Walden’s MSN-MBA program prepares students for a management role as a nurse administrator through a targeted curriculum that emphasizes core business skills, evidence-based decision making, creative problem solving, and strategy development for nursing practice. In addition to gaining insight into how effective, collaborative management can support the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes, students will have the opportunity to put their skills into practice and become more effective business communicators, successful collaborators, critical systematic thinkers, and world-class managers who are well-equipped to succeed in today’s global healthcare environments. The program incorporates critical real-world skills in areas such as management strategy, business communications, planning, financing, patient safety management, and human resources.
Students who complete this program of study will receive two distinct degrees upon completion of all requirements detailed below. (MSN with Nurse Executive specialization, MBA with Self-Designed specialization)
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), is a leading specialized accreditation association that identifies and supports excellence in business education worldwide. Walden University’s BS in Business Administration (BSBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), MS in Finance, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and PhD in Management programs are accredited by ACBSP.
Note on Licensure
The MSN, Nurse Executive degree earned via this dual degree program is not a licensure-leading program and will not prepare students as nurse practitioners.
MSN Learning Outcomes
At the end of this program, students will be able to:
- Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
- Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
- Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
- Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
- Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
- Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
- Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.
MBA Learning Outcomes
At the end of this program, students will:
- Evaluate the environment in which businesses operate.
- Develop well-reasoned, appropriate decisions within a business context.
- Generate solutions to a variety of complex business scenarios.
- Effectively employ business-appropriate communication skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the skills necessary to work effectively with others in diverse business environments.
- Evaluate how business administration knowledge and skills enable a variety of stakeholders to contribute to positive social change.
Degree Requirements
- 70 total quarter credits
- Core Courses (63 quarter credits)
- Field Experience Preparation Course (0 credit)
- Capstone Courses (7 quarter credits)
- Professional Development Plan
- Portfolio
Curriculum
Core Courses (63 credits)
Capstone courses (7 credits)
Course Sequence Table
| Quarter | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | NURX 6003 - Perspectives on Graduate Study for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| MBAX 4990 - Business Essentials | 0 credits | |
| NURX 6050 - Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 2 | MBAX 6000D - Dynamic Leadership | 5 credits |
| NURX 6051 - Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology | 5 credits | |
| FECN 6601 - Field Experience Preparation | 0 credits | |
| Quarter 3 | NURX 6052 - Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice | 5 credits |
| NURX 6053 - Interprofessional Organization and Systems Leadership | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 4 | MBAX 6040D - Accounting Management Decision Making | 5 credits |
| NURX 6231 - Healthcare Systems and Quality Outcomes | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 5 | MBAX 6050D - Accounting for Management Decision Making | 5 credits |
| MBAX 6060D - Marketing for Competitiveness | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 6 | MBAX 6070D - Managerial Finance | 5 credits |
| NURX 6241 - Strategic Planning in Healthcare Organizations | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 7 | NURX 6221 - Managing Human Resources | 5 credits |
| Quarter 8 | MBAX 6990D - Capstone: Sustainable Business Practices & Strategies | 5 credits |
| NURX 6601 - Capstone: Synthesis Practicum (2 practicum credits; 144 hours) | 2 credits |
* Students enrolling in a midterm start date will take only MBAX 4990A, FECN 6601, and NURX 6002, 6-week versions of these courses in their first term.
Field Experience Preparation
Walden is committed to providing students with resources and support in preparation of field experience(s). To help ease anxiety in the field experience process, Walden offers a 0-credit Field Experience Preparation course, a structured experience that guides students through the application process and currently available readiness resources. The course is designed to complement other pre-requisite courses needed in preparation for field experience(s). The goal is that students submit their field experience application by the end of the course. Of course, there may be reasons why a field experience needs to be postponed, or the readiness course may not be needed if a field experience opportunity has already been secured. In this instance, students may opt-out of the course. By opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course without having submitted a complete field experience application you are notifying Walden that you have chosen to delay the beginning of your field experience indefinitely, it is your responsibility to notify Walden when you plan to begin the field experience component of your program. In some instances, opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course indicates the foundational components of the field experience process have been satisfied and submission of the field experience application is pending. While the course is not yet available for Tempo students, the same readiness resources are available to Tempo students seeking field experience.
Note on Field Experience and Relocating
Students who are considering relocating are advised to contact their student success advisor prior to any decision to relocate in order to determine how relocation may impact progress in their program. They can provide information and guidance on how relocating may result in possible changes, restrictions, and/or additional requirements affecting field experience. Each Board of Nursing and Higher Education Authority governs the field experience rules and regulations in their respective states, and students may be unable to complete field experience in the state in which they plan to relocate. While Walden is committed to working collaboratively with students to secure field sites across the United States, it is imperative that students contact their student success advisor immediately when considering relocating.