RN to MSN bridge programs are becoming the most powerful pathway for nurses who want to advance in their nursing career. A Master’s in Science and Nursing (MSN) degree provides many job and income advancement opportunities. RNs receiving MSN degrees achieve education in leadership, research and teaching skills.
What Type of Positions can MSN Degrees Deliver?
MSN degrees can provide registered nurses with several different options in nursing roles job positions such as Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Educators, Nurse Consulting, Nurse Case Manager, Nursing Research and other positions in management level nursing. Clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, midwives, and anesthetists are currently in very high demand!
Some nursing students also choose to obtain multiple diplomas in similar subject-related fields such as business administration, public health or hospital administration to increase their advancement in the medical and nursing field.
What Courses are Required for the RN to MSN Program?
The RN to MSN program is composed of both classroom and clinical experience. RN’s who participate specifically in the RN to MSN bridge program can expect to take about 32-40 credit hours. The courses include Professional Nursing, Information Management in Healthcare, Evidence-Based Nursing, Nursing Assessment for the Practicing Nurse, Nursing Leadership & Health Care Policy, Community Focused Professional Nursing, A Conceptual Approach to Pathophysiology for Nurses, Advanced Acute Care Concepts, Application of Professional Nursing Concepts, and Complementary & Alternative Approaches in Nursing. It typically takes 18-24 months to obtain a MSN degree. However, with online institutions, nurses can work at their own pace. Often times even a quicker pace and may be able to graduate with their MSN degree closer to the 18 month mark.
What Salary RN’s with MSN Degrees Typically Make?
RN’s with MSN Degrees usually make a much higher salary than those with BSN degrees. On average nurses with MSN degrees make between $66,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on their area of specialty; whereas RN’s with BSN degrees typically make a max salary of $63,000 per year.
For Registered Nurses who desire job advancement in nursing administration, nursing leadership, nursing educators and for nurses who are interested in management level positions, obtaining a MSN degree can provide those and many more opportunities. If you have thought about a furthering your education to advance in your nursing career, hopefully this information has convinced you that graduating with a MSN can provide great job opportunities and open several doors that will lead to the ultimate success of your career path.
