Many future nurses opt for MSN and MBA dual degrees to maximize their career prospects. The MSN degree helps them attain the necessary technical nursing skills, while the MBA provides them with specialized business training. Together, these two degrees are the cornerstone of professional success in healthcare.

Luckily, today, you can complete your dual degree without having to quit your job or move countries. Just like many other types of academic programs, you’ll be able to get your education from the comfort of your own home!

In this article, we’ll go over the benefits these programs can have for your long-term career goals. So, without any further ado, let’s get to the bottom of it!

1. Kill two birds with one stone

As we previously mentioned, MSN and MBA programs teach you specific skills beneficial to your professional advancement.

With a Master of Science in Nursing, you’ll learn everything there is to know about proper patient care and nursing administration work. Even though this might seem like it’s enough for you to kickstart your nursing career, most successful healthcare professionals will tell you otherwise.

First of all, healthcare institutions such as hospitals function just like any other business. You’ll need to understand the nuanced processes that go on inside of your workplace if you want to reach your full professional potential, and that’s where a nursing-focused MBA comes in!

Many nurses realize the importance of having proper business skills as a healthcare professional too far into their careers. You can start the right way by pursuing a dual MSN/MBA right from the get-go! It won’t only help you advance much quicker, but you’ll also be able to do your job much more effectively, helping many patients along the way.

2. Obtain your degree without interrupting your life

Because you’ll be obtaining your MBA and MSN degrees through an online program, there’s no need to make any drastic life changes to get your education. You only need to invest in a stable Wi-Fi network and learn some self-discipline and organization.

All of this is incredibly convenient now when we’re in the middle of the global pandemic. The demand for healthcare workers has never been higher, so you’re probably already working hard to help out where you can. Leaving your current job and life to advance your education can be quite tricky, so it’s no wonder online programs are becoming majorly popular among healthcare professionals.

Other than just convenience, though, online education provides you with much-needed safety during these uncertain times. As a healthcare worker, you’re probably already at the frontlines doing your part in battling the virus, so why put yourself at additional risk by participating in live education programs?

3. More flexibility in your career

You may wake up one day and realize you’re not cut out for nursing. You wouldn’t be alone: it’s an utterly stressful profession that can become too much to handle over time. Nurses are the backbone of every medical organization, and not everyone can withstand the pressures they encounter daily. However, after you’ve invested thousands of dollars and years of your time getting your education, switching careers is not always a viable option.

So, what can you do to ensure you never reach this worst-case scenario of being stuck on a job you despise?

Get a dual MBA/MSN degree, of course! It will provide you with a skill set that allows you to start your own business or switch to managerial/organizational positions inside of the healthcare system.

If you’re interested in what type of job opportunities await you after you’ve completed your MSN/MBA degree, you can read more here.

4. You’ll be able to do more for your patients

Most people who choose nursing as their profession are a unique kind of people. The job can be quite stressful, but it’s ten times as rewarding if you’re in it for the right reasons. So, if you’re driven by compassion and will to help others, you’ll be happy to learn that an MSN/MBA combo can help you do it more effectively.

As we mentioned before, nurses are a vital part of the medical system. Research shows that effective organization and leadership among nursing professionals correlates with higher patient satisfaction and quicker recoveries.

More profound knowledge of the business world can help you maximize your workplace’s structural efficiency, which all influences the quality of service your patients are getting. So, yes, MSN/MBA dual degrees are an excellent way to better the medical services with your ideas and knowledge.

5. Higher salary

While money isn’t everything, it’s still a significant factor in our choice of education. Well, if you’ve decided to enroll in one of those online MSN/MBA programs this year, we’ve some great news! According to statistics, nurses with an MBA/MSN degree are likely to earn a higher salary thanks to their qualifications!

Besides that, as the industry is in constant development, you certainly won’t struggle to find a job. An MSN/MBA dual degree provides you with a plethora of job opportunities, which gives you flexibility and makes your career a bit more dynamic.

Overall, even though money might not be your primary concern, you should know that your future earnings potential rises substantially by obtaining a dual MSN/MBA degree. You’ll also have more flexibility in your career choices than your peers who’ve decided to go for a singular MSN or healthcare-focused MBA.

6. Networking

Even though these problems are entirely online, you’re still going to be able to make essential business acquaintances during your studies. All of the people you meet during this process can become your life-long professional support in the future. So, make sure to socialize with your group as much as you can, and try to make friends!

The bottom line

There are many benefits to simultaneously acquiring a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Business Administration focused on healthcare. You’ll gain two different skill sets that can ultimately help you advance in your career and make the world a better place.