Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can help position registered nurses for specialized career paths and leadership opportunities. Students working toward an MSN degree can choose between numerous specializations to build expertise in their area of interest. Graduating with an MSN degree can help increase the number of jobs that a registered nurse is qualified for.
Why get an MSN?
Choosing whether or not to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing depends on what sort of career aspirations and personal goals a registered nurse has, as many advanced nursing positions may require an MSN. Obtaining an MSN may also help provide a competitive advantage for positions that don’t require a degree, but experience high competition.
Advanced nurse specialty positions that require a Master of Science in Nursing tend to be higher paying than other nursing positions. Since these positions require additional skills and responsibilities, the salary is increased to reflect that. For example, nurse-midwives can perform gynecological exams and deliver babies, which typically provides them with a higher salary.
Working in an advanced RN position can also improve long-term job prospects and career stability. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of registered nurses is projected to increase by 26% from 2010 to 2020.
“Advanced practice registered nurses—clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners—will be in high demand, particularly in medically underserved areas such as inner cities and rural areas,” said the BLS in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Online MSN Programs
Working RNs may not have as many collegiate options within driving distance, but many universities have begun offering MSN degree programs online that allow students from across the country to enroll in their programs. The exact format of online MSN programs varies from school to school. Some programs might offer all of the coursework online and others may require some on-campus visits.
Clinicals are usually required with online MSN programs, though the specific requirements can vary for different colleges and universities. Some schools may help place students into healthcare facilities for clinical practice, while others allow the student to choose their own location for clinicals. The amount of clinical hours a student needs to fulfill depends on which program the student is enrolled in.
Potential students should make sure to research the details of an online program before enrolling. Understanding what programs are offered and all of the requirements that come with it will help RNs find the online program that meets their individual needs.
Pathways to an MSN
Earning an MSN degree can be done in several different ways. Different universities might use varied terminology and program names, so it is important to learn about all of the ways to obtain your MSN degree. These pathways include:
- RN to MSN: There are a few different pathways that a student can take in an RN to MSN program. They may follow a traditional MSN program path where applicants are RNs who already have their BSN degree. Other RN to BSN programs are designed for RNs to get their BSN and MSN in one program. There are even options that take an RN straight to an MSN degree without earning a BSN.
- Accelerated Pathway MSN/ Special Entry MSN/ Direct Entry MSN: Typically, these accelerated programs are for students who have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a subject not related to nursing. These students are often not RNs, so the programs help to prepare them for their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) as they earn their MSN.
- Dual Degrees: Many universities offer students the opportunity to get more than one master’s degree at a time. The program combinations vary based on university, but MSN programs are often paired with offerings like a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Public Health (MPH).
Course Topics
Each specialty within an MSN program will have its own set of courses that are specific to that specialty. For example, an MSN with a focus in nurse-midwifery might include courses on topics like reproductive anatomy or neonatal care.
Some potential topics for MSN courses could include:
- Management of healthcare finances
- Research and theory
- Nursing development
- Healthcare ethics
- Healthcare law
- Pharmacology
- Nursing leadership
Career Options
Graduating with an MSN degree can help RNs qualify for administrative and leadership positions. Choosing a particular area of specialization can allow an MSN student to begin a career in areas like:
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Nurse midwife
- Nurse practitioner
- Nurse anesthetist
- Director of nursing
Continuing Education with a DNP
Another advanced career option in the nursing field is teaching. Though working as a nursing professor may sometimes be possible with an MSN, most colleges and universities prefer to hire teachers with a doctorate in their field.
For nursing students who aspire to work in the world of academia, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) could help. Getting a DNP degree puts more focus on the clinical aspects of nursing, while a PhD emphasizes research.
