Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)  Learn about master's in nursing degrees. Nurses hold one of the most in-demand occupations in health care today. And the ongoing nursing shortage in the United States continues to provide outstanding and diverse job opportunities for nurses interested in specialized practice. The nursing degree you choose can have a significant impact on your career path and the pace at which you can achieve your goals. So before you decide on a nursing degree program, take a closer look at what a master's in nursing has to offer, and learn about your nursing masters degree options.  Introduction to Master's in Nursing Degrees A master's in nursing degree provides you with the background, skills and advanced training to deliver high-quality nursing care in a specialized area, such as advanced clinical training or research. Nurses who graduate with an MSN are called Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs). These nurses deliver health care services that were previously delivered by physicians, and they typically focus on one of four advanced practice areas: What to Expect in Your Nursing Degree Program Master of Science in Nursing programs generally take 18 to 24 months to complete. Some students earning a nursing masters degree also pursue a joint degree in a related field such as business administration, public health or hospital administration. Most master's in nursing programs require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an RN license, minimum GPA and GRE scores, and a certain amount of clinical experience. You will also find programs for non-nursing college graduates or ADN nurses to earn their BSN and MSN at an accelerated pace. Types of Master's in Nursing Degree Programs RN-to-MSN Designed for registered nurses who want to earn their MSN immediately after their BSN, the RN-to-MSN program offers classes tailored to suit the specific needs of the student. In this way, nurses receive as much advanced placement credit for their BSN work as possible and eliminate overlap between their BSN and MSN courses. Direct Entry MSN Non-nurses who hold a bachelor's degree in another field can complete their nursing education at an abbreviated pace through a direct entry MSN. These programs, which give students credit for having completed undergraduate liberal arts requirements, typically take three years to finish. The first year of a Direct Entry MSN typically involves entry-level nursing course work. And the last two years are devoted to master's-level study that combines preparation for RN licensure with advanced training in a master's specialty area. Post-Master's Certificate The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) , part of the American Nurses Association (ANA), offers professional certifications to nurses who want to prove their expertise in a particular nursing field, beyond the skills required for an RN license. The ANCC offers generalist, advanced practice and clinical nurse specialist certification in nearly 30 areas. Post-master's certificates are designed for nurses who already hold their MSN and want to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their field. Of course, professional certification also adds to your nursing credentials and can help you advance to higher-level job positions. Post-Certificate Master's In the past, some advanced practice nurses were not required to earn a master degree in nursing to practice in their area of expertise: However, an increasing number of states and employers now require an MSN for these jobs. In response, nursing schools have developed programs that offer certified nurses an accelerated route toward an MSN by giving credit for past educational and work experience. And nurses who earn a post-certificate master's enhance their professional credentials and employability. Non-Degree Studies Some nurses might want to take master's-level courses in a particular specialty area without pursuing a degree. Non-degree studies, also called "Extended Studies" or "Non-Matriculated Studies," allow nurses access to MSN courses through part-time programs offered on campus or via online learning. Applying Your Master's Degree Toward
Nursing Certification and Licensure If you do not already hold an RN license, as in the case of Direct Entry MSN students, your nursing masters degree program will qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, which you must pass to obtain a nursing license. After you earn your master degree in nursing, you can become eligible for certification in an advanced practice specialty, which you must renew regularly. The ANCC lists specific eligibility requirements for each APN certification, which, in general, include the following: - An active RN license
- A master's, post-master's or doctorate in nursing degree from an accredited university
- A minimum number of hours of supervised clinical practice
- Completion of specific course work in your specialty area
Each certification has its own list of eligibility requirements, so check your specialty area carefully before you choose a nursing degree program. Find the Right MSN Program for You In today's tough job market, nurses continue to enjoy thriving employment growth. If a nursing career is your goal, now is the perfect time to start your education and prepare yourself for an incredibly rewarding career in the nursing specialty that calls to you. Learn more about master's in nursing degrees and schools, and begin your search for an MSN program today. Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009.
American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2009. |
