While entry-level nursing programs leading to initial RN licensure are the first step into the nursing profession, increasing numbers of nurses with a commitment to lifelong learning and professional advancement are choosing to continue their education at the graduate level through the Master of Science of Nursing (MSN).
Whether you want to advance your nursing career in direct clinical care or you’re ready to take your current nursing skills and apply them in executive, administrative, public policy, or leadership roles, the MSN is what you’re after.
The MSN will allow you to become an active participant in the transformation of healthcare, whether you’re assuming a position in leadership, advanced clinical practice, or nursing education.
Healthcare reform, an aging population, and increasing numbers of people with complex health conditions demand a nursing workforce that’s prepared to serve in both primary and specialty roles in major hospitals and establish independent clinics on their own. The MSN serves as the catalyst for meaningful change in the delivery and quality of healthcare and is the direct path to outstanding professional opportunities, six-figure paychecks, and some of the top positions in nursing.
The MSN is where you’ll develop a deeper understanding of nursing and the knowledge needed to design, implement, and evaluate the delivery of nursing care. MSN-educated nurses are qualified to provide nursing care to diverse populations in both clinical and community-based settings.
Interest in the MSN continues to grow right alongside an increasingly complex healthcare industry dealing with issues related to healthcare reform, affordability and accessibility, healthcare quality, care coordination, and sustainable solutions to healthcare, among many others.
This type of healthcare environment demands a better-educated nursing workforce that can assume current and emerging nursing roles that improve quality outcomes, build and lead collaborative teams and more.
How to Choose Master of Science in Nursing Program
The MSN comes in many shapes. Do a quick search of MSN programs and you’ll find programs designed for nurses with associate degrees, nurses with bachelor’s degrees, and non-nurses with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. You’ll also find that not all colleges offer the same types of MSN programs, with major and specialization options varying widely from one school to the next. Online and on-campus programs abound, with many offering convenient and flexible curriculum options in the form of accelerated classes, online courses, and courses with blended delivery options.
All of these options can be overwhelming, so before you set out to find the perfect program, you’ll want to consider which type of MSN program you qualify for, the concentration you want to pursue, and how you want your program delivered.
Here’s what you’ll want to know:
Accreditation
Accreditation is mandatory for programs preparing nurses for APRN roles and is required to take the required APRN certification examination. By choosing an accredited program, you’ll be sure your degree includes all of the components necessary for national certification.
Both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredit MSN programs in the U.S.
The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) accredits nurse anesthesia programs in the U.S., and the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) accredits midwifery education programs in the U.S.
Types of MSN Programs
MSN programs are designed based on an applicant’s previous education and experience. There are three, major types of MSN programs from which to choose:
BSN-MSN
The BSN-MSN degree, also known as a traditional MSN, consists of about 18 to 24 months of study, between 32-49 credits, and between 200-600 clinical/practicum hours. It is designed for practicing RNs with a BSN.
Admission into these programs often requires:
- A current and unencumbered RN license
- Current resume detailing some experience in nursing (usually a minimum of one-two years of nursing practice experience)
- BSN from an accredited college or university
- Minimum undergraduate GPA (usually 2.5-3.0)
- Minimum GRE scores
- Letters of recommendation/application essay
Entry-Level MSN
The entry-level MSN, also often referred to as a direct-entry or accelerated MSN, is specifically designed for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing. These programs include about 1,000 practicum/clinical hours and about 70-80 credits, although total number of credits depends on how many prerequisite courses students need to take. For example, students of these programs must usually complete foundational courses in biology, statistics, chemistry, and anatomy.
Students of these programs take the NCLEX and earn their RN license before completing the master’s requirements.
Admission into these programs usually requires:
- Bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing from an accredited college or university
- A minimum undergraduate GPA (usually between 2.5-3.0)
- Minimum GRE scores
- Current resume
- Letters of recommendation/application essay
RN-MSN
RN-MSN programs are bridge programs that allow practicing RNs with an associate’s degree to earn both their BSN and MSN in one program in about two years of full-time study. These programs require that students first complete all required bridge work (about 24 credits) before they can advance on to the MSN requirements. These programs include about 45-53 credits and about three years of study.
Admission into these programs usually requires:
- An associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university
- A current and unencumbered RN license
- Letters of recommendation/personal statement
Dual MSN Programs
A number of MSN programs can be combined with other areas of study, such as:
- MSN/MPA
- MSN/MHA
- MSN/MPH
- MSN/MBA
Major/Specialization
There are two general directions you can take the MSN:
Direct Patient Care
If you want to focus your MSN on direct patient care, you’ll major in one of the four APRN roles:
- Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP); also requires a patient population focus in one or more of the following areas:
- Family/Individual Across the Lifespan
- Adult-Gerontology
- Neonatal
- Pediatrics
- Women’s Health/Gender-Related
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – Providers of anesthesia and pain management services
- Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) – Providers of primary, gynecological, and reproductive healthcare
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Diagnose, treat, and manage patient care
Indirect Patient Care
If you want to transition to indirect patient care, you’ll choose from majors such as:
- Nursing Leadership
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Informatics
- Nursing Administration
- Public Health Nursing
Specialization
A number of programs also offer options for specialization. Just some of the options available include:
- Cardiology
- HIV
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Palliative care
Faculty
Quality MSN programs are usually taught by a doctoral-prepared faculty who bring an outstanding level of expertise and real-world experience to the classroom.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Programs with small student-to-faculty ratios may be able to provide a more personalized learning experience than those with large classrooms and hundreds of students.
Curriculum Delivery
While many programs are still offered as traditional, on-campus programs, many of today’s MSN programs are offered through a fully or partially online delivery as to accommodate students with busy schedules and geographical limitations. Online and hybrid programs offer the same, quality instruction as on-campus programs but are delivered through dynamic, interactive learning platforms that feature excellent student-faculty interaction and the flexibility of studying at a time and location that’s best for you.
Student Graduate Stats
An MSN program is only as good as the college or university that’s offering it.
Often times, the best way to determine the value of an MSN program is by identifying program and institution stats like graduation rate, certification exam pass rate, and job placement/employment rate.
Internships/Practicums
After the completion of specific course courses, you’ll begin applying what you’re learning in the classroom into real-world settings. Called practicums, internships, and clinicals, these experiences are designed to help you transition smoothly into your new master’s-prepared role upon graduation.
Some colleges have preceptor teams dedicated to helping you secure your clinical sites and preceptors. Others allow you to complete at least some of the required clinical experiences through your place of employment for an added level of convenience.
Student/Career Support
Personalized student and career services can provide the support you’ll need to ensure success, both as a student and as a graduate. Just some of the services offered by many colleges and universities include academic support/tutoring, career fairs, resume assistance, mock interviews, personal academic advising, and job placement assistance.