1 answer
Alexis
Student
Pocatello, Idaho
1
Question
Updated
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How beneficial is it to get my masters in healthcare administration if I want to be a nurse practitioner with my own practice?
I want to own my own practice but am unsure if getting my MHA would be beneficial.
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1 answer
Donna Paige
Human Resources/Phlebotomist/Medical Assistant/Students entering into the workforce
12
Answers
Hammond, Indiana
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Hello Alexis!
I don’t think an MHA is necessary for the path you’re considering. To become a nurse practitioner, the requirement is completing your NP program and securing the proper licensing. Most NPs who own practices do not have an MHA. The business side is gained through experience. In most cases, billing, credentialing, and general admin is outsourced.
An MHA is really more useful if you want to work in broader healthcare leadership or oversee larger systems, not a smaller independent practice. Think hospital administrator, director of clinical operations, etc. Those roles require knowledge of budgeting, policy, and organizational leadership.
Hope this helps.
Donna
Prioritizing your NP program and certification since that’s the true requirement.
I don’t think an MHA is necessary for the path you’re considering. To become a nurse practitioner, the requirement is completing your NP program and securing the proper licensing. Most NPs who own practices do not have an MHA. The business side is gained through experience. In most cases, billing, credentialing, and general admin is outsourced.
An MHA is really more useful if you want to work in broader healthcare leadership or oversee larger systems, not a smaller independent practice. Think hospital administrator, director of clinical operations, etc. Those roles require knowledge of budgeting, policy, and organizational leadership.
Hope this helps.
Donna
Donna recommends the following next steps: