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What are the Differences in These Healthcare Leadership Degrees? MHA vs. MSN NL

Master of Healthcare Administration students around table discussing cases
March 11, 2025

You already know that you want to become a leader in healthcare, but did you know there are several paths to help you reach your goals? Ohio University provides two excellent options: a Master of Health Administration (MHA) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Leader, both offered online. Learn more about these degree options so you can make an informed decision based on your background, skills, goals and expectations. Once you complete your degree, you’ll be on your way to a higher salary potential in a successful career. 

What is Healthcare Leadership 

Healthcare leadership is a broad term that references the responsibilities, qualities and skills you need to reach higher levels in your career, no matter what facet of the field you work in. Responsibilities for these leaders can vary greatly, but several typical duties are to:

  • Advocate for their team’s needs.
  • Approve their budget and track finances.
  • Hire and train staff.
  • Oversee scheduling.
  • Provide workplace resources.
  • Take strategic action toward goals.

Job descriptions will vary, but broadly stated, you can succeed in healthcare leadership roles by fostering compassion, resilience and a willingness to learn. The most important quality for these leaders, according to Forbes, is empathy; it allows them to understand that the heart of the system is people over the bottom line.1 An empathetic leader asks, “What is best for the person?” before asking, “What is best for the institution?”  

Other essential qualities for healthcare leaders are flexibility, professionalism and discipline. You should build these qualities from the start of your career and look for ways to hone them daily. Emphasize skills that can enhance your leadership potential. Discover how you can boost team morale, foster collaboration, prioritize workplace wellness, and communicate effectively.

Focusing on these qualities and skills is a great way to start your path toward a leadership career. Then, it’s time to decide where to direct your experience and which graduate program will help you get there. 

Understanding the MHA and MSN Nurse Leader 

Both programs are ideal for early to mid-career professionals, so which degree is right for you? As you make your decision, consider some of the crucial differences between these programs. 

MHA

  • Ideal background: If you have a background in healthcare administration, business administration, finance or human resources, your skills are highly applicable to the MHA.
  • Program-affiliated credentials: When you complete a specialization in Ohio University's online MHA, you can earn a corresponding graduate certificate, which can help you direct your career to your ideal position. Choose from four specializations: Healthcare Leadership, Business Analytics, Quality Improvement and Project Management.
  • Scope: The MHA takes a broad approach to healthcare administration that will help you create and lead a variety of positions.
  • Work environments: Excel as a manager or administrator in a physician’s office, hospital or healthcare organization. According to Indeed, an administration career is an excellent option if you’d like to contribute in ways other than direct treatment.2 You’ll usually work from a space in a facility or office building. 

MSN Nurse Leader 

  • Ideal background: If you are an RN with a BSN degree, the MSN Nurse Leader will help you add leadership skills to your bedside experience and move into management positions.
  • Program-affiliated credentials: Our online MSN Nurse Leader degree can help you prepare for Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC®), offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).3 This credential showcases your knowledge and expertise as you pursue advancement.
  • Scope: The MSN Nurse Leader helps you become an expert among your peers, managing daily operations, processes, policies and programs to help provide quality patient care for individuals and families.
  • Work environments: Lead the next generation of nurses as a manager, director or supervisor. The MSN Nurse Leader prepares you to collaborate with nursing teams and administration to lead and manage health care in a hospital or community setting. 

MHA vs. MSN Nurse Leader at a Glance 

 MHAMSN Nurse Leader
Ideal Background Business, finance, health services administration or human resourcesRegistered nurse with a BSN degree 
Program-Affiliated Credentials Graduate certificates in four specializations Preparation for the NE-BC® exam 
Scope Broad management focus Nursing management focus 
Work Environments Primarily office-based Hospital or community setting 
Curriculum Focus Leadership and management Leadership and management through evidence-based practice 
Education and Work Experience Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. Leadership and/or management experience is helpful BSN plus RN licensure in an approved state 
Program Features Fully online, part-time, 6 semesters Fully online, part-time, 5 semesters 

What to Expect from an MHA

Ohio University's online Master of Health Administration degree gives you a holistic perspective that will allow you to balance the altruistic mission of health care with essential business skills. You’ll learn to create and manage organizations that provide excellent, affordable and profitable care. When you graduate, you’ll be well-equipped for opportunities in hospitals, group physician practices, clinics, behavioral health organizations, rehabilitation centers, educational organizations and more. Some employers prefer that managers and administrators have a master’s degree, and it is often required for advancement.

Opportunities for medical and health services managers are projected to grow much faster than the average for other occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – about 61,400 openings will be added each year, on average, from 2023 to 2033.4 Several factors will contribute to this growth, including an ever-increasing demand for care, the need to replace workers who will retire, the more widespread use of electronic records and developing technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top four highest-paying settings for medical and health services managers are hospitals, government, outpatient care and physicians’ offices. Salaries for professionals in each setting, as of 2024, are:4 

  1. Hospitals: $128,740
  2. Government: $125,590
  3. Outpatient care: $104,710
  4. Offices of physicians: $102,360 

Elevate Your Healthcare Career

View the Online MHA

 

What to Expect from an MSN Nurse Leader 

The online MSN Nurse Leader program equips you with essential skills and practical knowledge in economics, policy development, strategic planning and quality improvement. In addition, 500 practicum hours, completed online, will allow you to hone and demonstrate the skills you will need to advance. You’ll be able to provide quality care and drive improvement in several roles with elevated salary potential. Payscale reports average base salaries for four nursing leadership roles: 

  1. Director of Nursing: $100,8875
  2. Nurse Manager: $97,2276
  3. Nursing Program Director: $87,4297
  4. Nursing Supervisor: $85,8698

Registered nurses are uniquely positioned for leadership. Their breadth of experience, combined with an MSN Nurse Leader, can help them move into their ideal career settings or be promoted to positions with more responsibility. Many RNs work on their MSN as they maintain employment, which can feel stressful at times. If you’re in this situation, read about Why you Need a Nursing School Support System. 

Advance Your Career in Nursing Leadership 

View the Online MSN Nurse Leader 

 

Considerations When Choosing a Healthcare Leadership Degree

When it comes to choosing an MHA or an MSN, you have a lot to consider. To help you make an informed decision, consider your past education and experience, plus the program details that align with your career goals and timeline. 

MHA 

  • Career goals: Gain leadership and management skills that span broad healthcare administration positions.
  • Education and work experience: You'll need a bachelor's degree in a health-related field. Some leadership or management experience is preferred and helpful but not required.
  • Program features: Complete the fully online MHA in six semesters while studying part-time. 

MSN Nurse Leader

  • Career goals: Prepare for nurse leadership roles that require evidence-based practice in addition to management skills.
  • Education and work experience: You'll need RN licensure in an approved state along with your BSN.
  • Program features: Finish the MSN Nurse Leader online program in five semesters with 500 clinical practicum hours. Transfer nine eligible credits to graduate faster. 

The Future of Healthcare Administration and Nursing Leadership

Now is the time to pursue a healthcare leadership career. According to the AACN, new practice opportunities are emerging, and the demand for highly specialized skills is rising.9 Your master’s degree will give you the skills and credentials to stand out for these opportunities. Plus, the sooner you complete your advanced degree, the sooner you can take advantage of your higher salary potential.  

Learn more about Ohio University's online Master of Health Administration (MHA) and online MSN Nurse Leader programs and discover how we can help you succeed in your healthcare career.  

Sources

  1. Walcott, David. "Shaping The Future: The Rise of the Disruptive Healthcare Leader." Forbes. March 12, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidwalcott/2024/03/12/shaping-the-future-the-rise-of-the-disruptive-healthcare-leader/?sh=15bdfb3ef415 (opens in a new window).
  2. Campbell, Judy. "How To Become a Health Care Administrator in 5 Steps." Indeed. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-healthcare-administrator (opens in a new window).
  3. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). "Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC®)." American Nurses Association (ANA) Enterprise. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/nurse-executive/ (opens in a new window).
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. "Medical and Health Services Managers." August 29, 2024. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm (opens in a new window).
  5. Payscale. "Average Director, Nursing Salary." January 10, 2025. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director%2C_Nursing/Salary (opens in a new window).
  6. Payscale. "Average Nursing Manager Salary." January 19, 2025. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Manager/Salary (opens in a new window).
  7. Payscale. “Average Nursing Program Director Salary.” December 3, 2024. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Program_Director/Salary (opens in a new window).
  8. Payscale. "Average Nursing Supervisor Hourly Pay." January 19, 2025. Retrieved February 21, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Supervisor/Hourly_Rate (opens in a new window).  
  9. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. "Master's Education." Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.aacnnursing.org/students/nursing-education-pathways/masters-education (opens in a new window).

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