If you are interested in entering the field of nursing, then you need to think about both career opportunities and the best possible education degrees. You will be pleased to know that there are dual degree nurse practitioner programs that make all of this easier.
The best part is that dual nursing degrees are quickly gaining popularity owing to the many benefits these have over traditional nursing programs. Want to know more? Then, you are in the right spot. Today, we shall go over everything you need to know about dual nursing degrees. Let’s get started.
What Are Dual Nursing Degree Programs?
Several registered nurses or RNs often opt for an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree to enable career advancement and earn a better salary. Candidates with a master’s degree can land a leadership role, such as a public health manager or healthcare administrator. Students that wish to earn higher degrees make perfect candidates for dual-degree nursing programs.
A dual degree calls for students to effectively complete a challenging curriculum which enables them to gain expertise in 2 major fields. Graduates leave a university/college with dual master’s degrees which simply means better job scope and higher wages.
What Are The Common Dual Nursing Degree Programs?
Students interested in a dual degree can pick one from multiple types. If you are interested in completing a dual degree online, then it is a smart idea to reach out to your institute of choice to see if they offer one. Let’s look at some common dual degree programs below:
1. MSN/MPH Dual Degree Program
An MSN/MPH (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health) dual degree is suitable for nurses that wish to polish their nursing skills while learning more about public health.
It is a good idea to apply for a program that offers a CEPH (Council on Education for Public Health) approved MPH degree and an ACEN/CCNE-approved MSN degree before you apply to any program.
Admission Requirements And Syllabus
This degree takes two years to complete, and nurses with a BSN degree and an RN license are eligible to apply. Admission requirements may also include GRE scores, undergraduate transcripts, goal statements, resumes, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and previous nursing experience.
Nursing practical’s need to be completed along with the curriculum once a student enrolls. Courses often include:
- Public Health Policy
- Public Health Nursing Leadership and Management
- Medical Research Methods and Design
- Biostatistics
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Advanced Health Assessment
Career Opportunities
The U.S. BLS estimates that nurse practitioner jobs will grow by 40% between 2021 and 2031. Health education jobs are expected to grow by 12%.
The MSN/MPH dual degree is perfect for those that wish to pursue a career as a:
- Community health member
- Public health nurse
- Public health education advocate
- Healthcare policy supervisor
- Researcher
- Nurse practitioner
- Nursing director
- Midwife
Alternatively, graduates can also opt for leadership roles in clinics, health centers, government organizations, and hospitals.
2. MSN/MHA Dual Degree Program
This dual degree is perfect for those that wish to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Health degree at the same time. The degree allows students to gain expertise in public health while polishing their nursing skills.
Always opt for a program that is CCNE/ACEN/CEPH/CAHME approved, as these have strict quality control. Students are required to complete practical clinical hours, an internship, and the entire curriculum to graduate.
Admission Requirements And Syllabus
Most institutes require applicants to have a GPA ranging from 2.75 to 3.0 and also ask for undergraduate transcripts. Other requirements may include an RN certificate, professional experience, 2 or 3 recommendation letters, personal statements/essays, academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and prerequisite class requirements. Selected candidates may be called for an interview for further shortlisting.
The common length of an MSN/MHA dual degree is two years. However, this duration may differ for different institutes based on credit requirements, internship hours, program structure, courses, etc. A typical syllabus includes the following subjects;
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Health Informatics
- Health Information Systems (HIS)
- Health Policy
- Business administration
- Management
- Health Services Management
- Law and ethics
Career Opportunities
Not only can graduates land advanced nursing roles with this degree, but they can also opt for administrative/leadership roles in the public/educational sectors based on personal interests and goals. Possible career choices include:
- Hospital Administrators
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Clinical Nurse Managers
- Directors of Nursing (DON)
- Clinical Manager
- Health Information Manager
MSN/MHA degree holders not only enjoy an array of career opportunities but are also able to enjoy job security, better wages, and flexibility. The United States BLS has estimated that medical/health service manager jobs will grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031. The average annual salary for these job posts is a whopping 101,340 USD.
Nurses with an RN license and BSN often think about enrolling in a master’s program. Dual degrees not only aid this but also enable them to gain double expertise in two different fields. Dual degree holders can stand out amongst the crowd by coming on top of traditional master’s degree holders.
