MBA with specialisation Nursing

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the integration of business acumen with specialised nursing knowledge is essential for advancing patient care and healthcare management practices. Wittenborg recognizes this imperative and offers a unique Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme with a specialisation in Nursing, designed for professionals who aim to lead in healthcare settings.

The MBA in Nursing at Wittenborg is tailored to combine rigorous business education with in-depth nursing insights, catering to both full-time and part-time students from around the globe. This programme is conducted entirely in English, making it accessible to an international cohort, thereby enriching the learning experience with diverse perspectives.

Drawing inspiration from top business schools worldwide, our curriculum bridges the gap between theoretical business principles and practical healthcare challenges. This specialisation is particularly crucial at a time when healthcare systems face unprecedented challenges such as aging populations and the integration of advanced technology in patient care. Our programme is designed to empower nursing professionals with the management skills necessary to lead teams effectively, optimise healthcare service delivery, and innovate within their organisations.

The coursework includes foundational management theories, advanced healthcare policies, leadership in nursing, and strategic resource management, all aimed at improving patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. Students will engage in case studies, participate in guest lectures from industry leaders, and collaborate on group projects that mirror real-world healthcare challenges.

We welcome applicants who have a background in nursing and a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience. A prior degree in business or management is not required, as the first semester is dedicated to establishing a solid foundation in core management concepts. This initial phase prepares students to delve deeper into specialised subjects in subsequent semesters.

Join us at Wittenborg to advance your career at the intersection of business and healthcare, shaping the future of nursing leadership in a global context. 

Course structure

The MBA programme is delivered in a ‘block format’, with 2 modules being covered every 6 weeks. Core module classes are inter-disciplinary - you study shared modules with master students from different business management specializations. Due to the rolling entry (6 times a year) groups are dynamic, extremely international, and diverse.

The modules are delivered intensively over consecutive days in the 'block format', which means that each module has 6 days of teaching, split into two blocks of 3 days. Teaching methods include group work, case studies, presentations, and live projects. The course is delivered through a variety of approaches including lectures, presentations, tutorials and case studies, with an emphasis on interactive learning. Each module is taught by two lecturers, often a full-time Wittenborg lecturer and a guest lecturer from a partner university. Modules also include regular guest speakers from the industry.

Areas of study

Management subjects address key issues of strategy, marketing, operations, human resources, accounting and financial planning, studied in parallel with deeper international corporate finance and investment modules. Options include consultancy and multi-unit management. Students acquire research skills, which they can apply to academic or industrial projects.

Syllabus

Semester 1

• Human Resource Management
• Marketing Management
• Management Accounting & Finance
• Operations Management
• International Management
• Information Management

Semester 2

• Nursing Informatics
• Enabling Leadership in Healthcare
• Business Statistics
• Strategic Management
• Advanced Nursing Practice Management
• Innovation, Creativity &  Entrepreneurship

Throughout the programme: Research Methods, 3 Project weeks, leading to the Final Project

The healthcare industry is a critical and expansive sector, pivotal in ensuring the health and well-being of populations worldwide. With rapid technological advancements and shifting demographic trends, the sector faces both challenges and opportunities that demand innovative leadership and management approaches.

• Technological Integration: Technology plays a transformative role in healthcare, much like it does in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. From electronic health records (EHR) to telemedicine and from robotic surgery to advanced diagnostic tools, technology is reshaping how care is delivered, improving accuracy and patient outcomes while optimising operational efficiencies.
• Demographic Shifts: Aging populations worldwide pose unique challenges, including a higher demand for chronic disease management and long-term care. This demographic shift requires healthcare systems to adapt, balancing the need for specialised care with sustainable management practices.
• Policy and Regulatory Environment: Healthcare is heavily regulated, with policies directly impacting how services are delivered and managed. The dynamic nature of healthcare policy requires leaders who are not only well-versed in current regulations but are also capable of anticipating and responding to legislative changes that affect healthcare practices.
• Public Health and Pandemic Response: Recent global health crises have underscored the importance of efficient healthcare management. The ability to respond swiftly and effectively to health emergencies is crucial and relies heavily on robust healthcare leadership and administration.
• Innovation and Research: Continuous innovation is vital in healthcare to improve care quality and develop new treatments and technologies. This includes pharmacological research, medical devices, and health informatics, all contributing to a more effective and efficient healthcare system.
• Human Resources: The demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to grow. Effective human resource management in nursing and healthcare ensures that the right personnel are available and can perform optimally.
• Ethical Considerations: As in AI era, ethics play a critical role in healthcare. Decisions about patient care, data privacy, and consent are central to the field. Ethical leadership in healthcare ensures that patient rights are protected and that care is delivered with integrity and respect for individual dignity.

The MBA with a specialisation in Nursing at Wittenborg addresses these industry-specific challenges and opportunities. Our programme equips graduates with the strategic leadership and managerial skills necessary to lead healthcare organisations effectively. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students will be prepared to drive innovation and improve patient care in a complex and ever-evolving industry. Join us to become a part of this vital and dynamic field, shaping the future of healthcare at the intersection of business and nursing excellence. 

Graduates of the MBA programme with a specialisation in Nursing from Wittenborg are uniquely equipped to navigate and lead within the complex and ever-evolving healthcare industry. By merging advanced business skills with specialized knowledge in nursing, these professionals are prepared to take on pivotal roles that shape healthcare policies, improve patient care, and manage organisational challenges effectively. Here are several promising career paths for graduates:

1. Healthcare Administrator: Healthcare administrators play a vital role in managing hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They are responsible for overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with health regulations, all while striving to improve the quality of patient care.
2. Clinical Project Manager: These professionals manage projects related to clinical trials or healthcare services improvements. They coordinate between different departments, manage budgets, and ensure that projects adhere to regulatory standards.
3. Policy Analyst: Specialising in healthcare policy, these analysts examine and develop policies that affect the public health system. They work with government bodies or private organisations to advise on and help implement new policies based on current healthcare trends and data.
4. Healthcare Consultant: Consultants in the healthcare industry provide expert advice to improve efficiency, profitability, and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. They might focus on areas such as reducing costs, improving patient outcomes, or implementing technology solutions.
5. Nurse Manager: Nurse managers supervise nursing staff and manage the nursing unit in healthcare facilities. They are crucial in maintaining high standards of patient care, managing department budgets, and providing leadership and guidance to their teams.
6. Pharmaceutical Product Manager: These managers oversee the lifecycle of a pharmaceutical product from development to market. They work to align the product with market needs and regulatory requirements, often collaborating with researchers, marketers, and regulatory specialists.
7. Quality Improvement Coordinator: Focusing on enhancing the quality of healthcare services, these coordinators analyse performance data to identify areas for improvement and develop programmes to increase the effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
8. Health Informatics Specialist: Combining IT skills with healthcare knowledge, health informatics specialists manage patient data, improve communication systems within healthcare facilities, and ensure compliance with digital health records regulations.
9. Entrepreneur in Healthcare Services: Graduates with entrepreneurial ambitions might launch their own startups in the healthcare sector, developing new products or services that address unmet needs in the market.

The MBA with a specialisation in Nursing not only prepares graduates for advanced positions within the healthcare sector but also equips them with a strategic understanding necessary to address the challenges and leverage opportunities in the fast-paced world of healthcare. With this comprehensive education, graduates are well-prepared to lead, innovate, and excel in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to healthcare consultancies and governmental agencies. 

• a Bachelor's degree or equivalent recognised qualification;

It is not necessary to have obtained a Bachelor's degree in the domain of Business Administration.

• 3 years of professional experience; NB: Specifically in the Nursing Industry.

Applicants are requested to provide 2 reference letters from which at least one is a reference from a company or organization where they have worked before;

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL Equivalent. Click here for an overview of the equivalent scores.
The TOEFL Code of Wittenborg is 4889.

With its work experience requirement, the admission requirements reflect the national requirements in the Netherlands for entry into a professional Master such as the Wittenborg MBA. The English language proficiency level requirement is ½ a point higher than the minimum national requirements in the Netherlands.

Selection procedure

There is no specific selection procedure for students wishing to enter the MBA, however non-EU (visa) students are “screened” according to their background, in order for the institute to be able to guarantee their immigration status.

The screening comprises of an interview, collection and correlation of all IND required documents, including proof of sufficient funds, taking into account any scholarships provided by Wittenborg (Orange Tulip Scholarship, for instance) or by third parties (NUFFIC, EU, etc).

Details on Scholarships at Wittenborg can be found at http://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-financial-assistance.htm 

Applicants are required to provide a motivation letter in which they describe the reasons for choosing Wittenborg’s programme, as well as the reason for wanting to study in the Netherlands (international students). Student motivation is important as the programmes are demanding and especially for international students there is a criteria that they complete at least 50% of all their credits in a year.

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