What is an MSN?
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level nursing degree designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice, positions in leadership and specialized healthcare professional roles. Earning an MSN can open doors to higher salaries and career paths in a wide range of clinical settings like nurse practitioner, educator or administrator — all while improving patient care and healthcare systems. Read all about what you can do with an MSN degree.
Benefits of an MSN Degree
Earning an MSN can provide many opportunities for career advancement and long-term growth. Many advanced roles in nursing have positive job prospects and can look forward to career stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 40% increase in advanced practice registered nurse roles from 2023 to 2033, with a median salary of $129,000 for roles like nurse midwives and anesthetists.
Beyond clinical advancement, MSN degrees create pathways to leadership, education and policy positions. Practicing nurses can step into roles including nurse educator, director of nursing or quality improvement coordinator. In these positions, you’ll be able to influence systems of care and embark on the incredibly rewarding journey of mentoring the next generation of nurses. In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, an MSN not only increases job security and professional growth but also provides the tools to drive meaningful change. If you’re seeking long-term career advancement, earning an MSN is a strategic and rewarding next step.
Types of MSN Programs
Nursing programs provide the education and training needed to prepare students for licensure, clinical practice and advanced roles in the healthcare field. Several types of MSN programs exist that are designed to meet the needs of nurses at different career stages. Whether you’re looking to advance into leadership, specialize in a clinical area or shift into education or policy, there’s an MSN track that aligns with your unique goals and vision:
- Traditional MSN Programs are designed for RNs who hold a Bachelor of Nursing, typically earned through a four-year institution with a School of Nursing. Most take 18-24 months to complete on average and many programs offer career concentrations like nurse practitioner and nurse administrator.
- RN to MSN Programs are a great option for experienced nurses looking to advance without pursuing a separate BSN first. Bridge programs like this allow practicing nurses to earn an MSN in an accelerated format by combining undergraduate and graduate-level coursework. They typically take two to three years to complete.
- Dual Degree Programs are intended for nurses pursuing advanced leadership roles in healthcare systems, public health or policy. These degrees are often combined programs like a Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Health or Master of Public Administration.
- Direct Entry MSN Programs are also called accelerated MSN programs and are designed for individuals who have completed higher education and hold a bachelor’s degree outside of nursing. These intensive programs can be completed in two to three years and prepare individuals for both RN licensure and advanced nursing roles like clinical nurse leader.
What Can You Do With an MSN Degree?
How exactly can an MSN move your career forward? An MSN can open new and exciting doors in your nursing career. MSN degree jobs often come with higher salaries, greater responsibility and expanded opportunities in healthcare. If you already have your BSN or are currently pursuing it, there are many positive benefits to continuing on to an MSN. Even if you only have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can earn an MSN through bridge programs like an RN to MSN. Let’s explore three different pathways – nurse educator, nurse administrator and nurse practitioner.
Nurse Educator
Do you love precepting and working with new nurses? Maybe you love coaching nursing students who do clinicals on your floor. When you earn an MSN with a nurse educator focus, you can make an impact by sharing your expertise with new nurses and pre-licensure nursing students. You’ll learn how to use the latest instructional and simulation technology, along with other strategies that will make you an effective educator.
Nurse Practitioner
Some nurses can determine a patient’s diagnosis right away and rattle off a list of necessary medications like it’s second nature. If that sounds like you, becoming a nurse practitioner could be your ideal path. You’ll focus on improving your patient care, understanding how best to assess conditions and promote health and taking on responsibilities similar to those of a doctor.
As an RN, you can have a fulfilling career helping patients while educating new nurses. You can also be the charge nurse and successfully lead a team. Or you can become an expert in patient care, working in close collaboration with doctors. By taking the next step to pursue an MSN degree, you’ll set yourself apart and position yourself as a leader in your field. And when you enroll in a flexible, online program like the RN to MSN at American College of Education, you can complete your degree on your own time. So take a moment to ask yourself: Where do you want to take your career?
Leadership Opportunities
Obtaining an MSN degree opens up many rewarding career opportunities in leadership, including assistant director positions, management, patient care coordinators and more. These individuals are often responsible for guiding clinical teams, shaping healthcare policies, mentoring staff, managing operations and implementing quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and organizational performance.
Nursing Administration
As a registered nurse, you’re probably already skilled at time management and organization. If your strengths lie in planning, organizing and project management, an MSN with a nurse administrator track is a good fit for you. Roles in nursing administration often involve overseeing staff, managing budgets, developing policies and ensuring high-quality patient care across healthcare settings. You’ll learn leadership techniques to become a stronger administrator and hone your skills in delegation and communication.
Clinical Nurse Leader
Clinical Nurse leaders (CNL) are registered nurses who have completed advanced programs, usually through an MSN program with a CNL focus. CNL-prepared nurses have the experience of managing patient care, usually alongside the patient’s care team of doctors and therapists. Clinical nurse leaders are eligible for competitive salaries and advanced leadership positions.
Patient Care Coordinator
If you’ve got strong organizational skills, clinical knowledge, and the ability to navigate complex healthcare systems, a role as a Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) might be a great fit. PCCs play a vital role in delivering efficient and compassionate care for patients across various healthcare settings, serving as the central point of contact between patients, families and medical teams. PCCs coordinate appointments and treatments, manage care plans, educate patients about their conditions and ensure clear communication among providers.
Advanced Nursing Degrees
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree with an emphasis on clinical practice and leadership. A Nursing Practice DNP is different from a PhD in nursing, which emphasizes academic research and theory. A DNP equips advanced nurses with the clinical expertise and leadership skills needed to improve patient care and drive innovation by applying research to improving health outcomes.
Designed for experienced nurses who want to enhance their ability to translate evidence into practice, DNP programs prepare nurses for advanced practice roles and high-level leadership in healthcare settings. DNP-prepared nurses manage complex healthcare systems and lead quality improvement initiatives.
Roles with a DNP
DNP-prepared nurses often work as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists or nurse midwives depending on training and certification. Others move into executive roles such as Chief Nursing Officer or healthcare policy advisor. A DNP program typically includes coursework in advanced clinical practice, healthcare information, organizational leadership and evidence-based care. Most DNP programs require capstones that examine real-world issues in patient care.
Open doors to new career paths with a Master of Science in Nursing from American College of Education.
