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The number of nurses working in community healthcare rose almost 15 percent over the last decade. In 2004, about 12 percent of registered nurses worked in an outpatient environment, while 6 percent worked in facilities that provided long-term care.
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Home | Health Care Career Education Center | Nursing Schools: On-Campus and Online Nursing Degrees | More Information

The Master of Science in Nursing: Climbing the Career Ladder

by John Tuthill

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced degree program that allows a nurse to develop expertise in a specialized area of advanced medical practice. The MSN provides the student with an opportunity to address particular interests and pursue related career training in topics ranging from hospital management to pediatric oncology.

Who Can Earn a Master of Science in Nursing?
Many students who pursue MSN degrees already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However, there are some nursing schools that allow registered nurses to pursue a BSN and an MSN concurrently. Students can also choose to study for a joint degree in nursing and a related field such as public health or hospital administration.

In short, the MSN is available to anyone with experience or interest in nursing and the desire to achieve an advanced nursing degree.

What Can You Do with an MSN?
Advanced practice nursing careers include the following:
  • Nurse Practitioners who are able to conduct medical exams, diagnose many acute illnesses and injuries, and prescribe medications.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), who study nursing care for specific medical areas such as pediatrics, cardiac management, and oncology, and provide primary care and quality management services.
  • Certified Nurse-Midwives who focus on prenatal and gynecological healthcare and counsel pregnant women, deliver babies, and provide postpartum care.
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who are licensed to administer anesthetics to patients, and oversee 65 percent of the anesthetics given annually.
What Can an MSN Do For You?
Full-time master's degree programs generally require 18 to 24 months of rigorous study, and many MSN students take advantage of online degree programs to tailor their studies around their private schedules. Many practicing nurses are able to pursue an online education while continuing to work or care for a family.

In the long run, this effort usually pays off. According to the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice, nurse practitioners with an MSN earn an average of $61,000, compared to the average salary of a registered nurse of about $47,000.

Sources:
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice
American Association of Colleges of Nursing

About the Author:
John Tuthill is an EMT and writer living in Missoula, Montana.

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Featured Nursing Degree:

Walden University
With over 30 years experience offering distance learning to professional adults, Walden University has developed accredited master's and Ph.D. degree programs that fit your busy schedule. Walden University offers the following master's degree programs in nursing:

  • M.S. in Nursing (BSN - MSN)
    This online program focuses on developing leaders and educators to fill critical roles in nursing. Based on educational and professional guidelines from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the American Nurses Association, this program uses nationally known experts to help you acquire the knowledge to educate nursing students, staff and patients-and prepare for current and future career opportunities. The program is available to RNs with a BSN, ADN, or Diploma.

    Specializations include:
    • Education
    • Leadership and Management

  • M.S. in Nursing (RN – MS)
    This online program focuses on developing leaders and educators to fill critical roles in nursing. Based on educational and professional guidelines from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the American Nurses Association, this program uses nationally known experts to help you acquire the knowledge to educate nursing students, staff and patients-and prepare for current and future career opportunities. The program is available to RNs with a BSN, ADN, or Diploma.

    Specializations include:
    • Education
    • Leadership and Management

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Learn more about these online nursing degree programs. Go Learn more about these online health services degrees

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