MSN Degree Guide: What Is an MSN Degree & What Does It Mean for Your Nursing Career?

Earning an MSN degree can come with considerable career fulfillment and opportunities, with the projected employment for nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives expected to grow by 38% throughout the decade, all of which require a Master’s Degree in Nursing.

Whether you’re an experienced nurse wanting more advanced roles, you plan to have a meaningful leadership role in educating future nurses, or you are merely considering the details of an MSN nurse career, it’s important to explore everything about an MSN before moving forward with a degree.

What is an MSN?

A Master’s Degree in Nursing (or MSN degree for short) is a graduate-level nursing degree that provides opportunities for specializing in certain areas of healthcare to expand career opportunities and seek advanced licensure.

Earning an MSN degree usually takes 2-to-3 years to complete as a full-time program, given that you have fulfilled the previous qualifying requirements. The degree qualifies you for educational, management, or administrative positions such as a nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, director of nursing, nurse-midwife, or nurse practitioner. The program prepares nurses to work in various settings: hospitals, community agencies, schools, industry and businesses, academic nursing programs, etc.

What Are the Requirements for an MSN Degree?

In most cases, you must have already graduated from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program from an accredited institution and have accumulated some work experience in a nursing position to apply for an MSN degree program. Other requirements include GPA or GRE scores and letters of recommendation. Depending on your specialization, you may need to obtain some accreditations or pursue some prerequisite courses.

You can read our guide if you want to discover how to earn a BSN degree and qualify for advancing your education to the MSN level.

However, there are different pathways to getting an MSN degree, including bridge programs for learners who want to earn an ADN or already have an ADN-level degree.  Generally, MSN degree programs are specialized for learners who want to pursue one specific advanced specialty (family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, etc.) or focus on a master’s for an indirect care specialization in education or administration.    

MSN Degree Options

If you’re wondering about how to get a Master’s degree, there are several types of MSN degree programs available for prospective learners, with differences in program length, intensity, and prerequisites.  

Getting an MSN Online or On-Campus

There are two different formats in which you can pursue an MSN degree and obtain your accreditation:

• On-campus MSN programs occur in a traditional learning facility, where you must attend theoretical and practical courses in person.
• Hybrid or online MSN programs are more flexible options that don’t require commuting to campus. Generally, theoretical learning courses are completable online, while the required practical experience is completable at local facilities in your proximity under professional supervision.

Types of Learning Paths for an MSN Nurse

Here are the main paths that you can embark on to earn an MSN degree, depending on your prior education and experience. Keep in mind that the admission requirements vary by specialization, institution, or program:

RN-to-MSN

If you already are an RN but do not have a BSN degree, you can choose to pursue a Master’s degree from the start rather than earning a Bachelor’s degree first. This RN-to-MSN option offers an accelerated timeline for completing your studies (around three years full-time) but at a more intense learning pace.

Usually, you must meet certain criteria regarding the minimum number of experiential learning hours, minimum GPA, or other scores or requirements (letters of recommendation for admission, a current RN license, etc.). You will learn BSN-level nursing courses, graduate core nursing courses, and specialization coursework typical to a BSN-to-MSN curriculum.

ADN-to-MSN

This program is another RN-to-MSN bridge program option. The difference is that you can follow this program only if you have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

Instead of graduating from an RN-to-BSN after receiving your ADN, this ADN-to-MSN bridge program is the direct and faster route to becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). This learning path requires considerable dedication, effort, and discipline to complete all the coursework and potential prerequisite courses in three to four years of study. Expect to learn valuable skills and knowledge from graduate core courses and specialization coursework typical to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.  

BSN-to-MSN

If you already have your BSN and work experience, you only have to complete around one-and-a-half or two years of study for a full-time MSN program. This is usually considered to be the standard  MSN program.

This option is designed for learners who want to advance their nursing careers and specialize as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or in other various specializations (gerontology, psychiatry, pediatrics, midwifery, and so on). You can expect to take core courses in general nursing concepts (advanced health, pharmacology, physiology) and courses regarding your MSN specialty.

If you are working while studying nursing, you can choose a part-time master’s program in nursing, so be prepared to study for about three to four years.

Additionally, if you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can apply for an entry-level MSN program only if you meet additional prerequisite requirements. This MSN option would take at least three years to complete – or more if you choose a part-time study program.

You can explore each of the options and take your goals, resources, and current or future responsibilities into consideration. An accredited educational facility offers the best master’s degree for nurses. It is well designed to suit their time and needs, abilities and skills, and personal and professional goals in the long run. 

Find out everything you need to know about national and regional accreditation and ensure that the institution where you choose to pursue your Master’s Degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Discover our nursing program tips for full-time workers

What Is The Best Master’s Degree for You?

The best master’s degree for you depends on your level of education, job or family responsibilities, and your rhythm, but remember that such education is tough and requires completing time-consuming coursework. What’s important is that you can choose a full-time or a part-time program and an online or an on-campus education, depending on your preferences and possibilities. 

If you want to earn your master’s degree as quickly as possible and have the time to study and meet deadlines, a bridge program might be the right one for you. If you want to continue working or have family time while studying, you can choose an online MSN program that allows a more flexible schedule or a part-time alternative that would take longer to graduate but would help you keep pace. It all depends on your resources, dedication, goals, and time.

Discover our nursing program tips for full-time workers.

If you wish to complete your MSN degree education in the most flexible and accessible way, the academic programs from Nightingale College are right for you:

• The MSN Ed program is recommended for learners who wish to work in educational positions after graduation.
• The MSN FNP program is ideal if you aim to work with families and community members as a family nurse practitioner.
• The MSN PMHNP program is an option for aspiring psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.

Regardless of your chosen specialization, you can complete the hybrid program within 2 years. The programs include online instruction, in-person seminars, and preceptorship experiences.

Browse the academic programs at Nightingale College and advance your career!

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Nursing?

A full-time MSN degree program takes between 2 and 3 years to complete. However, the program length depends not only on your level of education but also on your work or personal responsibilities.

• Have an ADN degree: You would need three full-time years or four part-time years of study to complete your MSN.
• Have a BSN degree: You would need around two full-time years to earn your master’s degree in nursing or two-to-four years if you also have a job while studying.
• Have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field: You would need around three full-time years of study to earn your MSNou are starting from zero, you should also consider the length of prerequisite programs, such as the program length of a BSN degree, as well as the period of accumulating work experience.

You can find out more about how long nursing school is for different levels of accreditation from our dedicated guide.

If you want to speed up the learning process and access flexible and accessible education, you can enroll in one of the MSN-level tracks in the academic programs of Nightingale College.

What Will You Learn During the MSN Degree Program?

An MSN is an advanced post-graduate degree that provides the skills and advanced training for an impactful specialized role such as nurse practitioner, anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, director of nursing, and many other meaningful roles in health care.

Since there are so many flexible options to get your MSN degree, the master’s curriculum differs from program to program, but they all have the same goal: to help you become a highly qualified ARPN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) in your chosen specialty 

Generally speaking, there are common courses you can learn at most MSN programs. They may include:

• Health policy and advocacy
• Clinical prevention and population health for improving health
• Leadership competencies
• Informatics and healthcare technologies
• Nursing research
• Interpersonal communication 
• Evidence-based practice
• Specialty courses

Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Nursing

From taking a managerial, educational, or administrative role and gaining advanced knowledge of a specific area of nursing to earning a higher salary and a more meaningful career, there are plenty of benefits of an MSN. There are many reasons why aspiring or current RNs choose to complete a master’s in nursing:

• New career opportunities – Getting your MSN offers you a career with many possibilities. Thus, you have a higher chance of landing an impactful position in prestigious medical facilities or related organizations. Many healthcare settings are in dire need of new leaders, managers, and nurse experts to lead or educate teams while offering the best patient outcomes. Moreover, an MSN helps you pursue your passion for helping others and focus on one type of nursing to make a difference in the long run.     
• Higher salary and professional satisfaction – Gaining advanced knowledge, experience, and skills suitable for leadership, educational, or management roles comes with a better income and the chance to work with renowned institutions. It is worth knowing that most MSN-level positions in healthcare are among the highest-paying nursing jobs. 
• Flexible and fast MSN programs to choose from – It is well known that the demand for nurses is on the rise, which means that the demand for APRNs is also on the rise. So it’s no surprise there are many flexible ways to learn, educate yourself, and earn an MSN degree, no matter where you are in your career.     

Take a glance at the skills and education you need to advance your nursing career.

What Are the Responsibilities of an MSN Nurse?

Getting an MSN in the medical field offers plenty of opportunities and benefits but comes with major responsibilities. 

Any advanced position in health care means you have to use your clinical diagnostic and treatment expertise or your science and technology skills to manage huge amounts of patient data. 

You could also have a major role as a highly qualified educator training nursing staff or specialize within a certain area like midwifery, psychiatry oncology, pediatrics, or neonatal nursing. The educational route deserves more attention in particular because graduates can choose to become nursing school faculty because there is a nationwide shortage.

Differences Between BSN and MSN Nurses

Many people wonder which nursing degree is a better step for their nursing career: a BSN or an MSN. While both degrees offer a way to advance, there are some differences between BSN and MSN nurses.

The decision depends on various circumstances and is ultimately personal, but there are a few factors to consider when choosing the right educational path for you. A BSN degree prepares you for entry-level practice in most hospitals and clinics, while an MSN degree provides advanced training suitable for specialized roles, such as nursing administration, nurse educator, or nurse practitioner in settings that are not limited to medical facilities. MSN nurses can work in legal or educational settings, for example. Moreover, a master’s in nursing requires a BSN degree or offers BSN-level education for those without a bachelor’s degree, anyway.  

Both options offer you better job opportunities with a potentially higher salary, but most renowned medical settings require MSN-prepared nurses on their team or at least a BSN degree that would ensure a promotion beyond entry-level positions. 

The differences between BSN and MSN nurses are the same as the ones between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in any field. These aspects will help you decide which one is the right track for you:

• More job opportunities: MSN-level nurses have a clear advantage regarding potential jobs as the master’s degree opens doors to many nursing specialties. 
• Financial resources: Additional years of studying means additional tuition fees that you should take into consideration. If you see a lot of career prospects, the investment may be worth it. 
• The ideal jobs for you: If you dream about a specific role, especially in leadership, administration, or education, you should think about getting a master’s in nursing. 
• Time: An MSN may require a bit more time than a BSN program. Keep in mind that there are many online or bridge programs that offer an accelerated timeline for graduation.
• Level of education: An MSN program is a way of becoming highly qualified in what you already do. It is more advanced than a BSN program and usually requires a certain level of nursing knowledge and work experience. If you’re an aspiring nurse with no experience or a degree, getting an ADN or a BSN first would be ideal; otherwise, be prepared for an intense and hard study program for a couple of years.    

Find out more about the differences between a BSN and an MSN.

MSN Degree Nurse Specialties

In most cases, choosing an MSN program is suitable for people with nursing experience and an RN license because it would be the natural step toward a wonderful nursing career. But, if you have the time and ambition to study hard and assimilate a lot of information while gaining as much practice as possible during your studies on an accelerated time frame, you can directly choose a master’s degree, especially if you want to focus on a specific area. 

You can choose from quite a few possible career paths that would offer you significantly higher salaries with an MSN under your belt. Here are the most preferred MSN careers: 

• Certified nurse-midwife (CNM):  As a midwife, you have to care for pregnant women during labor and delivery and provide prenatal, postpartum, or gynecological care. 
• Nurse researcher: This role is very popular, but you need strong knowledge and experience in clinical studies to be able to do your research regarding the next generation and the new potential health problems they might be facing.
• Certified nurse practitioner (CNP): You need an MSN degree to become a primary care provider for patients of all ages as a nurse practitioner. This popular role among advanced-level nurses allows you to order and perform diagnostic tests, offer treatment plans, or prescribe medications in certain states. 
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA): In this important medical position, you are responsible for administering anesthesia, monitoring patients, and overseeing recovery after anesthesia. This is a critical role and one of the highest-paid occupations in health care.
• Nurse educator: This role would require training nursing staff and learners and working in different settings (hospitals, community agencies, schools, academic nursing programs). Your job would require hosting training sessions, creating policies and manuals, and developing curriculum, objectives, and learning modules. 
• Critical care nurse: With the growth of the aging and older population, more people will need critical care, so this is a top MSN-level specialty.
• Director of Nursing: This administrative role requires you to handle a nursing administrative role while establishing procedures to follow. 
• Clinical nurse specialist (CNS): This role is proof that you are an expert in evidence-based nursing practice in a certain specialty area and that you can treat and manage the health concerns of patients and populations in various settings. You are capable of developing specialized treatment plans, educating patients and their families on how to manage their conditions, making decisions regarding managing staff, or helping your team with new research. 

Find out the inspiring story of how a retired Air Force Officer became a Nightingale’s nurse educator. 

MSN-level career opportunities are more diverse, so feel free to explore all your options when deciding on an MSN program. At Nightingale College, you can find three specialized options that prepare aspiring learners for some of the most popular MSN nurse career options:

• The MSN Ed program is for students preparing for educational positions.
• The MSN FNP program for aspiring family nurse practitioners.
• The MSN PMHNP program for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.

Browse the academic program options at Nightingale College and advance your nursing career!

MSN Nurse Salary Projections

It’s important to know how much MSN nurses make and how much it depends on their chosen master’s specialty. For example, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners had an overall median pay of $129,480 per year or $62.25 per hour, according to the latest data published by the BLS. 

Here is how the MSN nurse salary projections differ based on your prospective specialization and nursing role, according to the most recent BLS data (May 2023):

Find out how your nurse salaries compare across the US, depending on your accreditation and role, from our nurse salary by state report.

Is Getting an MSN Worth It for You?

Aging populations, critical care needs for a growing number of patients from all areas of life, technological innovation and development, and nursing shortage are just a few of the important factors that radically change the medical world globally. All these, combined with the fact that most healthcare positions are in the future's top jobs, are why getting a master’s in nursing could prove to be a promising and rewarding career.   

But wondering whether or not earning your master’s degree in nursing is worth the effort will depend on your personal and professional goals and aspirations.  

The Growing Demand for Educators: Why Choose The MSN Ed Program?  

In particular, RNs aiming to become nurse educators have higher chances of landing one of the best-paying and least stressful jobs in their careers. This is because the current nursing faculty shortage is one of the most critical issues the nursing profession continues to face. 

If the nursing shortage in healthcare is a serious national problem due to the aging population and professionals retiring, academia suffers even more due to a nursing faculty shortage. 

At Nightingale College, you can choose the Master of Science in Nursing for Educators (MSN Ed) program, designed for BSN-prepared nurses passionate about teaching.

Supporting Underserved Communities: Why Choose The MSN FNP Program?

With an unequal distribution of nursing resources and care, some communities are underserved, especially in rural areas. Mitigating such crises is both a priority in the industry and an opportunity to aid and support the communities that need the most.

If you want to work with families and the community and provide much-needed health care on the frontlines, you should opt for the Master of Science in Nursing for Family Nurse Practitioners (MSN FNP) program.

Helping Address the National Mental Health Crisis: Why Opt for the MSN PMHNP Program?

Mental health is a crisis that needs addressing both at the personnel and patient levels. Healthcare workers know, considering the concerning rates of nursing burnout. 

To support patients experiencing mental health affections and issues, you should opt for the Master of Science in Nursing for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN PMHNP) program. 

Regardless of your choice, the academic programs provided by Nightingale College offer flexible and accessible options for advancing your education within 2 years of hybrid and CCNE-accredited learning that combines online instruction, one-on-one seminars, and preceptorship experiences.

Browse our academic programs and find the best option for your future career!