Specialized Fields of Nursing Require MSN Degrees

Nurses Seek CRNA, Educator, and Nurse Practitioner Degrees

Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees are usually attached to field sub-specialties, such as Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Educator and Nurse Practitioner, among others. MSN programs typically require at least two years of advanced studies. Programs target specialized know-how, both on academic as well as clinical levels.

By some accounts nurses with advanced degrees are theoretically in demand in the next couple of decades. The well-publicized nursing shortage transcends job level and is just as rooted to shortages within nursing administration and education as it is to entry-level positions.

How to Find a MSN Program

Candidates shopping for a MSN program are likely looking for a specific field sub-specialty. Students are advised to pursue programs that first and foremost offer the degree for which they are looking. Beyond this programs may be compared and contrasted for cost, reputation, curriculum and length of time to finish. Brick and mortar universities with a strong medical school often offer an assortment of advanced nursing degrees.

Nurse in Patient's Room.

Online programs are one of the newer means by which to earn a MSN. Students study at their own pace with the least interruption to career and family life. Online nursing programs may require a brief period of clinical work, but the balance of coursework may be completed online. Because of the limitations in an online degree, advanced nursing specialties may be limited in a distance-learning paradigm.

MSN programs often have a list of prerequisites that include coursework and GPA, at the very minimum. Applicants will also generally be required to hold a BSN degree and have worked as an RN in a clinical setting for a certain number of years to be considered.

Entry-Level MSN Degree Programs

Candidates with a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree, and with no previous nursing experience might have the option at some schools to apply for entry-level MSN degrees. These are often called “accelerated” nursing programs. Candidates must be highly motivated to play “catch-up” with RN licensure and to quickly get on board with specialized material contained in the MSN curriculum.

Costs of Advanced Nursing Degrees

Stiffer tuitions are part of the graduate degree realm. Tuition repayment programs, federal and state financial aid, and even attractive scholarships for nurses offer a wide array of assistance.

A Wide Range of Opportunities

Our nursing program database contains a wide range of online MSN programs, including:

Purdue University Global

Capella University

South University

Walden University

Grand Canyon University

Norwich University

Liberty University

Maryville University

Wilkes University

More Nursing Masters Programs

We have a broad array of exciting online programs available in our database.

  • MS in Healthcare Informatics - Adelphia University
  • MHA - Executive Master of Health Administration - Milken Institute School of Public Health
  • MHA - Masters in Public Health Administration - Milken Institute School of Public Health
  • MS Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader - Southern New Hampshire University
  • MSM Emergency Management - Southern New Hampshire University
  • Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management - Northeastern University D'Amore-McKim School of Business
  • Master of Public Health - The University of Arizona Mel & Edin Zuckerman College of Public Health
  • Master of Science in Health Informatics - The University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Healthcare MBA - The George Washington Unversity
  • Online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner - Bradley University
  • Online Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration (RN to MSN) - Bradley University
  • Master of Health Administration - Ohio University
  • Master of Business Administration, Health Care - Ohio University
  • MS, Health Informatics - University of Miami Online
  • Master of Science in Human Services - Argosy University
  • Sports-Exercise Psychology (MA) - Argosy University
  • MBA, Health Care Administration - Northcentral University
  • Master of Public Health - University of Southern California
  • Master of Health Administration - University of Cincinati
  • Master of Health Informatics - University of Cincinati
  • Master, Healthcare Administration and Management - Colorado State University Global Campus
  • MA, Emergency Management Leadership - Adler University
  • MBA, Health Care Management - Saint Leo University
  • MA Health Care Administration - Ashford University
  • Master of Arts in Human Services - University of the Rockies
  • Master of Arts in Human Services, Mental Health Administration Specialization - University of the Rockies

To see a complete up-to-date listing of these educational opportunities, please click here.

 

Graduate Certificates

Specialty nursing certificate programs may offer additional career advancement opportunities.

  • Post Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner - South University
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Adult Health Nurse Practitioner - South University
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Nurse Educator - South University
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Information Management - The University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Post MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate - Maryville University
  • Post MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate - Maryville University
  • Post MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate - Maryville University
  • Post MSN Pediatric (Primary Care) Nurse Practitioner Certificate - Maryville University
  • Grad Cert, Global Health - Liberty University
  • Grad Cert, Health Promotions - Liberty University
  • Grad Cert, Healthcare Management - Liberty University
  • Grad Cert, Nutrition - Liberty University
To see a complete up-to-date listing of currently available certificat programs in our database, please click here.

 

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