10 Best MBA Programs For Nurses: BSN to MBA

Are you a registered nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who wants to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA)? You can find accredited MBA programs designed for students with a healthcare background.

Don't know where to start? Keep reading as we highlight some of the nation's best MBA programs for nurses.

Are There BSN-to-MBA Programs?

No, schools typically don't offer BSN to MBA programs. However, you can find options enabling students with nursing backgrounds to enter business roles. For example, dual degree programs like the MBA/Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) allow students with a BSN to earn a graduate degree in business and one in nursing. You can also find options like the RN to MSN/MBA program for students with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) who would like to earn the two graduate degrees and their BSN.

Is There an MBA in Nursing Program?

No, there are no specific MBA in nursing programs, but business degrees that allow students to specialize in health-related fields are available. Popular options include the MBA with a concentration in health informatics, public health, healthcare administration, or healthcare management.

Do you want to pursue one of these degrees, but prefer flexible scheduling and the ability to learn from anywhere with an internet connection? You can find top MBA programs online with various healthcare concentrations.

What Are the Best MBA Programs for Registered Nurses?

Nurses ready to take their careers to new heights can choose from multiple MBA programs. Here are some of the best graduate-level business administration degrees for RNs:

• Traditional MBA programs: This graduate degree prepares students for business leadership and management roles through coursework exploring finance, marketing, operations, and sales.
• MBA in healthcare management: Students earning this degree learn to apply business management principles to healthcare as they prepare to oversee a healthcare facility's day-to-day operations.
• MBA in healthcare administration: A healthcare administration program teaches similar concepts as a healthcare management program, except students prepare to manage the overall direction of a healthcare organization.
• MBA in health informatics: This program combines business administration with information systems and other technological concepts to teach students how to manage and analyze health information.
• MBA in public health: An MBA in public health is commonly offered as a Master of Public Health (MPH) and MBA dual degree, preparing learners for roles as leaders in the public health sector.
• MSN/MBA Dual Degree: Students enrolled in this degree program gain advanced nursing skills and a strong business management foundation as they prepare for administrative roles in healthcare.

Best MBA Programs for Nurses

Are you ready to pursue an MBA for nurses? Review the schools below to find some of the top programs for students interested in becoming nurse leaders.

1. Fayetteville State University

At Fayetteville State University, students can pursue an MBA in health informatics that teaches communication strategies in healthcare, medical decision-making, public policy, and how to manage healthcare informatics. Learners study the technologies and information systems used in healthcare management and medical services. Admission requirements include having a bachelor's degree and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.

• Estimated tuition cost: $224 per credit (In-state); $887.86 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama's College of Business offers an MBA with a concentration in healthcare leadership. This program, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), emphasizes experiential learning and provides electives in public health administration and healthcare leadership.

Students learn how to enhance the healthcare industry through traditional and contemporary business. Among the many perks of this program is the ability to take seven-week courses in an accelerated format.

• Estimated tuition cost: $505 per credit (in-state); $1,010 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Spring Arbor University

Registered nurses interested in earning bachelor's and graduate degrees in business and nursing can pursue the RN to MSN/MBA program at Spring Arbor University. The ideal applicant holds an ADN or nursing diploma and seeks to earn their BSN, as well as a dual MSN/MBA.

Coursework is delivered in the 7-1-7 model, which means students take a seven-week course and then enjoy a one-week break before starting the next seven-week course. Specializations included in this online program include healthcare administration, cybersecurity, and human resource development.

• Estimated tuition cost: $525 to $797 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Pennsylvania Western University

PennWest Global Online is home to an MBA/MSN in leadership accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). When enrolled in this program, students learn financial management and how to manage healthcare systems, improve patient care, and integrate clinical experience with business acumen.

Coursework, delivered 100% online, helps learners qualify for roles as health services managers, policy advisors, nurse executives, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,644 per term (in-state); $4,734 per term (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. Western Governors University

The MBA in healthcare administration at Western Governors University is a flexible, competency-based online program that allows learners to navigate coursework as they master it, instead of exploring concepts on a per-semester basis. Courses focus on financial management, marketing, healthcare management, accreditation auditing, and beyond.

Admission to this MBA program requires verification of a bachelor's degree via official transcripts. Applicants aren't required to take the GRE or GMAT.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,805 per six-month term
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

6. University of Texas at San Antonio

The Alvarez College of Business (ACOB) and the School of Public Health (UTSPH) at the University of Texas at San Antonio offer a dual degree program for students interested in an MBA and MPH. In this AACSB-accredited program, enrollees learn to solve healthcare issues faced by public and private organizations.

As a dual option, students can streamline their coursework and earn both degrees in as little as three years. During the application process, learners submit proof of a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, a resume, a purpose statement, and letters of recommendation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,906 per year (full-time resident); $28,134 per year (full-time non-resident)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Learners enrolled in the online MBA with a concentration in healthcare information systems at Southeastern Oklahoma State University study the ins and outs of health insurance and managed care and discover how to navigate laws associated with electronic health records. Admission is open to students with a 2.5 GPA and a bachelor's degree. GMAT scores aren't required.

Students can complete this 30-credit, AACSB-accredited program in as little as 12 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,400 total tuition
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Capella University

Capella University's MBA in health care management helps students prepare for leadership roles in healthcare through coursework in marketing, operations, data analytics, and evidence-based decision making. To fund their degree, learners can pursue financial aid and a $2,500 Capella Progress Reward scholarship.

This program is available in two learning formats: FlexPath and GuidedPath. FlexPath is a self-paced format, enabling students to navigate course materials at their own speed, while GuidedPath follows a structured format with set schedules and deadlines.

• Estimated tuition cost: As low as $13,000 in total tuition
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Fairleigh Dickinson University

At Fairleigh Dickinson University, students can pursue an AACSB-accredited MBA with a specialization in pharmaceutical management. This program is available online, offering asynchronous coursework that students complete weekly on their own time. In addition to the core business curriculum, learners enrolled in this program study healthcare systems policy, management of pharmaceutical research or product sales, and how to manage value in healthcare.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,156 per credit
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers an MBA in health systems management for students interested in becoming medical and health services managers. Coursework in this one-year, fast-track program focuses on health systems management and explores the financial environment and translational research of complex health systems.

Students can take classes weeknights at NSU's Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus or online. To gain admission, learners need an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a conferred bachelor's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,390 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How To Earn Your MBA With a BSN

Nurses might assume that finding an MBA program that accepts a BSN is difficult. Truthfully, numerous programs accept students with a nursing degree. The key is to search for a campus-based or online MBA for non-business majors.

When applying to these programs, you'll find that most require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, but have no business background requirements. Some seek a minimum GMAT or GRE score, while others waive these testing requirements.

Is It Worth Getting Your MBA As a Nurse?

Yes, earning an MBA is a good idea for nurses who want to transition from direct nursing practice to leadership roles. An MBA provides the business background to manage healthcare facilities or take on roles in administration, education, or public health policy. This degree, particularly when combined with an MSN, can also qualify learners for admission to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program.

Careers for Nurses With an MBA

Career options for nurses with an MBA are vast. Graduates can pursue different types of healthcare administration jobs or roles in management, informatics, public health policy, and beyond. Common careers include:

• health services manager
• healthcare organization policy advisor
• health informatics consultant
• nursing services director
• healthcare IT project manager
• clinical manager
• nurse executive
• chief nursing officer
• chief medical information officer

Explore MBA Programs for Nurses

Take the next step toward an exciting career that combines business and healthcare by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to find out how they can help you reach your career goals.