Best Jobs for Nurses with an MSN and MBA in 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What are the best roles for nurse practitioners with an MSN and MBA?

MSN and MBA nurses can excel in high-level positions that require both patient care expertise and strong management skills. Some of the best jobs for nurses with these dual degrees include:

Healthcare Administrator Nurses

in this role take on leadership positions in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare networks. They are responsible for managing budgets, supervising staff, and overseeing daily operations while ensuring that patient care remains a top priority. Their combined clinical and business training allows them to balance financial sustainability with quality care, making them key players in shaping healthcare delivery at an organizational level.

Clinical Operations Director

As Clinical Operations Directors, MSN/MBA nurses work to streamline healthcare processes across multiple departments. They analyze patient outcomes, reduce inefficiencies, and manage resources to improve the quality of care. Their MBA background equips them to lead teams, make strategic decisions, and implement operational improvements that not only benefit patients but also strengthen the organization’s overall performance.

Nurse Entrepreneur

Nurse Entrepreneur paths are especially appealing for those considering what business is good for nurses, as these roles allow MSN/MBA graduates to launch ventures like wellness clinics, telehealth startups, or specialty practices. They might open a specialized practice in primary care, dermatology, or mental health—or launch a healthcare startup, wellness clinic, or telehealth service. By applying business knowledge to patient care, nurse entrepreneurs have the unique ability to design innovative solutions that fill gaps in the healthcare system while building financially successful enterprises.

Healthcare Consultant

In this role, MSN/MBA nurses serve as expert advisors to healthcare organizations. They help hospitals and clinics identify areas for improvement in clinical operations, policy development, and cost efficiency. Their ability to merge evidence-based clinical practices with strategic business insights makes them valuable consultants who guide organizations toward stronger financial performance and higher standards of care.

Director of Care Management

Directors of Care Management focus on coordinating patient care across multiple providers, ensuring continuity and cost-effectiveness. They design care plans, manage interdisciplinary teams, and work closely with insurers to align care delivery with financial policies. Their MBA knowledge helps them negotiate complex healthcare systems while keeping patient outcomes and affordability at the forefront.

What salary can a nurse with an MSN and MBA expect?

In general, nurse leaders with these credentials can earn between $90,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on their role, location, and years of experience. For example, Nurse Case Managers, who often hold these advanced degrees, can earn an average salary of approximately $98,869 per year.

Nurse practitioners and other healthcare administrators with an MSN and MBA can see even higher salaries. Jobs for nurses with MSN/MBA such as Director of Nursing Operations or Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) can command salaries ranging from $120,000 to over $200,000 annually, with CNOs in large healthcare systems reaching the upper end of the scale.

According to Glassdoor, healthcare administrators with an MBA can earn up to $261,499 annually. This reflects the growing demand for leaders who can manage both clinical operations and financial performance in healthcare settings.

For nurses eager to reach these opportunities more quickly, fast track MBA MSN dual degree programs online offer an efficient way to combine both degrees and accelerate entry into leadership positions.

How does an MSN and MBA prepare nurses for executive positions in healthcare?

The MSN equips nurses with advanced clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of patient care management. This foundation allows them to maintain a high standard of clinical quality while also leading teams effectively.

The MBA component complements this by offering insights into financial management, strategic decision-making, and organizational leadership. Many nurses now explore options like the fastest online MBA in healthcare management programs to accelerate their path into leadership while balancing work and personal responsibilities.

With this training, they can navigate complex business environments, make data-driven decisions, and understand how healthcare operations intersect with business goals.

In executive roles, nurses with an MSN and MBA are tasked with overseeing large healthcare operations, shaping policies, managing budgets, and ensuring quality patient outcomes. Their ability to integrate clinical expertise with business strategies enables them to address both patient care and organizational efficiency.

Additionally, their strong leadership skills enable them to manage multidisciplinary teams, drive organizational change, and keep updated with healthcare regulations.

What skills are needed for nurses pursuing healthcare administration careers?

Jobs for nurses who can manage both the clinical and business aspects of healthcare organizations. These skills are essential for nurses who are eager to excel in healthcare administration:

• Leadership and Team Management: Nurses in healthcare administration must be able to guide teams and foster collaboration across various departments. Strong leadership helps motivate staff, clearly define roles, and deliver quality healthcare services.
• Financial Management: A solid understanding of budgeting, financial forecasting, and resource allocation is an asset. Nurses with healthcare administration roles must assess the financial health of their department or organization, making cost-effective decisions without compromising patient care.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Nurses must be able to develop long-term strategies that align with organizational goals. The ability to anticipate challenges and create innovative solutions helps maintain smooth operations and improve patient care.
• Healthcare Policy and Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of healthcare laws, policies, and regulations helps comply with industry standards. Nurses in administration must stay up-to-date on healthcare reforms, insurance guidelines, and patient rights.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is critical for coordinating between healthcare staff, patients, and stakeholders. Nurses must articulate complex information clearly, helping team members understand their roles and informing patients about their care.
• Data Analysis and Performance Metrics: Understanding how to interpret healthcare data helps administrators evaluate the quality of services provided. Nurses need to track key performance indicators, analyze patient outcomes, and implement changes based on data-driven insights.
• Technological Proficiency: With the increasing use of electronic health records (EHR) and healthcare management software, nurses must be comfortable with technology. Familiarity with digital tools is important for clinical technologist careers as it helps refine administrative productivity and patient care.

What are the benefits of combining an MSN and an MBA for nurse practitioners?

One of the key benefits of an MSN and MBA is the ability to take on higher-level leadership positions. Nurses with both degrees are well-equipped to manage healthcare teams, carry out data-driven strategies, and probe the complexities of healthcare policy and regulations. They are also more likely to be involved in decision-making processes that impact both patient care and the financial health of the organization.

An MSN and MBA combination also opens up opportunities for nurse practitioners to become entrepreneurs. They can leverage their clinical expertise to offer specialized services while applying their business knowledge to guarantee the financial success and sustainability of their ventures.

Moreover, this dual skill set provides greater job security and a competitive edge in the market, where the demand for healthcare leaders who understand both clinical care and business strategy is skyrocketing. Overall, an MSN and MBA prepare nurse practitioners for a wider array of jobs for nurses, higher salaries, and greater professional satisfaction.

In addition, nurses who hold both an MSN and MBA are more likely to achieve significant salary growth and long-term satisfaction. For context, they often earn well above an entry level nursing salary, reflecting the advanced leadership responsibilities they carry.

The employment of medical and health services managers is expected to grow in the next decade.

What are the qualifications for teaching nursing with an MSN and an MBA?

Jobs for nurses with both an MSN and MBA also include teaching. Academic institutions seek educators who can teach both clinical practice and healthcare management principles. The following qualifications are typically required for teaching nursing with an MSN and MBA:

• Advanced Clinical Experience: Most academic positions require a nurse educator to have substantial clinical experience in their specialty area. This hands-on experience helps them bring real-world knowledge into the classroom and prepares students for practical challenges in the healthcare environment.
• Graduate Degrees in Nursing and Business: An MSN is key to teaching clinical nursing courses, while an MBA provides the business expertise needed for teaching healthcare management and leadership. Together, these degrees equip nurse educators to teach both clinical and administrative courses, offering a well-rounded perspective to students.
• Teaching Experience or Pedagogical Training: Many institutions require prior teaching experience or formal training in education methods. Educators with an MBA may also need to learn adult learning principles, curriculum development, and instructional design to be able to teach in higher education settings.
• Licensure and Certification: A current nursing license is required to teach in clinical nursing programs, and certification in a nursing specialty area can be advantageous. Educators may also need specific credentials or certifications related to healthcare management or administration.

In some cases, programs welcome candidates from nontraditional backgrounds. For example, universities may highlight routes for applicants from no SAT or ACT required colleges, allowing broader access to graduate-level study and eventual teaching roles in nursing and healthcare administ

What are some successful business ventures for nurses with an MSN and an MBA?

Nurses with businesses can innovate within the healthcare industry while providing valuable services to both patients and organizations. Here are some successful businesses for nurses with an MSN and an MBA:

• Medical Equipment or Healthcare Product Business: Nurses with an MSN and MBA can start a business that focuses on the development, distribution, or sales of healthcare products and medical devices. Their knowledge of patient needs and clinical workflows allows them to identify gaps in the market. Fast-track UX design programs online can be helpful for these careers.
• Healthcare Consulting Firm: Nurses can start a consulting business that helps healthcare organizations augment their operations, patient care, and cost management. They can offer insights on clinical workflows, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning for healthcare providers.
• Private Nursing Practice: Nurses can open their own specialized clinics or private practices to offer primary care, mental health counseling, or wound care. Their business adeptness helps them financially sustain their practice while maintaining high-caliber patient care.
• Health Coaching and Wellness Services: Nurse entrepreneurs can offer health coaching, fitness programs, or wellness services aimed at promoting patients' overall health. Their understanding of nursing and business allows them to create tailored programs and head the operations of wellness ventures effectively.
• Nursing Education and Training Programs: These nurses can create educational programs for aspiring nurses or healthcare professionals. They can design courses, workshops, and certifications in specialized areas of nursing and healthcare management.

You can take an accelerated entrepreneurship bachelor's degree online if you're interested in starting your own business.

Can nurses with an MSN and MBA work in drug development or clinical trials?

Yes, nurses with an MSN and an MBA can certainly work in clinical trials. Their advanced clinical and business competence allows them to contribute to both research and development processes.

Nurses with these qualifications are uniquely suited to oversee clinical trial operations, including patient recruitment, safety monitoring, compliance with regulatory standards, and accurate data collection. Their clinical expertise helps them navigate the complexities of patient care, while their business training enables them to manage budgets, timelines, and cross-department coordination effectively.

In drug development, jobs for nurses with an MSN/MBA include leadership roles within clinical research organizations (CROs), pharmaceutical companies, or academic institutions. They may serve as clinical trial managers, project managers, or regulatory affairs specialists, guiding trials from planning through completion.

Their ability to balance the medical and business sides of drug development makes them valuable assets in streamlining operations, reducing risks, and improving overall trial success.

To succeed in these demanding roles, some nurses also pursue additional training in data analysis, compliance, or clinical research. Much like asking how long does it take to complete a dual degree program in psychology, understanding the timeline and commitment for clinical trials provides context for the workload MSN/MBA nurses may encounter in this field.

To put their role into perspective, it helps to consider how long clinical trials typically last. The chart below outlines the average length of a clinical trial cycle, highlighting the scope and commitment required for professionals working in this field.

What roles exist in government for nurses with an MSN and an MBA?

Government posts often involve policy development, healthcare management, and strategic planning. Nurses with an MSN and MBA can work for the government as a:

• Healthcare Policy Analyst: Nurses can work in government agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services to develop and study policies affecting healthcare delivery. Their understanding of clinical practice and business operations helps shape effective, patient-centered policies.
• Public Health Administrator: Nurses can manage healthcare programs at the local, state, or federal level. Their role involves directing public health initiatives, handling budgets, and providing better healthcare services to communities.
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Nurses with an MSN and MBA can also work for agencies like the FDA. They can help establish patient safety while working on complex healthcare laws.
• Healthcare Program Manager: Nurses may manage federal healthcare programs, such as Medicaid or Medicare, to optimize service delivery. They can be in charge of these programs while maintaining high standards of patient care.

Nurses can also enroll in the shortest online degree in public administration to upskill themselves and become more eligible in this field. 

Here’s What Nurses Have to Say About Their MSN & MBA Jobs

Other Things You Should Know About the Best Jobs for Nurses with an MSN & MBA

How can a nurse with an MSN and MBA start their own business?

A nurse with an MSN and MBA can open a private practice, start a healthcare consulting firm, or develop healthcare products or services. With the business skills gained from the MBA, they can manage operations, finances, marketing, and compliance. Meanwhile, their MSN degree helps them meet patient needs. Their unique combination of skills can also help them facilitate a healthcare-focused business successfully. 

Which MBA is best for nurses?

The best MBA for nurses is one that offers a focus on healthcare management or healthcare administration. An MBA with a concentration in healthcare helps nurses command healthcare organizations, understand healthcare policies, and harbor efficiency in patient care.

Programs that offer flexible schedules, such as online or part-time options, are also ideal for nurses who want to balance their studies with their clinical responsibilities. This type of MBA helps nurses advance into leadership roles while maintaining a strong foundation in both business and healthcare.

What is the highest-paying MSN job?

The highest-paying MSN job is typically that of a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who specialize in administering anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other procedures.

With a median salary that can exceed $200,000 per year, CRNAs are among the highest-paid healthcare professionals. The high demand for these professionals in both hospitals and outpatient surgery centers contributes to their lucrative compensation.

What type of nurse is in the highest demand?

The type of nurse in the highest demand is a registered nurse (RN) specializing in critical care, emergency, or intensive care unit (ICU) nursing. With the increasing complexity of healthcare, these nurses are needed to deal with patients in life-threatening conditions who require constant monitoring and specialized care. The growing aging population and ongoing healthcare workforce shortages have also further fueled the demand for critical care nurses.