What Is an MSN Degree? Nursing Overview

If you’re considering nursing career advancement opportunities, you might be wondering, What is an MSN and why would I pursue one? A Master of Science in Nursing is a graduate degree that could help broaden your scope of practice, confidence, and salary potential.

As medicine has grown more advanced, there’s an increased demand for advanced practice nurses (APRNs) and ways to educate them. Graduate nursing education emerged with the development of the nurse practitioner role. The first NP program was created in 1965 at the University of Colorado, and today there are more than 170 BSN-to-MSN programs nationwide.

Over time, the MSN degree has expanded beyond NP training into specialties like nursing education, informatics, administration, and clinical leadership. Which MSN track is right for you? Let’s explore the purpose of an MSN degree and the career paths you might pursue with one.

What Is an MSN?

A Master of Science in Nursing is a graduate-level degree that prepares registered nurses (RNs) for advanced practice, leadership, education, and specialized roles within healthcare. They’re a requirement for many nursing professionals, including nurse practitioners, nurse executives, clinical nurse specialists (CNS), and more.

Typically, MSN degrees take about three years to complete, and most require a previous Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and some experience. However, there are bridge programs that support nurses in going from an Associate Degree in Nursing to MSN (RN-to-MSN programs), and even direct-entry MSN programs for non-nurses to combine their prelicensure and graduate education.

7 Types of MSN Degrees

Depending on your goals and the kind of impact you want to make, there are several MSN degree tracks to choose from. And many programs offer dual-degree pathways, so you might combine more than one. Here are some of the most common types of MSN degrees:

1. Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) is perhaps the most popular MSN pathway. NPs are APRNs who provide direct care to patients. They can assess, diagnose, prescribe, and manage patient care. In some states, they can even practice independently and operate their own clinics. There are many types of NPs and subspecialty degree options for those pursuing an MSN in this field:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Adult-Gerontology NP (AGPCNP and AGACNP)
• Pediatric NP (PNP)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
• Neonatal NP (NNP)

2. Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) provide expert consultation in a specialty area such as cardiology, oncology, or critical care. They may see patients, but they also lead quality improvement initiatives, support bedside nurses, and implement evidence-based practices.

3. Nurse Midwifery

A certified nurse midwife (CNM) specializes in holistic reproductive health, pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. Beyond delivering babies and supporting mothers during childbirth, they can provide gynecologic exams, family planning services, prenatal and postnatal education, and routine newborn care.

4. Nurse Educator

An MSN in nursing education prepares experienced nurses to teach future generations of nurses in academic settings or provide continuing education for practicing RNs. They focus on curriculum design, teaching strategies, and leadership in nursing education.

5. Nurse Administrator or Executive

This track prepares nurses to be nurse leaders — heading up teams, managing healthcare organizations, and influencing policy. Coursework may include healthcare finance, leadership, and organizational theory.

6. Public Health Nursing

MSN programs in public health nursing focus on population health, epidemiology, and community-based interventions. Graduates often work in government agencies, nonprofits, and global health organizations.

7. Informatics

A nurse informaticist combines practical nursing expertise with technology. With an MSN in informatics, you might design and optimize electronic health records (EHRs), analyze data, and improve patient safety through digital tools.

What to Consider When Choosing an MSN Degree

As you explore your MSN options, keep these considerations in mind:

• Career goals: Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years? Do you want to be at the bedside in a more advanced role, leading a team, or moving into academia or research? Your end goal should guide the type of MSN program you choose.
• Program format: MSN classes are offered in traditional classroom, hybrid, and fully online formats. Consider your learning style and whether you need flexibility for work or family responsibilities.
• Full time vs. part time: Nurses can pursue their MSN while working. Think about the time you can reasonably commit, given your current life responsibilities, taking into account the time you may need for clinical rotations or internships.
• Clinical requirements: Advanced practice MSN tracks, such as NP or nurse midwifery programs, require clinical hours. Some programs require students to find their own placement. Be clear on these expectations before you enroll.
• Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures your degree is recognized by employers and licensing organizations.
• Cost and financial aid: MSN tuition varies widely. Explore scholarships and grants, and ask about tuition reimbursement options from your employer.

Why Pursue an MSN?

There are several reasons you might want to continue your education with an MSN degree:

• Income: Depending on the track you choose, you could earn substantially more income over the course of your career with an MSN. For example, the average NP salary is over $33,000 more than the average RN salary.
• Impact: Earning an advanced practice degree can allow you to make a larger impact while having more autonomy.
• Continuous learning: If you feel like you’ve learned all you can in your current role, an MSN offers a structured way to continue developing your expertise. You could gain confidence, authority, and a renewed sense of excitement for nursing.

Advance Your Career Here

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