The Best Online MSN/MHA Dual Degree Programs

Earning an online master of science in nursing/master of health association (MSN/MHA) dual degree enables registered nurses (RNs) to increase their earning potential and advance their nursing career. The MSN/MHA dual degree is a popular track for nurse administration and leadership career paths, allowing students to pursue two master’s degrees simultaneously, saving both time and money. A dual MSN/MHA degree prepares students for careers, such as nurse administrator, chief nursing officer, and chief operating officer.

This guide explores the best MSN/MHA online degrees, including program admissions requirements, coursework, and accreditation status.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online MSN/MHA dual degree programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

RNs with a bachelor’s degree qualify for the MSN/MHA dual degree program. An MSN/MHA dual degree provides a deep comprehension of healthcare strategy, with coursework overlapping to cover both degrees.

Students gain the skills and knowledge required to deal with healthcare challenges, such as patient accessibility, quality, and costs of services. Learners deepen their understanding of nursing policy, quality, health assessment, and leadership. The program’s healthcare administrative component focuses on healthcare financial operations and quality management. Required clinicals include a nurse administration practicum.

The MSN/MHA dual degree program requires 60 hours of coursework, which usually takes learners three years to complete. The curriculum focuses on nursing leadership and management skills, strategic marketing techniques, legal and ethical issues, and collaboration among other team members to employ healthcare best practices.

To determine if you qualify for MSN/MHA program entry, check out the school’s admission requirements. Many schools include similar application materials, including the following:

Accreditation lends credibility to a school or a specific degree program and happens when a third-party accrediting body thoroughly reviews a college or university.

The American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN) often accredits graduate nursing programs. The AACN evaluates everything from the curriculum to study materials to faculty credentials. It is essential to select an accredited program for many reasons, including:

All of the schools in our rankings list are accredited institutions.

While earning a dual degree can be challenging, there are some major advantages to gaining both degrees at once. Much of the MSN/MHA curriculum is related, and the program combines a student’s nurse management knowledge with general skills that healthcare leaders must learn. This results in a shorter program duration and lower costs.

The double major that is best depends on your personal and career goals. If you are interested in healthcare management or leadership roles in the healthcare field, an MSN/MHA dual degree will likely be a good fit for you.

The time it takes to finish the program depends on several factors, such as whether you are a full- or part-time student. Many programs take 2.5-3 years to finish on a full-time schedule.

Career options for MSN/MHA dual degree graduates include a hospital or nurse administrator, director of nursing, nurse educator, or nurse manager (i.e., managing a specific department in a healthcare facility or the entire organization). Specific roles include nursing home administrators, medical practice managers, and health insurance underwriting managers.