspects of the facility, department, or group of physicians.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree requirements:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s in business administration is preferred by most employers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the state and role, specific certifications or a specialty license may be required.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Roles and responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many roles for nurses with their MBA. Duties may vary according to the specialty you choose.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Positions include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chief nursing officer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-administrator/”]Nurse administrator[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Director of nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing home administrator[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human resources manager[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospital finance officer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Responsibilities include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Improve processes and patient care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prepare and analyze budgets[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Establish and manage objectives and policies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ensure the facility functions to industry standards[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schedule, hire, recruit, train, and supervise professionals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Manage billing and financial aspects[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $104,280 in May 2020, with a range of $89,880-116,380.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current demand:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Between the aging baby boomer generation and expansion of medicine and technology, the demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow. This also triggers an increased demand for administrators to organize and manage facilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job outlook:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects employment of healthcare managers to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030. This profession is expanding more rapidly than the average for all occupations and is projected to increase 23% faster than other management occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Career Path: Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Steps to become an APRN with a graduate degree include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One year experience in a nursing role[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]APRN certification[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”primary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission requirements:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]Bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) from an accredited institution (accelerated [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-rn-to-msn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] accept students with an associate or a bachelor’s degree in another field)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Active RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Official transcripts with a minimum GPA (many require a 3.5 GPA or higher)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recommendation letters[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Academic essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some require one year of clinical experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some require Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test scores[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Length of schooling/program:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]MSN degree[/hen-ui-link] typically takes two years to achieve for a full-time student. An [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//accelerated-nursing-programs/”]accelerated nursing program[/hen-ui-link] lets you earn [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]your nursing master’s[/hen-ui-link] in a year. Part-time learners can take longer than two years to complete degree requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN program curriculum:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]MSN program[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Focus areas include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-nurse-educator-programs/”]advanced-level nursing[/hen-ui-link] education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Knowledge of nursing practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Person-centered care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Population health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scholarship for the nursing discipline[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Quality and safety[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interprofessional partnerships[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Systems-based practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-informatics/#:~:text=Nursing%20Informatics%20Career%20Overview&text=Nursing%20informatics%20applies%20information%20and,manage%20data%20to%20improve%20healthcare.&text=NurseJournal.org%20is%20an%20advertising%2Dsupported%20site.”]Nursing informatics[/hen-ui-link] and healthcare technologies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionalism[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Personal, professional, and leadership development[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills gained:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Communication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Critical thinking[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Compassion[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Detail oriented[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interpersonal[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Resourcefulness[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Working in Nursing”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an APRN, you manage patient care directly and work independently or under the direction of a physician. As a nurse practitioner, you can diagnose, treat, and [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/can-nurse-practitioners-prescribe-medication/”]prescribe medications[/hen-ui-link] in some states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Work settings:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs function in a wide range of healthcare environments. Areas may include hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and outpatient facilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Roles and responsibilities include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified registered nurse anesthetist: CRNAs are the [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-paying-msn-degree-nursing-jobs//”]highest-paid APRNs[/hen-ui-link]. They administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other procedures.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioner: NPs diagnose conditions and prescribe medications within their scope of practice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical nurse specialist: A [hen-ui-link href=”/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]CNS possesses[/hen-ui-link] expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified nurse midwife: A CNM provides healthcare and counseling to women throughout their lives, including prevention and treatment of disease, family planning, prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS states that the salary range for nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives in 2020 was $111,130-$183,580. The median salary was $117,670 per year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Current demand:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]Advanced practice nursing[/hen-ui-link] is a rewarding profession in high demand. The U.S. lacks an adequate number of physicians to meet patient needs, and APRNs perform much of the same care. A shift to preventive care and an increasingly aging population are also factors.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job outlook:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, the overall employment of nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives could increase by 45% from 2020 to 2030. This profession is growing faster than the average for all occupations and is projected to have 33% more available jobs than other healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Can’t Decide? Consider Earning a Dual Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing and Healthcare Management[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can a nurse become a healthcare administrator?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between healthcare administration and nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is healthcare administration a good career choice?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How useful is a healthcare administration degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Having an advanced degree as a healthcare administrator presents you with an industry-leading salary and a variety of job prospects in different settings.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]