Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management MSN / Business Administration MBA

4 Years On Campus Masters Program

Drexel University

Program Overview

Drexel University's dual MSN/MBA programme prepares registered nurses to take on senior leadership and management roles in hospitals, healthcare organisations, and other health service settings. It combines advanced nursing leadership, healthcare operations, quality and safety, and evidence-based decision-making with business subjects such as finance, marketing, strategy, analytics, and organisational management.

Curriculum Structure

The catalogue provides a sample four-year, part-time study plan. Students combine nursing and business courses throughout the programme, followed by healthcare management practicums and electives.

Year 1: Students develop a foundation in healthcare environments, ethical decision-making, financial reporting, legal considerations, business analytics, and financial management. Core subjects include Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments, Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care, Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Essentials of Financial Reporting, and Business Analytics for Managers.

Year 2: The focus moves towards leadership, healthcare research, strategic management, and the business of healthcare. Students study Communication and Self-Awareness for Leadership, Research Methods and Biostatistics, Evaluation and Translation of Health Research, The Economics and Business of Healthcare, and Managing Operations and Human Resources for Quality Outcomes of Care Delivery.

Year 3: Students strengthen their understanding of project management and business strategy while completing further MBA requirements. Courses include Introduction to Project Management, Strategic Management, Marketing Strategy and Planning, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Managerial Economics. Students also select an MBA elective and an MSN elective.

Year 4: The final stage emphasises the practical application of leadership and management knowledge in healthcare organisations. Students complete Practicum and Symposium in Healthcare Operations Management and Practicum and Symposium in Technology and Management of Information in Healthcare Organizations, alongside remaining electives.

The MBA experiential requirement can be fulfilled through options such as Graduate Internship, Business Consulting, International Business Seminar and Residency, or MBA Capstone.

Focus Areas

Nursing Leadership, Health Systems Management, Healthcare Operations, Healthcare Economics, Financial Management, Strategic Planning, Quality and Patient Safety, Human Resource Management, Healthcare Information Systems, Evidence-Based Decision-Making, Healthcare Research, Business Analytics, Project Management, Organisational Leadership, Healthcare Ethics, Marketing Strategy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are prepared to apply leadership and business principles to complex healthcare environments, evaluate healthcare quality and safety, and make informed operational and strategic decisions. They develop skills in managing healthcare resources and personnel, interpreting research, using healthcare information systems, addressing legal and ethical challenges, resolving organisational conflicts, and supporting improvements in care delivery. The programme also develops the ability to communicate effectively, lead teams, and contribute to organisational policies and healthcare management initiatives.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The nursing component is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which accredits Drexel's master's degree programmes in nursing. The MBA component is delivered through the Bennett S. LeBow College of Business, which holds AACSB accreditation. These accreditations apply to the respective nursing and business programmes; they should not be described as a separate accreditation for the combined dual degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Drexel does not publish employment statistics specifically for graduates of this MSN/MBA dual-degree programme. However, LeBow College of Business reports that 93% of its master's and MBA graduates were employed 9–12 months after graduation, with an average salary of $96,235 for full-time master's graduates in the Class of 2025. These figures represent LeBow's broader graduate population and are not specific to nursing or this dual-degree programme.

Potential Career Opportunities: Director of Nursing, Chief Nursing Officer, Nursing Services Manager, Healthcare Operations Manager, Director of Patient Care Services, Clinical Operations Director, Healthcare Administrator, Nursing Quality Improvement Manager, Healthcare Project Manager, Director of Clinical Informatics, Healthcare Strategy Manager, Nursing Practice Manager.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Drexel University, the Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management MSN and Business Administration MBA programs are designed to provide students with a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, students engage in real-world scenarios that prepare them for leadership roles in healthcare and business. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance the learning experience, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of their respective fields.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in these programs:

- Clinical Simulation Labs: Students have access to advanced simulation labs where they can practice clinical skills in a safe environment, using high-fidelity mannequins and realistic scenarios.

- Internships and Practicums: The programs include opportunities for internships in healthcare organizations and business settings, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build professional networks.

- Capstone Projects: Students collaborate on group projects that address real-world challenges in healthcare management and business strategy, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.

- Digital Tools and Software: Students are trained in industry-standard software such as Epic for electronic health records and various business analytics tools, ensuring they are proficient in the technologies used in their fields.

- Research Opportunities: Access to dedicated research laboratories and resources allows students to engage in meaningful research projects, contributing to advancements in healthcare and business practices.

- Field Trips and Site Visits: The curriculum includes field trips to healthcare facilities and corporate offices, providing students with insights into the operational aspects of healthcare systems and business environments.

- Libraries and Learning Resources: Drexel’s libraries offer extensive resources, including access to databases, journals, and research materials specific to nursing and business.

- Networking Events and Workshops: The university hosts various events that connect students with industry leaders, providing valuable networking opportunities and insights into career paths.

These experiential learning components are integral to the Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management MSN and Business Administration MBA programs at Drexel University, ensuring that students graduate with the skills and experience necessary to excel in their careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Pursuing the Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management MSN / Business Administration MBA at Drexel University opens up a world of opportunities for graduates. With a strong focus on leadership and management within healthcare systems, you’ll be well-prepared for roles that are in high demand. Typical job roles include:

- Nurse Manager
- Healthcare Administrator
- Clinical Operations Director
- Health Services Manager

Here’s why this program is a smart choice for your future:

- University Services: Drexel offers robust career services, including personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events that connect you with industry leaders.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Graduates from this program have a high employment rate, with many securing positions shortly after graduation. The average salary for healthcare administrators can exceed $100,000 annually, depending on the role and location.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Drexel has established partnerships with leading healthcare organizations, such as the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, providing students with valuable internship and job placement opportunities.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that your degree holds significant value in the job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates report high levels of satisfaction with their education and career readiness, with many advancing to leadership positions within just a few years of completing their degree.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MSN/MBA program, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing or Healthcare Administration. These advanced degrees can open doors to even higher-level leadership roles, academic positions, or specialized areas of research within the healthcare field.

Drexel University is committed to your success, and this program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the evolving landscape of healthcare management.