As the world and businesses change, so does the demand for many different types of jobs in the economy. Despite the shifting tides, the nursing profession has remained stable, demonstrating that competent nurses are still a vital element of thehealthcare system. In addition, there is an increasing demand for professional nurse leaders who can take the lead, govern, and support change. Nursing is an excellent career option for all those who not only want to make a difference in someone’s life but also want to work in a field with bright career prospects and plenty of opportunities for advancement. Luckily, there are a variety of options leading to primary nursing degree, as well as a variety of master’s degrees in nursing (MSN) that can aid in advancing your career. Your career goals will heavily influence the type of MSN degree you pursue.
Nurses are needed in a wide range of settings, including medical emergencies and warfare. As a result, a nurse must receive the necessary education before embarking on this challenge. This is why experienced and qualified nurses are in such high demand all over the world.
In response to the epidemic, educational institutions have begun to provide online programs that allow people to complete their higher education from the comfort of their own homes. It is a fantastic opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in nursing because registered nurses (RNs) can pursue additional clinical and leadership training with an online nursing masters degree. If you want to advance your nursing profession, look into these five master’s programs
BSN-to-MSN Program
The majority of individuals pursuing a master’s degree in nursing already have a standard BSN and some practical nursing experience. Depending on the curriculum and the student’s enrollment status, BSN-to-MSN programs normally run for two to three years. Many nursing graduate schools offer at least some online courses, and others are entirely online. Students in an MSN program take courses in advanced health evaluation and patient care. They can also choose an MSN specialty like nurse-midwifery, nurse anesthesia, or nurse practitioner.
RN-to-MSN Bridge Program
Registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) who desire to pursue a master’s degree without first completing a BSN should consider the RN-to-MSN bridge program. These bridge programs combine the last two years of a BSN program with a master’s program in nursing. The majority of the last three to four years. This type of nursing master’s degree is frequently offered online or in a hybrid format that includes some on-campus learning. To be eligible for the MSN program, students must first finish BSN-level courses, after which they must choose an MSN concentration and complete a graduate-level syllabus.
Direct-Entry Master’s Degree
Direct-entry graduate programs, including MSN bridge programs, cater to students without a BSN. This sort of nursing master’s degree is designed for students who have a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a discipline other than nursing and want to work as a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice nurse (APRN). Nurses who have obtained a master’s degree are known as advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs. These programs allow you to transfer your existing college credits toward your MSN. A direct-entry master’s program can run anywhere from 18 months to three years, depending on the prior degree.
Dual Master’s Degree
Dual master’s degree programs combine two degrees that are linked, such as a master’s in nursing and a master’s in business administration (MBA). Candidates with a dual master’s degree are better prepared for advanced leadership positions that need a thorough understanding of both nursing and healthcare management. Public health (MSN/MPH) and health administration (MSN/MHA) are two other common dual master’s disciplines, in addition to MSN/MBA. BSN holders often take 3-4 years to finish these programs, which can be done online, on campus, or a mixture of the two.
ADN-to-MSN
Nurses with an associate degree in nursing can enroll in an ADN-to-MSN program. Applicants must have a valid RN license and proof of an ADN degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Before enrolling in an MSN program, students in an ADN-to-MSN program must finish the undergraduate curriculum. Students choose a specialization and complete graduate-level coursework and clinical hours to develop the skills needed for advanced nursing practice once enrolled in the MSN program.
Types Of Advanced Nursing Master’s Degrees
Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) programs, such as nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife and certified registered nurse anesthetists and specialties in fields such as research and teaching are among the numerous types of specialized master’s in nursing degrees available.
Some of these specialty degrees are listed below.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners (NPs), unlike Registered nurses (RNs), have the authority to diagnose and prescribe drugs. NPS is required to work under the supervision of a physician in some places, while they are free to operate autonomously in others. Advanced pharmacology, prognosis, therapy, and nursing practice are all covered in a master’s curriculum for aspiring NPs. While the majority of NPs concentrate on family medicine, some are also trained in geriatric medicine, pediatrics, neonatology, psychiatrists, or women’s issues.
Certified Nurse Midwife
A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is a healthcare provider who works with women of all ages and stages of life. CNMs are experts in gynecologic, as well as contraception, pregnancy, postpartum, and infant care. They have the authority to monitor births, including home births, and frequently supervise registered nurses and nursing assistants. CNMs also assist pregnant women and their families in learning about appropriate childbirth and infant care practices. CNMs earn an average of $115,540 per year.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
The highest-paid APRNs are certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), who earn an average annual compensation of $189,190. They assist with anesthesia and pain management during medical operations. They can prescribe prescriptions, including restricted substances, just like any other APRN, however, some states have additional criteria. Newly certified CRNAs will be required to have a DNP by the year 2025.
Public Health Nurses
Nurses who work in public health focus on the prevention of disease, particularly contagious diseases. They routinely educate the public at large and other stakeholders about health and disease transmission. Legislators, employers, public transportation managers, and event organizers are examples of stakeholders. In addition to traditional healthcare institutions like hospitals, pharmacies, and physicians’ private offices, these nurses can also serve in nonclinical settings like government organizations, community halls, or charity organizations. The COVID-19 epidemic thrust public health nurses into the forefront, and this could lead to a greater emphasis on their function in the future.
The Takeaway
Every student, regardless of their career aspirations or strengths, can find a nursing master’s degree. While nurses with a BSN may have an edge in obtaining a master’s degree in nursing or an advanced practice certificate, RNs without a BSN or candidates with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees can benefit from a variety of bridge programs. Moreover, from public health nurses to clinical nurse leaders, MSN students develop the skills and competencies needed to offer great health care.
