Getting a master’s degree in nursing will help those who desire job advancement in nursing administration, nursing leadership, nursing educators and for nurses who are interested in management level positions. MSN degrees focus on advanced nursing specialties, providing you with the background experience, skills and coaching needed to provide a high-level quality of nursing care in specialized fields of nursing.
What Job Opportunities Does a MSN Degree Provide?
Some nurses may decide to return for their MSN to obtain pre-requites needed for a doctorate level education such as a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or case management nurse.
How Long does it Take to Obtain a Masters degree in Nursing?
MSN degree programs typically take between 18 to 24 months to graduate. Earning your nursing master’s degree online through an accredited nursing degree program is usually the most convenient route. Online degree programs offer the non-practical coursework online; however, you will still need to complete the clinical training hours at a local hospital or medical facility.
Some nursing master’s degree students also choose to obtain joint diplomas in similar subject-related fields such as business administration, public health or hospital administration. However, most online nursing master degree programs require you to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a RN license, minimal GPA scores and a particular amount of scientific expertise.
If you have not already taken your nurse registry exam to become a Registered Nurse from your bachelor’s degree, then after you complete your master of science in nursing, you qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
What Courses are Required for the MSN program?
Students must complete 36-42 courses, depending on the school in order to graduate with a MSN degree. You can expect to take some of the following courses:
- Moral and Ethical Issues in Nursing
- Theories and Conceptual Models of Nursing Practice
- Research in Nursing
- Nursing Leadership, Theory and Health Care Politics in a Changing World
- Advanced Community Nursing
If you have not already taken courses to complete the nursing program, those classes will be required in addition to the other listed courses.
What is the Salary of RNs with MSN degrees?
The pay of a MSN RN can vary depending on experience. Most of the time, those entering the MSN program already have experience as a RN; therefor will automatically make a higher salary. The average pay for MSN Nurses is around $60,000 per year. With more experience and developed skills, a RN with a MSN degree can expect to make around $82,000 a year. However, those in management level positions can expect to make an even higher annual salary the more experience they gain.
There are so many opportunities that can arise from furthering your education and obtaining your MSN degree. Think of all the knowledge and respect you’ll gain in as little as 18 months. It’s a short amount of time to make a huge change in your career!
