Dual Degree MBA/MHA or MBA & Grad Certs?

[marianne202]

Ok, I was all set to enroll at NCU (Northcentral Univ) for their dual degree MBA/MHA, only to find out after asking specifically how this is listed on the transcript and diploma it isn't a dual degree at all, but an MBA with an area of specialization in Healthcare Management. So now I have a real dilemma. Is it better to seek out a true dual degree MBA/MHA program or just get an MBA or and MBA with an area of specialization then add some graduate certificates or extra classes? I currently teach in the community college arena in medical coding and will be teaching in a new AS level healthcare management program that will be transferable to a four year degree. I thought about going for a straight MS in healthcare management, but I like the idea of having the business back up for other teaching opportunities or in case I decide to leave teaching for a job in a hospital or insurance company, not my current plan, but trying to give myself the most opportunities. At 46, I can't spend another 5+ yrs in school. Whatever I choose it has to be an online program, so that does limit me a little. This is why the online NCU program appealed to me since I could finish it in 18 months and it splits my credits as 18 in MBA and 18 in HCA, but after talking to them I have many reservations. Now I'm looking at the UMUC or Florida Tech program. If anyone can offer any advice or direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks! :confused:

[Basket Weaver]

Personally, I am finding the MBA to be a massive waste of time. I was actually told to leave it off my resume the other day because it either scares the employer about how much you want to be paid, or it over-qualifies you; VERY few jobs require an MBA.

If you have a good job that will reward you for your efforts OR work for the government then go for it. I thought it would benefit me once I got out of the military, but it hasn't done a "darn" thing for me; luckily the only thing it cost me was time and effort as the military paid for it.

I have a HUGE problem removing it from my resume because I worked my butt off to earn it. In the end, the decision is to either work or be proud I have a Masters degree...hmmmmm, not much of a choice is there?

[JanusthePhoenix]

Personally, I am finding the MBA to be a massive waste of time. I was actually told to leave it off my resume the other day because it either scares the employer about how much you want to be paid, or it over-qualifies you; VERY few jobs require an MBA.

That's disappointing to hear. I guess law school is looking like an even better way to spend my GI Bill...

[Basket Weaver]

That's disappointing to hear. I guess law school is looking like an even better way to spend my GI Bill...

Tell me about it, I wish someone would have posted something like this BEFORE I put all that work into it. Still, I have the internal warmth that it brings me to know that I finished it:puke:

[norema]

Ok, I was all set to enroll at NCU (Northcentral Univ) for their dual degree MBA/MHA, only to find out after asking specifically how this is listed on the transcript and diploma it isn't a dual degree at all, but an MBA with an area of specialization in Healthcare Management. So now I have a real dilemma. Is it better to seek out a true dual degree MBA/MHA program or just get an MBA or and MBA with an area of specialization then add some graduate certificates or extra classes? I currently teach in the community college arena in medical coding and will be teaching in a new AS level healthcare management program that will be transferable to a four year degree. I thought about going for a straight MS in healthcare management, but I like the idea of having the business back up for other teaching opportunities or in case I decide to leave teaching for a job in a hospital or insurance company, not my current plan, but trying to give myself the most opportunities. At 46, I can't spend another 5+ yrs in school. Whatever I choose it has to be an online program, so that does limit me a little. This is why the online NCU program appealed to me since I could finish it in 18 months and it splits my credits as 18 in MBA and 18 in HCA, but after talking to them I have many reservations. Now I'm looking at the UMUC or Florida Tech program. If anyone can offer any advice or direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks! :confused:

I am attending Amberton University, and majoring in their Professional Development degree to obtain a broader range of opportunities. Especially since you would also be able to obtain 2 graduate certificates WITHIN the masters degree. I also will be graduating in 7 months, since I transferred in 6 credits. Although they allow upto 12 credits to be transferred. They however do not offer the Healthcare Management graduate certificate.

However, if that is what you are really looking for, then just look up who offers that in an online graduate certificate. More than likely that same school will offer MBA's as well.

[jadechow]

Tell me about it, I wish someone would have posted something like this BEFORE I put all that work into it. Still, I have the internal warmth that it brings me to know that I finished it:puke:

Oh, Basket Weaver, I am so sorry and disappointed to hear this from you. I have to admit that you have kind of been my personal role model (hope that's not too creepy :ack: ) and I have been killing myself to finish my BSBA with the express intention of getting an MBA. I was really hoping that it would be the "set me apart from other applicants" feature that I need it to be. Not the "oh, man, she's gonna want way more money than we're looking to pay" detriment.

I have always appreciated your honest assessments and contributions to the forum and this is no exception. Thanks so much for your post. It has me thinking a lot.

Best to you and wish we weren't in an economic situation where you even had to consider taking your MBA off your resume to get work. It's a huge accomplishment that should be celebrated not hidden. Man, what kind of crazy world is this? :roflol:

[Chebasaz]

Hey Basket,

I'd like to interject a comment -

I think an MBA is completely worth it, depending upon what career field you're in and what your end goals are. I will never turn down an interview "Just" because an applicant has an MBA on their resume. Now that is a mental note that this person may cost me more than someone without, but there is just as good of a chance that this person will bring more value to the company than one without.

If you plan on going beyond mid-level management in most industries, an MBA can do nothing but help you. The knowledge, the contacts, the prestige are all pluses. As the selection pool gets smaller, you need something to set yourself from the pack, and that's where an MBA (and the knowledge it says you have) comes in.

I watched with interest during your drive to get that MBA, and I still think you did the right thing. Don't leave it off the resume. You earned it, so show it proudly.

Edit: Forgot to answer the original question!

Marianne,

I'd stay away from the certificates. For the cost, it's usually much better to be working towards an actual degree. Most companies aren't really sure how to handle those, and it's rare that they give you any raises or bonuses for having completed one. Now if you actually need the knowledge, that's another story. I went through one at Villanova for Government Contracting, and learned a ton of useful information.

Just something to think about.

[marianne202]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm now wondering if I should just forget about the MBA and just focus on the MHA, it might limit some of the classes I can teach, but I'm not sure it would limit my job chances to work in a hospital or for an insurance company. I'm still trying to do some research. I did find some actual dual degree programs, but they have a much more intense application process and are 56-72 credits. That is just too much school and expense at my age! Please keep the suggestions coming as I know you smart people have more info than I can find doing some internet searches. Thanks again!

[P00057870]

Don't know if this will help or not:

Masters of Health Informatics and Health Information Management: Journal of AHIMA » Master’s Degree Program Information


Journal of AHIMA lists other programs also: Journal of AHIMA » Master’s Degree Program Information

[TMW2010]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm now wondering if I should just forget about the MBA and just focus on the MHA, it might limit some of the classes I can teach, but I'm not sure it would limit my job chances to work in a hospital or for an insurance company. I'm still trying to do some research. I did find some actual dual degree programs, but they have a much more intense application process and are 56-72 credits. That is just too much school and expense at my age! Please keep the suggestions coming as I know you smart people have more info than I can find doing some internet searches. Thanks again!

I don't totally agree with those that say Grad Certs aren't the way to go. To be honest, they're great for teaching, and they look good on the resume as well. Each grad cert you get can put you pretty darn close to (if not fulfill)the 18 credits expected in a subject area and since you're not having to go for a full degree's worth of credits with them, you may have the opportunity to spend a little more per credit hour and get a cert (or two or four hehe) from a school that gives name recognition as well.