I’m an RN - Here’s Why I Got an MBA (And What You Can Do With One)
If you're a nurse wondering how to grow your career beyond bedside care, you're not alone. Many RNs consider MSN or DNP programs, but there’s another powerful option you might not have considered: the MBA.
In this post, I’ll share why I chose to get an MBA, what I’ve learned from the experience, and what career paths are possible when you combine business and nursing skills.
What Is an MBA?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree focused on core business skills—finance, marketing, leadership, operations, and more.
Many MBA programs also offer concentrations, such as:
Healthcare Administration
Business Analytics
Human Resources
Entrepreneurship
Marketing or Finance
Supply Chain Management
Not all nurses choose the healthcare route - some go into business strategy, tech, or consulting. The flexibility of this degree is one of its biggest benefits.
Why I Chose to Get an MBA as a Nurse
Honestly? I never saw myself as a “business” person. In fact, younger me would’ve laughed at the idea of getting an MBA.
But during the COVID-19 pandemic, working as a bedside nurse started taking a toll on my mental health and personal life. I still valued nursing, but I knew I needed to make a change - one that would support both my career and my wellbeing.
This feeling is more common than you might think. A 2022 McKinsey & Company report found that many nurses are seeking roles that offer better work-life balance, opportunities for growth, and meaningful impact beyond direct patient care.
I’ve always been curious, so I began exploring graduate programs. That’s when it clicked: nurses with MBAs aren’t leaving the profession - they’re leading it. I saw how business knowledge could amplify the value of my nursing experience and equip me to make a difference on a much larger scale.
How I Chose the Right Program
I made a short list of what I wanted in a future role:
A set weekday schedule
A job that still supports patient care (but not at the bedside)
A role that uses my nursing experience
A focus on systems, strategy, and leadership
After researching options, an MBA in Healthcare Administration felt like the perfect bridge between clinical experience and broader healthcare leadership.
Tips for Nurses Considering an MBA
If you’re thinking about getting an MBA as a nurse, it’s important to find a program that fits your life—not just your resume. Here are some key things to think about as you explore your options:
1. Is the GRE or GMAT Required?
Some MBA programs require an entrance exam like the GRE or GMAT, while many now waive them—especially for applicants with relevant work experience (like nursing or healthcare leadership). According to U.S. News, a growing number of MBA programs are becoming test-optional or test-flexible.
Check the admissions page for each program to understand their specific requirements.
2. Tuition and Expenses
Costs vary widely between programs. Consider not just tuition but also books, technology fees, and potential time off work. If you’re currently employed, find out whether your workplace offers tuition reimbursement or education benefits.
3. Program Format and Pacing
Many RNs choose online or hybrid MBA programs so they can continue working while in school. Consider:
Part-time vs. full-time schedules
Self-paced vs. cohort-based models
Synchronous vs. asynchronous classes
Choose a format that aligns with your bandwidth, especially if you’re juggling work and family.
4. Internship or Project Requirements
Some MBA programs include a capstone project or internship. These can be valuable for applying what you’ve learned—but may also require additional time or travel. Make sure to understand what’s expected and whether it’s manageable alongside your current responsibilities.
5. Program Reputation and Accreditation
While you don’t need a degree from a top 10 business school, it’s still worth choosing a reputable, accredited program. Look for:
Regional accreditation (important for credibility and financial aid)
Optional: AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE business accreditations
Pick a school known for supporting working professionals and healthcare-related concentrations, rather than focusing on rankings alone.
6. Support and Resources
Explore what resources the program offers students and alumni—things like:
Career coaching or mentorship
Networking opportunities
Access to healthcare or leadership-specific electives
Resume and job search support
These can make a huge difference as you transition into new roles.
What Can a Nurse Do With an MBA?
Combining business knowledge with clinical experience creates unique opportunities for nurses to lead, solve problems, and shape healthcare from new angles.
Leadership & Management Roles
Nurse Manager / Director of Nursing
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
Healthcare Administrator
Clinical Operations Leader
If you’re looking to get into leadership - an MBA can be a great option for you! According to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership nurse leaders are expected to have a strong understanding of business strategy, budgeting, and systems management - skills you can build in an MBA program.
Entrepreneurship
Thinking of launching a business? An MBA gives you a foundation in strategy, marketing, finance, and more.
Nurses are natural innovators. A business degree helps turn your ideas into real, sustainable ventures.
Consulting
Consulting roles often involve:
Process improvement
Compliance & risk
Patient experience strategy
Clinical quality initiatives
Nurse consultants may work for a consulting agency or start their own consulting business.
The Business Side of Healthcare
Don’t want to be a leader or entrepreneur? Consider roles in:
Quality & Safety
Clinical Education
Project Management
Healthcare HR
Marketing & Patient Engagement
Data Analysis & Strategy
Not sure where to start? Browse job boards and LinkedIn to see what kinds of roles interest you. Use the job descriptions to identify what qualifications and degrees are required—and whether an MBA fits the bill.
Final Thoughts: Is an MBA Worth It for Nurses?
If you're a nurse who's:
Craving new challenges
Ready to step back from direct care
Interested in leadership, innovation, or systems change
…then an MBA might be exactly what you need.
Never underestimate the value of your nursing skills beyond the bedside. Paired with a business education, your possibilities expand far beyond what most people imagine for a nurse.
Next Steps
Want to explore more career options?
Download my free guide - Nursing Career Possibilities: A Look at What’s Out There (And What Fits You)
Looking for direction?
Check out A Nurse’s Guide to Change and Growth to start building a career that fits your goals.
Follow along on Instagram for nurse career tips, real talk, and mindset shifts @ShineOnRN