The Ins and Outs of Earning a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree
MSN Overview
Nursing professionals looking to take their career to the next level are ready to pursue a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. With the great shortage of nurses and the increasingly growing need for more nurses, opens many opportunities for nurses with advanced degrees and extensive experience. Though commitment and dedication are required to successfully complete a masters degree program the impact it will have on your career and income are exponential. Nurses with advanced degrees will have a more specialized field of work along with increased responsibility and more opportunities within the health care industry.
Nursing professionals with MSN degrees are qualified with necessary skills and advanced training to provide high-quality care in specialized roles from nurse practitioners to nurse midwives. With an MSN you are qualified to provide many of the same services and care that physicians provide. Nurse practitioners are becoming increasingly important in the modern health care system, with physicians having over scheduled days or patients unable to meet the growing cost to see physicians, nurse practitioners can fill that gap.
Why Earn a MSN
Earning an MSN degree gives you the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of nursing that you choose, whether that be a nurse practitioner or women’s health for example. Registered nurses are general practitioners that work in a variety of areas and do a little of everything providing general care for a variety of patients. As an advanced nurse you will be able to gain extensive knowledge in a specialized area of nursing of your choosing.
Nurse professionals with MSN degrees also learn about and are more involved in eh business side of nursing unlike the registered nurse. If you want to make an impact or difference in the health care industry you will participate in programs of leadership, management, policy, and finance of the nursing industry. You will have the opportunity to enroll in a joint MSN program if you want to specialize in an area such as these and learn specifically about health care business or health administration.
Completing a joint MSN program will open doors to a variety of professions that are in great need of new talent and ability, some of those areas are nurse educators and leadership roles. A last motivator for earning your MSN is the increase in income. Nursing professionals with MSN degrees see a significant increase in their salary because their specialized knowledge in a particular field puts them in greater demand.
MSN Career Specialties
Typically, nurses who are pursuing an MSN will focus on one of four advanced practice areas:
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
These specialists administer physical exams, diagnose disease and injuries, administer various medical treatments, administer immunizations, review medical records and recommend diagnostic exams, including lab tests, EKG’s, and X-rays, teach patients about preventative care, and assist families caring for sick and injured family members.
- Certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA’s) specialize in administering anesthesia to individuals undergoing surgical and other medical procedures. These specialists administer various anesthetics, practice at hospitals, medical clinics, etc., and assist patients undergoing all types of medical procedures, including chronic pain management, heart surgery, and cosmetic surgery. They are employed by hospitals, physicians, dentists, clinics etc.
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists fulfill many traditional nursing duties, but they also specialize in disease prevention, assisting people with disabilities, and diagnosing medical conditions. They administer direct patient care, work as consultants for healthcare providers, and actively participate in enhancing medical care delivery systems.
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are specialists qualified to provide counseling and medical services for women during conception, pregnancy, birth, and the post-birth phase. CNMs work closely with certified midwives (CMs) to offer family-based medical services to women during all reproductive phases.
- Nurse Researcher
Also known as Occupational Health Nurses (OHN) collaborate with companies to develop business-friendly and individualized safety programs to make sure workers are safe without interfering with efficiency. They encourage organizations to adopt cost-efficient and enhanced safety standards designed to prevent injuries and limit safety hazards. They can also be involved in health and rehabilitation plans for employees injured on the job.
- Nurse Educator
Nurse educators are employed at teaching hospitals and nursing schools. They’re responsible for teaching students aspiring to work as nurses. They create lesson plans, teach classes, supervise students acquiring clinical experience, determine whether teaching programs are effective, and mentor students. Nurse educators teach an array of general classes, in addition to specialized courses in nursing informatics, pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, etc. Most Nurse Educators have extensive clinical experience and years as practicing nurses prior to becoming as educator.
- Nurse Executive/Administrator
Within nurse administration settings, there are various positions and levels of responsibility. As such, nurse administers could be accountable for any of the following responsibilities: developing and managing healthcare delivery systems, supervising employees, working closely with healthcare insurance companies and managed care organizations, and lobbying elected representatives for healthcare reform.
Joint MSN Programs
There are also MSN joint programs, in which you pursue your master’s in nursing in tandem with another master’s degree. The most common pairings for joint MSN programs include:
- MSN/MPH: This pairs your MSN with a master’s in public health
With the joint degree, students acquire complementary skills, knowledge, and perspective of both disciplines. Examples include: primary prevention, illness prevention, health promotion, and design, delivery, and evaluation of nursing services to diverse communities.
- MSN/MBA: Pairing your MSN with a master’s in business administration
Designed to prepare experienced nurses who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to develop cross-functional business management skills and leadership competences in nursing. Students enrolled in the dual MBA – MSN degree programs take courses to develop advanced management skills within the health care industry.
- MSN/MHA: An MSN degree paired with a master’s in health administration
Designed for nurses who are interested in management positions and business administration. In addition to learning the skills needed as a nurse, students also take classes such as financial management, ethics, law, international policy, public relations, administrative leadership, informatics and computer technology, human resources, and strategic planning. This qualifies students for jobs that ask them not only to make nursing decisions, but also to make business decisions for their company or department.
Is an MSN Degree Right For Me
As with many advanced degrees an MSN program is a challenging and rigorous program designed for those seeking to lead the health care industry in nursing. Those willing to work hard and commit to their success will achieve it. A great benefit from any masters degree program is you will be surrounded by other dedicated students seeking to increase their education and career opportunities. Participants frequently network with students and faculty and those whom they engage in clinic experiences with that greatly enhance their opportunities. Most MSN programs require students to juggle multiple responsibilities. If you are organized and able to manage time and stress then you will be in a better position to succeed. Those still wondering if they should move in this direction might want to ask themselves a few questions.
- Am I able to attend class regularly if looking to attend a on-campus program?
- If I am looking into online programs do I have an available set time to take online courses consecutively?
- Do I have the time it will take to fulfill assignments?
- Am I going to continue working during this time? (Certain programs cater to working nurses more than others)
There are many MSN programs with various logistics to fit many schedules and situations of participants, the trick is finding the best program that suits your current needs and future aspirations. With many accredited programs now offered online the flexibility of earning an MSN degree is at an all time high.
How Long Is a Typical MSN Program
Traditionally the MSN program is a two year program, but that is greatly dependent upon a students previous education and experience. Traditionally students are only admitted to a masters program if they have a Bachelors degree, usually a BSN, but that is no longer the only path to receive an MSN. General requirements to apply for an MSN program include the following:
- A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
- A registered nurse (RN) license
- Minimum GPA and GRE scores (varies by program)
- Clinical experience (varies by program)
Please note that this is a traditional route with traditional admissions requirements but there are other pathways to obtain an MSN. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another subject you can still pursue an MSN at entry level. That path would look like the following:
First Year: Entry Level nursing coursework
Second and Third Year: Combination of advanced master’s training and coursework, Preparation for the NCLEX, Clinic experience
What Can I Expect to Learn in an MSN Program
Traditional MSN programs will offer areas of advanced practice that students can choose to specialize in, what they choose will dictate the majority of their courses and experiences of their MSN program. Students that are entering with an RN and/or BSN have already taken the core science and nursing topics so they will attend courses such as the following:
- Health care policy
- Theory and practice in your specialty
- Health care ethics
- Management and advanced practice nursing
- Advanced biochemistry
- Advanced pharmacology
Students will take courses in their chosen specialization and end with a practicum.
For students seeking an MSN who have a bachelor’s in a subject other than nursing will have courses that blend practical nursing theory along with hands-on training prior to entering their specialized courses.
RN to MSN Programs
With the high demand of increasingly educated nurses continues to grow, new options have become available to help nursing professionals obtain higher education. One such path is RN to MSN, this enables students who are currently RN’s with an associate’s degree or nursing diploma, and earn your MSN without a BSN with some online schools. Some call it a Fast Track option.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University offers an online RN to MSN program that enables RN’s holding an ADN to earn an advanced degree in nursing in a shorter time frame then earning a BSN and MSN separately. Graduates will have earned both a BSN and MSN upon completion of the program. Students will need to take approximately 51 credit hours towards the BSN then 5 “Bridge” courses preparing them for master level courses and then finishing with approximately 36 credit hours of masters level courses.
- Campus: Online
- Type: For Profit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Per Credit Hour: $870
- GRE/GMAT Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- On Campus Requirements: Yes – two, three day immersions
- Program: RN to MSN in Nursing
Thomas Edison State College
Thomas Edison State College has a RN to BSN/MSN program designed specifically for experienced RN’s who are seeking excellent education paired with flexibility and convenience. With the coursework set up completely online, RN’s can enroll year round and set their own pace and schedule. There is no time limit set for participants to complete the program so they truly can work at their own pace to complete the MSN program as long as they complete a minimum of 3 credits per 12 months.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Per Credit Hour: $599
- GRE/GMAT Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Program: RN to MSN in Nursing
South University
South University offers an entirely online MSN program that is accredited by the CCNE. Participants can still specialize in areas such as Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administrator etc. The RN to MSN is a unique education path that gives the opportunity to registered nurses who do not currently have a BSN degree to start their MSN degree. The program is an intensive, streamlined course of study, students are awarded with both a BSN and MSN upon completion of the program. Graduates are well prepared for employment in either the healthcare or education setting by combining nursing theory with advanced practice concepts.
- Campus: Florida, Online
- Type: Private, For Profit
- Accreditation: CCNE-Accredited
- Per Credit Hour: Inquire
- BSN Required: No
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- South University Nursing Programs Offered: RN to MSN in Nursing, RN to MSN – Adult Health Nurse Practitioner, RN to MSN with a – Family Nurse Practitioner, RN to MSN – Nurse Administrator, RN to MSN – Nurse Educator, RN to MSN – Nursing Informatics
- Financial Aid Available: Yes
Monmouth University
Monmouth University offers a direct route for RN’s to attain their MSN degree, many earning their MSN in as little as 3 years. Those holding an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing and are current RN’s qualify to apply for the program. Participants do not have to earn a BSN to be admitted into the program, however students do need to complete a combination of undergraduate courses totaling 150 credits. The program is online and students have access to doctoral prepared faculty and enjoy a personalized education.
- Campus: Online
- Type: For Profit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Per Credit Hour: $963
- GRE/GMAT Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Program: RN to MSN in Nursing
Capella University
The healthcare industry is becoming increasingly more complex and is experiencing a shortage of adequately trained and qualified nursing professionals to meet those challenges. This creates an interesting opportunity for nurses seeking to further their education and seize new opportunities in management and advanced practice. There are two paths offered for RN’s to obtain an MSN, either a RN to BSN/MSN combination in which students will graduate with both a BSN and MSN degree or a fast track RN to MSN option. To qualify for admission to this advanced program you must have completed at least 90 undergraduate semester credits and have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 (considering all schools you’ve attended).
- Campus: Online
- Type: Private, For-Profit
- Accreditation: CCNE-Accredited
- Per Credit Hour: Inquire
- BSN Required: No
- Other Requirements: 90 undergraduate credits, 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Capella University Nursing Programs: MSN – RN-to-MSN Nursing, General (CCNE-accredited), MSN – RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics (CCNE-accredited)
Robert Morris University
Robert Morris University offers a RN to MSN program that is designed specifically for registered nurses that do not have a BSN degree. Many registered nurses hold an associate’s degree or nursing diploma but have been adequately prepared with their education and experience to allow them to build upon those and work towards an MSN degree. The program is fully online and takes students through their BSN and seamlessly through their MSN with an emphasis in nursing education. Students do need to complete the RMU core requirements and prerequisite courses, these may be waived or fulfilled depending on previous education.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Per Credit Hour: $470
- GRE/GMAT Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Program: RN to MSN in Nursing
University of North Carolina
Registered Nurses with associate degrees can apply directly to the MSN program but note that applicants must meet admissions requirements of the University’s Graduate School as well as the School of Nursing’s requirements for master’s applicants. Participants need to have completed 51 prerequisite courses and pre-nursing courses prior to applying as well. MSN specialties include nurse practitioner and Health Care Systems.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Per Credit Hour: $234 in state; $970 out of state
- GRE/GMAT Required: Yes
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Program: RN to MSN in Nursing
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University offers an online RN-BSN-MSN program for students that currently hold a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing. This program is very appealing to those who want to take an accelerated route to earn their master’s degree and open the door to more opportunities in their career. This particular program is very appealing because students take graduate classes as undergraduate tuition rates and they earn their BSN along the way.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Per Credit Hour: $515-620
- GRE/GMAT Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Program: RN to MSN in Nursing
University of Delaware
Participants of University of Delaware’s school of nursing RN to MSN program find that they can earn their MSN in 2 to 3 years depending on how many courses they take each semester. Many can attend part time and graduate in 3 years. Total coursework is approximately 134 credits that has areas of focus such as adult health, nursing of children and health services administration.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Per Credit Hour: $1578
- GRE/GMAT Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Program: RN to MSN in Nursing
Nova Southeastern University
The Nova Southeastern University has a hybrid RN to MSN program in which participants can attend the first 3 terms of the program online or attend classes on campus at either the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Orlando campus. Participants will earn credits for their previous education and experience as an RN and possibly earn more credits after evaluation of their transcripts.
- Campus: Online and Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Type: For Profit
- Accreditation:
- Per Credit Hour: $600
- GRE/GMAT Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Program: RN to MSN in Nursing
BSN to MSN Programs
Simmons School of Nursing and Health
What sets Simmons School of Nursing and Health apart from many other online MSN programs? It features live, virtual classes that enable you to engage face-to-face via web camera with faculty and classmates, yet maintains a flexible self-paced program. Participants can attend clinical placements within their own community and attend a weekend immersion activity on campus. Graduates of Simmons MSN program with their emphasis as a Family Nurse Practitioner enjoy the same curriculum that expert faculty has prepared that has time and again prepared students to pass the Family Nurse Practitioner on their very first time taking it.
- Campus: Online
- Type:
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Per Credit Hour:$1,315 per credit hour
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 course credits
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Programs: FNP
Georgetown University Online
Georgetown University offers a uniquely blended online interactive MSN experience for students offering collaborative coursework, interactive online classes, and clinical experiences in real-world settings. Graduates of Georgetown are the next generation of leaders in the nursing profession because of their skills, knowledge and advanced abilities to practice as specialized nurses.
- Campus: Online
- Type:Private
- Accreditation:CCNE
- Per Credit Hour: $1,928
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 19 to 27 months depending on specialization
- On Campus Requirements: No but there are various incentives for those who attend on campus
- Georgetown University Nursing Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner,Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner,Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner,Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
American Sentinel University
With the increased demand for nurses and the expectation of nurses to be more knowledgeable and more qualified a BSN degree has become the standard for the nursing profession. An MSN will provide you with higher levels of knowledge, experience, and give you the opportunity to specialize this allows you to be on par with other healthcare providers, and put you more in demand. All MSN students select one of five specializations: Case Management, Infection Prevention and Control, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership.
- Campus: Online
- Type: For Profit
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Per Credit Hour: Inquire
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Rankings: Ranks 41st for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
- American Sentinel University Nursing Programs: Master of Science in Nursing
University of San Francisco Online
University of San Fransisco is known for its pioneering way of doing things, the online nursing curriculum is no exception. Students concentrate on “the bug picture approach” of their patient outcomes. It has been proven that with this view and training nurses are better prepared and trained to make necessary changes to their health care organization and abroad. Jesuit values are interwoven through students experiences and coursework form USF, they will see values such as social justice, diversity, integrity, accountability and excellence, reinforcing the concept that nursing really is one of the highest forms of service to humanity.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non-Profit
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Per Credit Hour: Inquire
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Rankings: A top 50 nursing graduate school – U.S. News and World Report
- University of San Francisco Online Nursing Programs: BSN to MSN, ADN to MSN
Capella University
The demand for nurses is expected to grow another 18% in the next 5 years making the demand for advanced nurses escalate as well. A master’s of science in nursing is one of the best ways to increase your knowledge, opportunities and specialize within the nursing industry. Graduates will be able to perform health care research, understand and implement concepts of managements and leadership within the healthcare industry, and integrate healthcare policies and regulations and apply professional ethics and legal standards in professional nursing practice.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Private, For-Profit
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Per Credit Hour: Inquire
- GRE Required: No
- BSN Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Capella University Nursing Programs: MSN – Diabetes Nursing, MSN – Nurse Educator, MSN – Nursing Informatics, MSN – Nursing Leadership and Administration, MSN – Nursing, General, MSN – RN-to-MSN Diabetes Nursing, MSN – RN-to-MSN Nurse Educator , MSN – RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics, MSN – RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and Admin, MSN – RN-to-MSN Nursing, General
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University offers three areas of specialization in their online MSN program; Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Management and Executive Leadership, and Nursing Education. Students can transfer up to 90 credit hours towards their degree and they enjoy a 24/7 flexible online format for all their coursework. It is also one of the more affordable, accredited online programs in the country.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Per Credit Hour: $620
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Sacred Heart University Nursing Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University currently offers three areas of specialization within the MSN program; Clinical Nurse Educator, Leadership in Healthcare Systems, and Informatics Specialization. There are some highlights that set Jacksonville University apart form other online MSN programs such as 8 week sessions with 6 different start times offered throughout the year and the ability to take a session or two off if needed. As with other online programs it is flexible and courses can be completed anywhere worldwide at a competitive tuition rate.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non-Profit
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Per Credit Hour: $447
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Saint Xavier University
The online MSN program offered at Saint Xavier University transforms students into professional, trusted resources for their patients, peers, and supervisors within the healthcare system. With advanced leadership, management, and clinical skills; graduates are prepared to immediately make a difference in the healthcare system. Two specialization are available for the MSN program; Clinical Leadership and Executive Leadership.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Per Credit Hour: $620
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Saint Xavier University Nursing Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Ball State University
Ball State University offers the MSN program is three phases. First, students will take an introductory course that focuses on the use of information technology in nursing practice, administration, education, and research. Second, students complete courses in the nursing core. Finally, students progress through the nursing core courses required for the master’s as well as the specialization courses for the specialization they have chosen.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Per Credit Hour: in state per year $7918; out of state $19,600
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Ball State University Nursing Program: Master of Science in Nursing
St. Joseph’s University
Core courses of St. Joseph’s MSN program cover Informatics, leadership, ethics, theory, public policy, and research. As part of the core, each of these courses support the specialty tracks which students can choose to specialize in. The specialty tracks give students in-depth knowledge and advanced skills necessary for them to attain leadership and management opportunities within the healthcare industry. The specializations currently offered include nursing administration, nursing education, and family nurse practitioner. At this university, you can receive a dual master’s degree in with a MSN and either a Master in Health Administration, or a Master in Business Administration, as well.
- Campus: Online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Per Credit Hour: $450
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No