| College | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| Belmont University | Nashville | Tennessee |
| DeSales University | Center Valley | Pennsylvania |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore | Maryland |
| Rutgers University | Rutgers University | New Jersey |
| Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville | Edwardsville | Illinois |
| St. Catherine University | St. Paul | Minnesota |
| Union University | Jackson | Tennessee |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu | Hawaii |
| University of Michigan-Flint | Flint | Michigan |
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Chattanooga | Tennessee |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee | Wisconsin |
| Viterbo University | La Crosse | Wisconsin |
The Nursing Industry
Nursing is one of the largest and fastest growing professions in the world today, with more than 2.95 million registered nurses (RNs) practicing in the U.S. alone. At 15% for the 2016-2026 decade, employment growth for RNs is much faster than average for all occupations. What this means is, the U.S. workforce is expected to increase by more than 438,000, bringing the total population of RNs to nearly 3.5 million by 2026.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Demand for healthcare services will increase because of the aging population, given that older people typically have more medical problems than younger people. Nurses also will be needed to educate and care for patients with various chronic conditions, such as arthritis, dementia, diabetes, and obesity.
The financial pressure on hospitals to discharge patients as soon as possible may result in more people being admitted to long-term care facilities and outpatient care centers, and greater need for healthcare at home. Job growth is expected in facilities that provide long-term rehabilitation for stroke and head injury patients, and in facilities that treat people with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, because many older people prefer to be treated at home or in residential care facilities, registered nurses will be in demand in those settings.
Growth is also expected to be faster than average in outpatient care centers, where patients do not stay overnight, such as those which provide same-day chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and surgery. In addition, an increased number of procedures, as well as more sophisticated procedures previously done only in hospitals, are being performed in ambulatory care settings and physicians’ offices.
At an average of $71,730 annually, RN salaries are on the rise as well, with an average of around $106,530 annually for high-performers. Salaries and employment growth for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are even higher. APRNs such as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners (NPs) and nurse midwives average $167,950, $107,030, and $103,770, respectively.
APRN Nurse Leadership and the MBA
Within the APRN arena, nurse leadership is fast becoming one of the most desired health care fields. The nature of the positions combined with the benefits are just a few reasons for the increase in popularity. APRNs in nurse leadership roles typically work at the executive or management levels and they often hold an advanced nursing degree such as a Master of Science in nursing (MSN), a PhD in nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Some DNPs even hold an MBA as well—and it makes sense. APRNs in executive or management positions must have a combination of advanced clinical, organizational, and leadership skills to meet the changing demands of the present and future health care system. They are responsible for measuring patient and population outcomes, educating diverse populations, translating evidence into clinical practice, and advocating for safe and quality care within complex health care delivery systems. Nurse managers and executives are also instrumental in health policy development and implementation. A DNP combined with an MBA (DNP/MBA or MBA/DNP) can prepare graduates for success in carrying out these and the many other vital missions associated with APRN management and executive roles.
SchoolsThat Offer an Online MBA/DNP
A number of schools have combined the DNP and MBA into one degree and many of these programs are offered at some of the nation’s best business and nursing schools. Some top options include:
- Belmont University, Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business and the School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee - DNP/MBA (Hybrid)
- DeSales University, Division of Business and the Department of Nursing and Health, Center Valley, Pennsylvania - DNP Executive Leadership Track with MBA (Hybrid)
- Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Carey Business School, Baltimore, Maryland - DNP Executive Track/MBA
- Rutgers Business School and the School of Nursing, Camden, Newark and New Brunswick, New Jersey - DNP/MBA in Executive Nursing Leadership
- Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, School of Business and School of Nursing, Edwardsville, Illinois - MBA/DNP
- St. Catherine University School of Professional Studies and the Department of Nursing, St. Paul, Minnesota - MBA/DNP Executive Nurse Leader Dual Degree (Hybrid)
- Union University, McAfee School of Business Administration and the School of Nursing, Jackson, Tennessee - MBA Option with DNP Track
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Shidler Business College and the School of Nursing, Honolulu, Hawaii - MBA-HC/DNP
- University of Michigan-Flint, School of Management and the School of Nursing, Flint, Michigan – DNP/MBA (Hybrid with minimal campus visits)
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Business and the School of Nursing, Chattanooga, Tennessee - DNP Nursing Administration to MBA
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Lubar School of Business and the College of Nursing, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - DNP/MBA
- Viterbo University, College of Business & Leadership and the School of Nursing, La Crosse, Wisconsin – MBA/DNP (Hybrid)
About DNP/MBA Programs
So what does a typical DNP/MBA program look like? Programs vary, but the DNP/MBA at Belmont University is an excellent example of a comprehensive program. Prior to enrollment in the program, students will complete the Summer Business Institute (if MBA prerequisites are needed). In the fall, students move on to nursing courses such as Population Health & Epidemiology and Biostatistics. In the spring, students take business courses such as Financial Management and Management & Organizational Behavior. Health Care Policy is also on the menu.
Students will go on to take courses such as Corporate Financial & Managerial Accounting, Advanced Financial Management in Healthcare Organizations, and Foundations of Clinical Scholarship. They will continue the program with the following unique combination of courses:
- Entrepreneurship
- Evaluation of Healthcare Outcomes
- Healthcare Education of Diverse Populations
- International Business
- Leadership in Organizations Nursing
- Legal & Ethical Environment of Business
- Management of Business Processes & Operations
- Management of Technology
- Marketing Management
Several scholarly projects as well an international study abroad experience are also part of the program. This dual degree program may be completed in as few as 3.5 years and according to the school, graduates will be able to:
- Integrate knowledge from nursing, biophysical, social, analytical, and organizational sciences to develop and transform advanced practice nursing.
- Translate nursing, biophysical, social, analytical, and organizational knowledge to improve patient and population health outcomes.
- Manage increasingly complex health care system demands by incorporating knowledge of current and emerging health technologies.
- Provide leadership and advocacy for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in health care.
- Develop, implement and evaluate effective and sustainable educational programs for varying populations. Demonstrate intra- and inter-professional collaboration to improve healthcare quality and outcomes across diverse populations and to address health disparities.
If you are considering earning a DNP and an MBA, and would like to do it in less time than it would take to complete each program separately, talk to the program directors at your school about your options. Many directors are more than happy to accommodate promising MBA students with clearly defined goals.
Considering an MBA? Use our interactive map to find information on schools and colleges offering MBA programs in your state and across the U.S.
Sources
"DNP/MBA." College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing. Belmont University, n.d. Web. 12 June 2017.
"Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12 Apr. 2019. Web. 23 Jun. 2019.
"Registered Nurses." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12 Apr. 2019. Web. 23 Jun. 2019.
"29-1141 Registered Nurses – Occupational Employment and Wages." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 31 Mar. 2017. Web. 12 June 2017
