Nursing and Business Administration (Double Degree)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Business Administration (Double Degree) at Benedictine University offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary educational experience designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the healthcare industry and the business sector. This unique program combines rigorous coursework in nursing sciences with foundational and advanced business administration principles, providing students with the skills necessary to excel in dynamic healthcare environments and managerial positions. Throughout the program, students engage in clinical practica, managerial simulations, and leadership development activities to foster practical skills and critical thinking. The Nursing component emphasizes patient care, health promotion, and evidence-based practice, ensuring graduates are competent and compassionate healthcare providers. Concurrently, the Business Administration component develops expertise in organizational management, finance, marketing, and strategic planning, equipping students to navigate complex operational challenges in healthcare organizations and beyond. The program also emphasizes ethical decision-making, communication skills, and cultural competence to prepare students for diverse work settings. Faculty members, experienced professionals in both fields, guide students through innovative teaching methods, including case studies, teamwork projects, and real-world internships. Graduates of this dual degree program are well-positioned to pursue advanced opportunities as nurse managers, healthcare administrators, or entrepreneurs in the health industry. The curriculum is designed to foster academic excellence, professional growth, and a commitment to lifelong learning, making graduates highly competitive in the job market and ready to contribute positively to society. Whether students aim to advance their clinical skills or develop strategic leadership capabilities, this program provides a strong foundation for a successful and impactful career.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Business Administration Double Degree Program at Benedictine University offers students a comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare them for leadership roles in healthcare and business sectors. This innovative program combines rigorous coursework in nursing sciences with substantial training in business and management principles, equipping graduates with a diverse skill set applicable across various industries. Throughout the program, students engage in a blend of clinical practice, healthcare policy, and administration, alongside courses in finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and strategic management. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of modern healthcare environments and business enterprises. In addition to classroom learning, students participate in hands-on simulations, internships, and community engagement activities that foster practical skills and professional development. The program also integrates topics related to healthcare technology, patient safety, and health policy, reflecting current trends and innovations in the healthcare industry. By completing this double degree, students earn two bachelor's degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities including healthcare administration, nursing management, healthcare consulting, and entrepreneurial ventures in health-related fields. The program is designed for motivated individuals interested in combining healthcare expertise with business acumen to impact patient care and organizational efficiency positively. Students receive personalized advising and support from faculty members experienced in both nursing and business disciplines, ensuring a tailored academic journey that aligns with their career aspirations. Graduates of this program are uniquely positioned to lead interdisciplinary teams, develop innovative solutions, and contribute effectively to the evolving landscape of healthcare and business industries.

Program Requirements for Nursing and Business Administration (Double Degree):

Applicants to the Nursing and Business Administration Double Degree Program at Benedictine University must meet specific admission criteria. Prospective students are typically required to hold a high school diploma or equivalent, with a competitive GPA demonstrated through high school transcripts. Additionally, applicants may need to submit SAT or ACT scores, although these requirements can vary, and some applicants may be admitted based on their academic records and other achievements. As part of the application process, candidates should provide letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay explaining their interest in the program, and evidence of extracurricular activities or work experience related to healthcare or business management disciplines.

Once admitted, students are expected to fulfill the prerequisite coursework established by the university, which may include introductory classes in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and introductory business courses. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in both nursing and business administration, requiring students to complete a specified number of credit hours in each discipline. The nursing component includes foundational courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing practice, and healthcare ethics, often supplemented by clinical practice hours in hospital or community settings. This hands-on clinical experience is vital to ensure students develop the necessary skills for professional nursing practice.

Simultaneously, students must complete business courses covering areas such as management principles, marketing, finance, organizational behavior, and strategic planning. These courses aim to equip students with essential managerial skills applicable within healthcare organizations and beyond. The double degree structure typically spans four years, with students integrating coursework from both disciplines to meet graduation requirements. To successfully complete the program, students must achieve a minimum grade point average as stipulated by Benedictine University standards, often around 2.0 to 2.5, depending on specific course requirements.

In addition to coursework, students are usually required to pass licensing examinations, such as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) upon completion of the nursing program, to qualify for licensure as registered nurses. For the business component, students may need to participate in internships or cooperative education (co-op) experiences to gain practical industry insights and network professionally. Throughout their studies, students are expected to adhere to the university’s academic policies, maintain satisfactory progress, and demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in all areas of their education. Specializations or electives may be available in areas such as healthcare administration, health policy, or entrepreneurship, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career goals. Upon graduation, students are awarded both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), enabling careers in healthcare leadership, management, and clinical practice within various healthcare settings and organizations.

The Nursing and Business Administration (Double Degree) program at Benedictine University offers a variety of financing options to assist students in managing the cost of their education. Students can benefit from institutional scholarships, which are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. The university also provides need-based financial aid to eligible students, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Federal and state grants are available to undergraduate students, including those enrolled in dual degree programs, provided they meet the necessary eligibility criteria and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In addition to grants and scholarships, Benedictine University offers affordable loan options, including federal student loans, which assist students in covering tuition and living expenses. The university encourages students to explore work-study opportunities, which enable students to earn money while gaining professional experience relevant to their field of study. These positions are often available on-campus in various administrative, research, and support roles.

For international students or those requiring private funding, the university recommends exploring external scholarship programs, private loans, and sponsorships. Payment plans are also available, allowing students to split tuition payments into manageable monthly installments over a semester or academic year.

Benedictine University aims to provide transparent and accessible financial information to help students plan effectively for their education expenses. The university’s financial aid office offers personalized support, including financial counseling and assistance with application procedures to maximize available funding. Since the program combines two demanding fields, students are encouraged to investigate all available resources early to ensure financial planning aligns with their educational goals. Overall, the university strives to make its Nursing and Business Administration Double Degree program financially accessible, fostering student success and reducing barriers to higher education.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Business Administration Double Degree Program at Benedictine University offers students a unique opportunity to obtain comprehensive education in both healthcare and business disciplines. This program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the healthcare industry by combining rigorous coursework in nursing with essential training in business administration. Students enrolled in this program benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that integrates clinical practice, healthcare policies, management principles, financial aspects of healthcare, and organizational leadership. The program aims to develop well-rounded professionals equipped with both healthcare expertise and business acumen, enabling them to excel in a complex and rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

The Nursing component of the program emphasizes foundational nursing skills, patient care techniques, health assessment, and clinical decision-making. It includes opportunities for hands-on training through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, ensuring students develop practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. The Business Administration component covers topics such as management principles, marketing, finance, organizational behavior, and strategic planning, providing students with a solid understanding of how healthcare organizations operate within the larger economic system.

Students pursuing this double degree typically engage in coursework that balances both disciplines, allowing for integrated projects and interdisciplinary learning experiences. The program often includes collaboration with healthcare institutions, providing real-world exposure and networking opportunities. Additionally, students may have access to various leadership development workshops, simulation labs, and internships designed to enhance their readiness for the workforce.

Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue careers in hospital administration, healthcare consulting, nursing management, policy development, and other leadership roles within the healthcare sector. They graduate with a comprehensive set of skills that include clinical expertise, management capabilities, problem-solving, communication, and leadership, making them highly competitive in the job market.

Benedictine University maintains a commitment to providing a supportive learning environment, with dedicated faculty experienced in both healthcare and business disciplines. The program emphasizes ethical practice, community involvement, and lifelong learning, aligning with Benedictine’s mission to foster academic excellence and serve community needs. Overall, the Nursing and Business Administration Double Degree Program stands out as a comprehensive educational pathway for students aspiring to make a meaningful impact in healthcare leadership and management fields.