Dual degree nursing programs transform the way nurses approach their education by offering an innovative blend of two complementary areas of study into a single, streamlined educational path. The integrative educational method supported by dual nursing degree programs helps students cultivate leadership and adaptability within an evolving healthcare industry.
The following article defines and explores dual degree nursing programs, looking at the types of programs available, their benefits, dual degree curricula, and what to expect from the admissions process.
What Are Dual Degree Nursing Programs?
Dual degree nursing programs are a unique and advantageous way for nursing students to expand their educational background and graduate with two degrees rather than one after completing the program.
Definition and Structure of Dual Degree Nursing Programs
Typically offered at both the undergraduate and master’s level, dual degree nursing programs combine a nursing degree with a second degree in areas such as business, health administration, or public health. They include a schedule of integrated coursework from both disciplines (designed to meet the requirements of both a nursing degree and a second degree) — saving students time and money while presenting the opportunity to earn two degrees simultaneously.
How Dual Degrees Differ From Single Degree Programs
The primary difference between these two types of degree programs is that a single degree program focuses on one specific area of study and culminates in a singular degree being awarded upon program completion. A dual degree nursing program focuses on two fields of study and leads to two separate degrees being awarded upon program completion. While single degree programs offer a more direct path to graduating, dual degree programs provide the opportunity to develop a broader skill set and a more extensive knowledge base, thereby expanding potential career specializations.
Types of Dual Degree Nursing Programs
Dual degree nursing programs exist at both the undergraduate and master’s level of education. There are several different types of these programs that combine a master of science in nursing with training for another graduate-level program. Some common dual degree programs include the following options:
MSN/MBA Programs
A master of science in nursing (MSN)/master of business administration (MBA) dual degree program integrates advanced nursing practice with business management and leadership. The program is designed to provide training and education that enhances leadership skills in the nursing field.
The MSN portion of an MSN/MBA program entails coursework curricula and experiential training for advanced practice nursing roles. The MBA portion of the degree includes advanced coursework in business administration, providing foundational knowledge in business principles and opportunities for leadership development. These skills coalesce to offer students the opportunity to lead more effectively in healthcare organizations.
Courses in MSN/MBA programs cover subjects such as nursing theory, statistics, and research in addition to business management, finance, marketing, and organizational leadership. Upon program completion, graduates emerge with an education in both advanced nursing and business administration, along with a well-rounded knowledge of both business and healthcare.
MSN/MPH Programs
A master of science in nursing/master of public health (MPH) combines direct clinical care with the study of broader population healthcare initiatives, such as policy and public health. The program is designed for nursing students to study advanced nursing practice while gaining leadership abilities applicable in public health settings.
An MSN/MPH program includes courses and experiential training in advanced nursing practice as well as curricula covering subjects like epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, health promotion, and program evaluation. In these programs, students may develop skills for:
- Evaluating the health of large populations.
- Working with diverse groups of patients.
- Evaluating public health challenges at a variety of levels.
- Designing and implementing healthcare programs.
Upon successful completion of an MSN/MPH program, graduates might wish to pursue advanced roles in nursing or leadership and administrative positions in public health, community health, health departments, nonprofits, and government agencies.
MSN/MHA Programs
A master of science in nursing/master of health administration (MHA) combines the study of advanced nursing with that of the management and administration of healthcare organizations. The program is designed for nursing students wanting to gain advanced clinical skills and management expertise that blends patient care with healthcare administration.
In addition to advanced nursing coursework, MSN/MHA students complete courses covering subjects like financial management, budgeting, and organizational leadership presented from the unique perspective of the healthcare industry. Graduates may emerge with an interdisciplinary background, skills, experience, training, and insights relevant to professional roles that benefit from both administrative leadership and clinical insight within healthcare organizations.
Benefits of Pursuing a Dual Degree in Nursing
By combining disciplines — such as nursing with business administration or health administration — dual degree nursing programs can help students develop a richer, more comprehensive understanding of patient care and healthcare systems while challenging them to improve their problem-solving skills, think critically across multiple perspectives, and establish a deeper understanding of how the intersection of numerous fields shapes healthcare.
Dual degree nursing students may enjoy a variety of benefits from the unique structure of their degree programs. Aside from saving time and money in a flexible, streamlined program, the advantages of dual degree nursing programs include enhanced skills, expanded career responsibilities, and a broader knowledge base.
Enhanced Professional Responsibilities
Emerging with two advanced degrees could help strengthen one’s resume. Dual degree nursing program graduates may possess a more extensive educational and experiential background that could be applicable to a wider range of professional duties and settings.
Expanded Skills and Knowledge Base
The ability to pursue two advanced degrees simultaneously allows students the chance to efficiently build their skill sets and knowledge base by studying two complementary fields at once. Depending on the dual degree nursing program a student selects, they may graduate with distinct and diverse competencies that encompass advanced clinical nursing knowledge and experience — plus a high-level background in business, leadership, management, public health, or healthcare administration.
Admission Requirements for Dual Degree Nursing Programs
Before applying for a dual degree nursing program, prospective students should ensure they meet all prerequisites for the program in question. These requirements typically include both academic and professional qualifications.
Academic Prerequisites and Qualifications
Most master’s-level dual nursing degree programs require applicants to:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).
- Provide copies of transcripts.
- Have an active registered nurse (RN) license.
- Have earned a minimum GPA (often 3.0).
Some dual degree nursing programs might also require the completion of prerequisite courses and standardized testing, such as the Graduate Records Examination (GRE), and a minimum score.
Application Process Overview
Prospective students should research their university’s prerequisites, application process, additional required application materials, and application deadlines before beginning the process. To ensure a smooth application, be sure to complete your application in full and submit all the required transcripts and test scores along with letters of recommendation, personal statements, and personal essays.
Core Curriculum and Specializations
A dual nursing program includes a core nursing curriculum comprising of advanced nursing courses as well as the core curriculum of the second degree. Additionally, most dual degree nursing programs include a selection of courses taught from a combined disciplinary perspective.
Common Courses in Dual Nursing Programs
Courses commonly incorporated in dual nursing degree programs include a comprehensive schedule of advanced, core nursing topics such as:
- Physiology and pathophysiology
- Pharmacology and pathopharmacology
- Health assessment
- Healthcare policy and ethics
- Nursing management principles
- Research design
Other courses included in dual degree programs depend on the degree that is selected, in addition to the master of science in nursing. For example, an MSN/MBA program entails classes in areas like:
- Healthcare financial management and economics
- Managerial accounting for healthcare
- Healthcare operations management
- Organizational behavior in healthcare
- Leadership in healthcare
- Healthcare marketing
- Risk management
Specialization Options and Their Impacts
When choosing a dual degree nursing program, prospective students should consider their goals and ideal professional path. The dual degree they select influences the type of skills developed and knowledge acquired, which affects potential workplace responsibilities and environments.
For instance, the MSN – Management and Organizational Leadership Specialization at Post University includes coursework regarding patient care, human resources (HR) management, nursing leadership, and clinical and administrative health systems.
Explore an Online MSN/MBA-Healthcare With Post University
Advanced nursing students of Post University can have the opportunity to pursue two healthcare degrees simultaneously through our online Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration – Healthcare dual degree nursing program. This dual degree program allows students to explore and advance their nursing background while developing expertise in business administration from a healthcare perspective.
Request more information to learn more about our online dual degree nursing program.
