Aspiring nurses may find themselves looking at the various degree programs available within the field of nursing and wondering, “What is an MSN in nursing, exactly?”
A master of science in nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree designed for nurses with professional experience who want to develop the skills needed for advanced practice nursing positions or leadership positions. Understanding the MSN degree in greater depth could help you determine if this is the right option for you.
Exploring the MSN Degree Landscape
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the master of science in nursing degree is the preferred qualification for many advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) positions and nursing leadership positions. The ANA notes that the MSN degree is designed to provide clinical nurses with an opportunity to begin honing the advanced skills that may be needed in higher-level clinical positions. By taking a deep dive into an MSN program curriculum and reflecting on your own ambitions for your career, you may decide if this is the right next step in your education.
The Evolution of Nursing Education
As the role of nurses has evolved in the past several decades, the need for advanced education in nursing has grown. While undergraduate nursing degree programs primarily focus on basic clinical skills and foundational understandings of nursing practice, graduate nursing degree programs cover advanced topics, the changing landscape of healthcare, and leadership skill development.
Key Differences Between BSN and MSN Degrees
Below are some of the key differences between the BSN and MSN degrees:
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing, or BSN, is a four-year undergraduate degree that emphasizes the clinical skills and knowledge required to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN).
- An MSN degree, on the other hand, is a graduate degree designed for registered nurses who want to enhance their skill set and focus on leadership skill development.
Pathways to an MSN Degree
If you are a registered nurse seeking to pursue an MSN degree, there are several pathways to consider. The various pathways available allow nurses to select a degree program aligned with their interests, professional skill set, and current availability—with some programs offering more flexibility and versatility than others.
The following are the primary pathways to an MSN degree:
Traditional MSN Programs
Traditional MSN programs are offered in person on campus and typically take about two years to complete. According to the ANA, a traditional MSN program emphasizes the skills needed for advanced clinical practice or leadership positions, preparing nurses to work in specialized areas of nursing or management roles. Registered nurses who are interested in specializing in a specific area of nursing, such as nursing informatics or nursing education, may want to consider an MSN degree program.
Accelerated Pathways for Non-Nurses
Non-nurses interested in pursuing a new career in nursing may find accelerated pathways that allow them to complete their education more quickly. For example, a non-nurse might start by earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which provides the skills and qualifications needed to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). After becoming an RN, they might consider an accelerated degree pathway, such as an RN to BSN to MSN degree, which builds on their existing nursing education and experience, potentially speeding up the time to obtain advanced degrees.
Online and Hybrid MSN Options
Although traditional MSN degree programs sometimes require nursing students to complete their coursework on campus and in person, there are an increasing number of online and hybrid MSN degree options available. These flexible graduate degree programs may be ideal for registered nurses trying to balance their existing personal and professional responsibilities along with their education.
In an online or hybrid MSN degree program, most of the coursework would likely be completed online, either through synchronous or asynchronous coursework. While coursework may be primarily completed online, there may be clinical requirements included as part of the curriculum that require students to complete clinical hours in hospital settings.
Specializing Your MSN Degree
Knowing what an MSN degree is demands a deeper dive into the curriculum of the program you are considering. Some colleges and universities offer MSN degree programs with specializations, allowing students to personalize their education and focus on developing the skills they may need the most after graduation. By selecting an MSN degree with specialization options, you may align your skills along with your personal interests and passions in nursing.
Focus Areas in Advanced Practice Nursing
Within advanced practice nursing, there are several key focus areas. Below are some of the specializations within advanced practice nursing:
- Nurse practitioners – Nurse practitioners are able to provide comprehensive family and primary care services for patients, including prescribing medication. They often work closely with their patients, developing lasting relationships with them over time.
- Certified registered nurse anesthetists – Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia and oversee patients under anesthetic medicine. They specialize in pain management services.
- Certified nurse midwives – Nurse midwives specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, frequently working with patients throughout pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They specialize in reproductive healthcare services.
- Clinical nurse specialists – Similar to nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services for their patients. They specialize in evidence-based care, and they often work with healthcare organizations to streamline operations and improve patient outcomes.
Emerging Specialties in Nursing
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, there are emerging specialties in nursing that nursing students may want to consider. According to Global Nurse Partners, some of these top emerging specialties include:
- Acute care nursing – Acute care nurses work directly with patients, often providing them with care prior to or after procedures. As preventative procedures and screenings become more common, it is expected there may be more demand for acute care nurses.
- Neonatal Nurse – Neonatal nurses care for newborns in the NICU, addressing their day-to-day needs, such as administering medications and maintaining equipment. As neonatal care advances, the need for specialized nurses in this field is expected to grow.
- Nurse Practitioner – Nurse practitioners offer a wide range of healthcare services, from routine checkups to specialized care. With physician shortages in many states, the demand for nurse practitioners is expected to increase significantly.
- Nurse Anesthetist – Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgeries and procedures. As surgical innovations grow, there is a rising need for nurse anesthetists to meet the demands of a fast-evolving healthcare landscape.
The Role of Certifications in Specialization
Some specializations require nurses to obtain certifications in order to practice. Certification and licensure requirements may vary based on the specialization, healthcare organization, and state in which the nurse is practicing. Aspiring nurses are encouraged to research the certification and licensing requirements in the state where they plan to practice so that they can obtain the necessary qualifications.
The Impact of an MSN on Your Nursing Career
What is an MSN’s impact on your professional path? Pursuing an MSN degree provides an opportunity to expand your clinical care skills, develop in-depth knowledge about advanced nursing topics, and learn more about specializations within the field of nursing. The role of an MSN in your nursing career may vary based on your professional experience, the MSN program you pursue, and the skills you attain—but generally speaking, an MSN degree could help you develop the skills needed for advanced practice nursing positions or nursing leadership positions.
Advancements in Clinical Skills
The primary purpose of an MSN degree is to help you develop advanced skills, particularly within your chosen specialization. Depending on the focus, an MSN program may require advanced coursework and, for certain specializations like nurse practitioner roles, clinical hours. This allows students to apply their knowledge and nurture the practical and technical skills necessary for their field of expertise.
Leadership and Management Opportunities
Though practical, technical, and clinical skills play a vital role in the MSN degree program curriculum, this graduate degree also emphasizes developing leadership skills in nursing. By helping students become proficient in the best communication techniques for healthcare professionals and allowing them to focus on leadership development, the MSN degree provides nurses with the opportunity to develop the skills needed in some of the leading nurse leadership and management positions.
Navigating the MSN Curriculum
While many MSN degree programs are designed to provide nurses with advanced clinical skills and a deeper understanding of the specialty areas within nursing, each degree program features a distinct curriculum. Aspiring students should take the time to review the curriculum requirements of the programs they are considering and make a decision based on the required coursework and the available specialization areas.
Core Courses and Electives
Like the BSN degree, the MSN degree requires students to complete core courses and electives that align with their interests and skill sets. Common core courses in MSN programs may include topics such as:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Nursing Leadership and Management
Courses outside the core curriculum may vary significantly based on the student’s chosen MSN specialization. For instance, those in the nursing management and organizational leadership track might study areas like human resources management and healthcare finance, while students specializing in nursing education could focus on subjects like teaching to diverse learning styles or curriculum design. Additionally, nurse practitioner students may engage in courses specific to their clinical focus, such as advanced pharmacology or pediatric health. These specialized courses are designed to deepen the student’s knowledge in their particular area of interest and align with the skills required for their specific career path.
Clinical Practicums and Capstone Projects
In addition to completing traditional classroom coursework, MSN students may be required to undertake clinical practicums and capstone projects, regardless of their specialization. These requirements help students develop essential skills applicable to their future roles, whether in advanced clinical care or in non-clinical areas such as education or management. For those in non-clinical specializations, practical experiences may focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, while nursing students in clinical tracks will engage directly with patient care. Additionally, students enrolled in an online MSN degree program may need to complete their clinical practicums in an in-person setting.
The Future of Nursing With MSN Degrees
As the healthcare industry constantly adapts to the changing needs of modern patients, it is expected that the demand for MSN-prepared nurses may continue to rise. When it comes to the question, “What is an MSN degree’s value?” the Health Resource and Services Administration (HRSA) reports that about 17% of working nurses have a master’s degree, and the demand for MSN-prepared nurses currently exceeds the number of nursing professionals available who meet those qualifications. The Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS) provides further insight into the career outlook for nurses.
Innovations in Nursing Education
Rapid advances and changes in healthcare have forced nurse educators—including professors and instructors at colleges and universities—to adapt accordingly. Recent innovations in nursing education have highlighted the importance of evidence-based healthcare, nursing informatics, and healthcare technology, allowing students to develop the practical and technical nursing skills needed today.
The Role of Technology in Nursing Practice
Technology will continue to play a prominent role in the field of nursing, requiring nursing students to develop technical skills throughout their degree programs. As telehealth services expand and healthcare technology becomes more accessible to all patients, nurses should prioritize ongoing training and development in order to maintain and grow their nursing technology skills.
What Is an MSN Degree? Find Out More at Post University
At Post University, we offer both a Master of Science in Nursing (with eight specializations) as well as a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Nursing, allowing students to select the degree program that aligns with their strengths and interests. Our curriculum could help you develop the proficiencies required in the realms of advanced practice nursing or nursing leadership.
Request more information about our MSN program today.
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