Studying nursing is a promising option if you’re looking to work in the medical field. It’s a very popular career choice, with jobs in the nursing sector growing at a faster-than-average rate. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be an extra 166,100 jobs annually by 2034.
But on top of completing the four-year nursing course, a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) can open even more doors. This advanced credential is a practical option if you want to progress in your job, transition to a specialty area, or if you’re just starting out and want a solid theoretical grounding, as well as hands-on experience.
If you’re looking to advance further in your nursing career through the MSN program, this guide will let you know what to expect, the pathways and specializations you can take, and how to navigate the application process.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is an MSN?
A master’s degree in nursing, or an MSN, is an advanced program that can typically be finished in two years if you study full-time. There are also part-time options, which may allow you to study at your own pace, and accelerated programs, which are shorter courses, for those who already have the required clinical experience.
Part-time courses may also be delivered in either an online format or in-person classes. Generally, to enroll in an MSN program, you need to finish a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), but there are bridge programs that will accept an associate degree if there’s enough experience as a registered nurse (RN).
Why take an MSN?
You can work as a registered nurse with an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree, but studying for an advanced nursing degree, like a master’s degree in nursing, offers further options for your career. Having a master’s means you can take an advanced licensure exam to work at a more advanced level, such as an advanced nurse practitioner — a step up from a registered nurse.
With this step up comes an increase in salary. The average annual salary for a registered nurse is $93,600. For a nurse practitioner, it’s $132,500. Aside from higher salaries, advanced nursing practitioners are in high demand. The BLS predicts a 35% increase in jobs by 2034.
MSN career paths and opportunities
Earning your master’s degree in nursing opens doors to new career options, especially once you’ve built practical experience too. Stepping up from a registered nurse role to a nursing practitioner means you can work closely with physicians, conduct physical examinations, and assess patient symptoms and medical history. You’ll also have the authority to prescribe medication, diagnose certain health issues, and evaluate responses to medication.
Aside from the option to work as a nurse practitioner, finishing an MSN program will qualify you for the following roles:
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA): In this role, you care for patients before, during, and after the administration of anesthesia for surgical procedures, consult with patients to learn more about their medical history, administer general and local anesthesia, and monitor patients during an operation.
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS): RNs who completed graduate-level training to specialize in specific diseases, demographics, or types of care, and are qualified for leadership roles.
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM): As a CNM, you care for pregnant women as part of their prenatal and post-natal care, as well as during labor, assisting obstetricians in the process.
MSN program application considerations
With a range of career pathways that can be available to you following your completion of an MSN program, how do you know which options to work towards? Many courses will allow you to pick a specialization so you can tailor your experience and knowledge to a particular role, so it’s helpful to have an idea about what you want to do, although this is often never set in stone.
Once you’ve made up your mind to pursue an MSN program, consider a step-by-step approach, taking into account factors like your interests and experience, the format you want to learn in, cost and time considerations, and the specific requirements of the course.
Career goals and interests
Think about what you want to do once you become an advanced practice nurse (APN). Are you looking at working in general nursing or in a specialized area? It could be in midwifery, something clinical, or even a leadership position. Depending on your course, you might be able to undertake a specialization. For example, if you want to work in leadership, you can consider an MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership from Northern Kentucky University or other accredited institutions.
Other examples of specializations include:
- Family care
- Mental health
- Pediatric
- Women’s health
- Neo-natal
If you’re planning to complete further studies, like a doctoral degree, make sure you choose modules that will be relevant to your long-term goals. For example, if you want to study for a PhD in nursing, consider what your thesis might be about and choose relevant specializations.
Accreditation and licensing requirements
To work as an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP), you need to be a registered nurse (RN), and depending on where you’re located, you might need to take additional accreditation or apply for a license. In addition, APRN positions may require certificates in basic life support (BLS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). So, you should also take note of certifications and licensing requirements you may need once you graduate, before you can even start working.
Program format and flexibility
You can study for an MSN degree on a full-time, in-person basis, at a physical campus, or you can take a more flexible approach, as there’s now a range of courses offered part-time and can be done online, which means you can make the schedule work better around your job and other life commitments.
If you’re already working as an RN, a part-time course is a great way to advance in your career while gaining the necessary practical experience. Some accelerated nursing programs, including the Houston nursing school, provide faster pathways for eligible students depending on prior qualifications and program structure.
Clinical hour requirements
Most master’s degrees in nursing require you to do a set number of clinical hours. The number of hours will vary depending on your course and chosen specialization. Nurse practitioner programs generally require you to complete up to 500 hours of clinical practice over the entire period of the course, while other courses, particularly those offered online, may require you to be working in a clinical setting as a pre-requisite for the course.
Cost and location
When choosing your course, remember to take into account the total cost of the program and how it may impact your budget. These vary depending on whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, in-person or online, and the college you apply to. The most reputable colleges generally cost the most, and it’s worthwhile considering the type and extent of support you get with the fees. You may also have to consider transport and accommodation costs depending on the location you choose.
Application process
The requirements for a master’s degree in nursing vary slightly depending on the course details, but in general, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in nursing or an associate degree with relevant clinical experience. You may also be able to apply to an MSN program through bridge programs if you have a relevant bachelor’s degree in another medical field.
As part of your application, you might be asked for a statement of purpose, or a personal statement, which is a document outlining why you want to pursue the course and why you think you’re qualified to apply. With this, you might need to include your résumé and academic transcripts to prove that you have the necessary pre-requisite courses, as well as your RN license. Most MSN courses will ask you to include at least two letters of recommendation from previous tutors or employers.
Tip: Tailor your application to the course you’re applying for. You might be applying to more than one college, but it’s important that you customize your applications so that each one specifically addresses the college you send it to, and not look like they’re written from a generic template. Include details about why the college or course appeals to you, any connections you have, and evidence that you have what it takes to work on a particular specialty the college offers.
International students
In addition to the standard entry requirements, if you’re an international student, you may have to complete an English language proficiency exam and provide evidence that your alternative qualifications are at the required level. You may also need to apply for a student visa, depending on where you live and where you plan to study.
Key takeaways
Leveling up your role from a registered nurse to an advanced nurse practitioner by completing a master’s degree in nursing can open doors to better career opportunities, as it allows you to specialize in certain medical areas. If you’re eyeing leadership roles, higher salaries, and have the time, resources, and discipline it takes to complete an MSN program, pursuing this career path through accredited institutions could be a rewarding goal.