What Can You Do with a Master’s in Nursing?

shutterstock_1452146600 To practice as a registered nurse, you need to earn an undergraduate degree in nursing. While the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs equip you with the knowledge and skills required to pursue entry-level and specialized positions in nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree offers expanded opportunities for career advancement.

As you consider the next step in your career, you should evaluate the available master’s in nursing jobs and the specialty areas that you can access with this advanced degree.

What Is a Master’s in Nursing?

So, what is a master’s in nursing? According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing degree is a graduate degree program designed for registered nurses who want to advance their careers or specialize in a particular area of nursing. Designed to prepare the next generation of nurse leaders, the MSN degree program typically takes between two and three years for students to complete, depending on the pace which they adopt for the program.

Types of Master’s in Nursing

It's important to note that not all nursing master's degree programs are the same. In fact, many colleges and universities offer MSN degree programs with specialized tracks, allowing students to pursue a graduate degree that aligns with their personal strengths and professional goals.

These are the types of master's in nursing degrees available:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree

The MSN is a graduate degree program for registered nurses interested in career growth and leadership development. This degree program is ideal for nurses interested in leadership positions in nursing, such as nurse manager or nurse educator roles.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) positions typically require candidates to earn an MSN degree. An APRN has the ability to work closely with patients to diagnose and treat illness. These nurses also often work closely with health administrators and nurse leaders to provide their patient population with relevant information about health issues. Due to the specialized nature of these positions and the advanced level of care required, it's important for these nurses to have an extensive education and ongoing professional development.

These are a few of the most common APRN positions:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides patients with primary and acute health care services. They work closely with their patients to evaluate their current health, assess their symptoms, make a diagnosis, and provide a treatment plan. Nurse practitioners can also prescribe medication, setting them apart from registered nurses.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is similar to a nurse practitioner in the sense that they can work directly with patients to evaluate their symptoms, make a diagnosis, and create a treatment plan. In addition, clinical nurse specialists work to support registered nurses in the department who are also providing patients with bedside care. Furthermore, they play an active role in developing best practices and protocols for the healthcare facility where they work.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides patients with gynecological and obstetric healthcare services. They often provide patients with information and resources regarding their reproductive health and work closely with them throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse who can provide comprehensive anesthesia services to patients undergoing operations or procedures. They administer anesthesia, monitor patients while they are under anesthesia, and provide additional pain management services for patients who require them.

Possible Careers with an MSN Degree

Earning your MSN degree opens the doors to a wide range of specialized career opportunities in nursing, particularly in leadership positions and advanced practice areas. While the value of your MSN degree extends beyond the financial benefits, it's worth noting that many MSN graduates will enjoy a higher earning potential over the course of their careers compared to nurses who do not earn an MSN degree.

These are a few of the master’s in nursing jobs that you can consider after graduation:

Nurse Educator

Registered nurses who are ready to move on from their clinical position but are still interested in making an impact may be interested in becoming a nurse educator. Nurse educators work to provide nurses with advanced training and skill development programs that will allow them to grow in their careers and improve their overall practice.

Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who can provide patients with comprehensive health care services. Nurse practitioners may work closely with a designated patient population to evaluate, diagnose, and treat medical conditions.

Nurse Anesthetist

A nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice registered nurse who can provide patients with comprehensive anesthesia services as well as pain management services. They work to administer anesthesia as well as monitor patients while they are under anesthesia.

Nurse Midwife

A nurse midwife is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in obstetric and gynecological care. They often work closely with patients to provide them with reproductive healthcare services and have the opportunity to work with patients who are pregnant, in childbirth, or recovering from childbirth.

Nurse Manager

A nurse manager is a leadership position in nursing. Nurses who want to continue working in clinical settings but feel compelled to inspire the next generation of nurses may be interested in this position, which involves a variety of administrative and clinical responsibilities. Nurse managers often oversee the scheduling of nurses within their floor and can intervene when patients require complex care.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice registered nurse who can provide patients with comprehensive healthcare services. In addition to evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients, clinical nurse specialists work closely with the healthcare team at the facility to streamline operations and improve patient outcomes.

Research Nurse

A research nurse is a specialized nursing position ideal for nurses interested in understanding the data that drives most decision-making at healthcare facilities today. Research nurses work to better understand the trends taking shape and often conduct studies designed to improve the healthcare industry.

Forensic Nurse Consultant

A forensic nurse consultant is a healthcare professional who works closely with criminal justice professionals to provide patients in the criminal justice system with the care they require. In some cases, they are required to collect evidence and assist with evaluating perpetrators.

Health Informatics Nurse

Blending the field of data analysis with the nursing profession, a health informatics nurse collects and evaluates data to provide healthcare administrators with the information they need to enact data-based decision-making at the organization. They often work to provide actionable insights to healthcare providers based on the best available data.

Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing

By pursuing an MSN degree, you may enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

Career advancement opportunities
Opportunities to specialize
Higher earning potential
Increased sense of personal and professional satisfaction