A master of science in nursing (MSN) degree is designed to build upon the foundational knowledge acquired while earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). MSN programs intend to expand an individual’s clinical expertise through the opportunity to participate in a deeper, more focused education offering numerous options for MSN specializations. Through comprehensive coursework, curriculum, and experiential learning, MSN students may have the chance to advance their clinical skills and depth of knowledge — enhancing their ability to apply evidence-based practices to deliver a higher level of care that supports positive patient outcomes.
Below, we discuss the master of science in nursing degree in depth. Explore educational pathways to earning an MSN, plus how students could apply these learning experiences to expand their clinical knowledge relevant to a variety of nursing career paths.
Exploring the Pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Two primary pathways to pursuing a master of science in nursing exist: One is intended for registered nurses (RNs) who have already earned a bachelor of science in nursing, and the other is intended for non-nurses.
From BSN to MSN: Advancing Your Nursing Competencies
Traditional MSN programs are known as BSN to MSN. These educational pathways are designed for registered nurses with a BSN to continue their education and earn an advanced degree. The programs build upon the foundational skills developed in a bachelor-level nursing program with more advanced coursework and options for specialization. They also typically involve a combination of classroom-based instruction and real-world clinical practice.
Accelerated Programs for Non-Nurses: Direct-Entry MSN Options
Direct-entry MSN programs provide an accelerated pathway that combines foundational nursing coursework with graduate study and are designed to prepare students to meet RN licensure requirements (e.g., eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN), where permitted; requirements vary by state and program.
Some direct-entry pathways allow individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to begin graduate-level nursing study while completing pre-licensure requirements rather than earning a separate BSN first; structures vary by institution. In some programs, students earn a BSN on the way to an MSN; in others, students complete pre-licensure coursework and clinical hours leading to RN eligibility and then progress into master’s-level study.
Key Specializations Within MSN Programs
MSN programs offer various options for students to choose an area of specialization. These tracks have the potential to direct potential future career paths, and students should consider them carefully before deciding on the MSN concentration they wish to pursue. When selecting a specialization, students should consider their academic interests as well as their professional aspirations and the realities of working in certain nursing fields (i.e., potential jobs, roles and responsibilities, workplace environments, patient types, etc.).
Some MSN areas of specialization include the following:
Nurse Practitioner: Roles and Responsibilities
In an MSN nurse practitioner (NP) specialization, RNs complete specialized training and advanced coursework that helps prepare them to provide a wide range of healthcare services to patients, such as:
- Exams and screenings
- Diagnostics
- Treatment
- Chronic disease management
- Wellness education
Nurse practitioners work in a variety of healthcare settings, including primary, specialty, and acute care, with a patient base encompassing adults, children, elderly individuals, or a specific population. The scope of practice and type of care provided by NPs vary from state to state based on local rules and regulations.
Clinical Nurse Leader: A Closer Look at the Role
A clinical nurse leader (CNL) undergoes special training during an MSN program to build their skill set as a leader in healthcare settings. In addition to providing direct patient care, CNLs often advocate for patients and teams, help coordinate care, and support communication among administrators, frontline staff, and patients. They commonly focus on team leadership, coordinating and overseeing care to mitigate risk, and ultimately improve the quality of patient care and outcomes.
Nurse Educator: Shaping the Future of Nursing
Nurse educators are registered nurses with advanced degrees who professionally focus on educating and mentoring future nurses. They often work in academic and clinical settings where they teach classes or provide professional, on-the-job training to practicing nurses. These educators help shape the future of nursing through their:
- Mentorship
- Applied experience
- Curriculum development
- Research
- Innovation
- Clinical oversight responsibilities
The Impact of an MSN on a Nursing Career
Earning an MSN degree may support professional development, including: supplementary qualifications, credentials, specialized training, and extensive clinical experience. An advanced nursing degree could open the door to:
Opportunities for Leadership
By expanding upon the skill set of a practicing nurse, earning an MSN degree may prepare students to pursue leadership roles within nursing and healthcare. An MSN’s advanced coursework presents students with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of healthcare systems, evidence-based practice, policy development, and organizational dynamics in healthcare. Nurses with advanced education may help shape policies and advocate on behalf of nursing staff and patients in a way that elevates the quality of care and treatment outcomes.
The Role of Advanced Practice Nurses in Healthcare Innovation
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) have the potential to make meaningful contributions to innovating and improving healthcare systems. Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across the healthcare sector — and drawing from their extensive educational backgrounds and clinical experience — APRNs are uniquely positioned to:
- Observe how healthcare systems function.
- Identify problems, inefficiencies, needs, and gaps in care services.
- Offer innovative, evidence-based solutions to improving care and healthcare systems.
- Understand patient needs, advocate on their behalf, and reshape models for patient care.
In addition, advanced practice nurses have the opportunity to continue learning and furthering their knowledge by keeping up with the latest advancements in healthcare technology and care models. (Take, for example, their role in important innovations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.)
Understanding the Accreditation and Certification Process
Earning an advanced nursing degree is a major accomplishment. However, simply completing coursework and graduating from a nursing program does not ensure professional success or the qualifications and credentials needed for proceeding to pursue a career in nursing. Students must ensure they choose to attend an accredited MSN program that is recognized by the appropriate governing bodies while also researching and completing the requirements for licensing and certification in their state following graduation.
Importance of Choosing an Accredited MSN Program
A crucial process for validating the legitimacy of a nursing program, accreditation is a key consideration for nursing students when choosing a nursing school. Accreditation is a quality-assurance process in which recognized accrediting organizations evaluate whether programs meet their published standards. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes accrediting agencies; it does not set individual program standards. For many specialties and states, graduating from an appropriately accredited program is required to pursue national certification and, where applicable, APRN licensure; requirements vary by specialty and state.
A few different bodies provide accreditation for nursing schools. These include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). At Post University, for instance, the Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the CCNE.
Certification Options Post-MSN Graduation
Depending on the specialization a nursing student chooses, they are likely to prepare for a specific certification post-MSN. These may be offered through official industry organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Advanced nursing students have several options for certification and licensure, among the most common being:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) — family, adult-gerontology (acute or primary), pediatric (acute or primary), psychiatric–mental health, neonatal, and women’s health. Note: Nurse-midwifery (CNM) is a separate certification pathway.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
- Informatics Nursing Certification (NI-BC)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC)
After fulfilling the necessary prerequisites — such as completing an MSN degree program with a minimum GPA, maintaining an active RN license, and accumulating the necessary clinical hours — graduates may sit for a board-certified licensing exam and then apply for board certification in their state of practice.
Every state has different certification and licensure requirements for various nursing fields and degrees. Most MSN programs are designed to help students fulfill as many of their licensure requirements as possible. However, certain states might hold licensure requirements that fall outside of the required education, coursework, and clinical experience involved in earning an MSN. Ultimately, nursing students are responsible for managing their own licensure processes and ensuring they are meeting the requirements for licensure in the states in which they plan to practice.
For example, states might require:
- Minimum scores on licensure examinations
- Background checks
- Particular work experience
- A specific number of credit hours dedicated to specific subjects
Additionally, most states require certified nurses of all kinds to participate in continuing education, earning a certain number of credits every year to renew their certifications and licenses. Continuing education might include:
- Formal classes
- Self-study (either in person or online)
- Webinars
- On-the-job training
- Conferences
- Industry events
Ready to Expand Your Nursing Education? Pursue a Master of Science in Nursing Degree
At Post University, nursing students enjoy the flexibility afforded by online learning in addition to the extensive support provided by robust academic and professional resources. Our Master of Science in Nursing degree features eight different specializations — offering students dynamic educational opportunities and options beyond the comprehensive core coursework and curriculum. This way, students may further optimize their education in alignment with their advanced nursing goals. To learn how you might further your nursing education, get in touch for more information.
Thank you for reading! The purpose of this blog is to provide general information to the reader, and as such, this information may not directly relate to programs offered by Post University.
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from enrolling in or graduating from any Post program.