Graduate education is expensive and time intensive. In spite of these factors, obtaining a Master’s degree in business (MBA) is still worth all the time and expense because of the value it serves. Having an MBA will help to make me more marketable in the health care industry and more likely to be considered for a management or administrative position. In the following pages I will discuss the reasons that, with the career goal of becoming a nurse executive, the value of an MBA degree outweighs the struggles that I may encounter while in the graduate program. In addition to acquiring a Master’s degree in nursing, to be a successful nurse executive one must also have some knowledge of how a business runs. The American Association of Nurse Executives (AAONE) lists standard competencies for the nurse executive. These competencies are outlined in a 2008 article in Nursing Economics and include skill sets in areas of financial management, human resource management, strategic management, and information management and technology. A nurse executive must be able to represent the nursing population while understanding the mechanics of the business. A nurse executive who can understand financial implications of clinical decisions and fiscal matters is a huge asset to the business aspect of the organization (Thomas et al., 2008). All of the competencies that the AAONE considers standards for nurse executives can be learned through an MBA program therefore making having an MBA an advantage for an aspiring nurse executive. Stichler (2006) describes many different attributes and qualities that are necessary for a successful nurse executive, realistic and logical being among them. She also discusses the need for nurse executive to have an attainable vision/direction and be able to share that vision with enough passion that it encompasses others and they too want to be part of