The nursing profession is one of the most important professions that will remain relevant. The roles of nurses cannot be overemphasized. So after completing your undergraduate studies in Nursing science, you might see the need to step up your game.
Taking your nursing studies to the next level is a good thing because it makes you stand a better chance for higher positions in the nursing profession. The master of Science in Nursing is usually a requirement for such top positions. Hence, this post focuses on exposing you to certain things you need to know before doing a master’s degree in nursing.
Obtaining a master’s degree in nursing, just like any other profession, isn’t something you should jump into without having proper knowledge of it. The program requires a lot of time, resources, and effort. Therefore, read this post to get the knowledge you need.
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Various Types of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree
Like a masters degree in other fields of study, a masters degree in Nursing science usually takes about 2 years to be completed if the program is to be run at a stretch.
The only difference is that master’s in nursing could be obtained through various means. Hence, we will be examining those routes now.
BSN-MSN
BSN-MSN is the most common way of obtaining a master’s degree in nursing science. This is for people who have obtained a bachelor of science degree in nursing who want to proceed to obtain masters in nursing.
So if you intend to get your masters through this path, you will have to obtain your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree first before enrolling in the masters program.
This program usually takes 2 years since no basics need to be taught. There will only be an extension if you don’t enroll in full-time studies.
The advantage of this program is that you can specialize in a specific area of interest, and there is no need to obtain special licenses.
DE MSN
Some people have asked if it is possible for someone without a bachelor’s degree in nursing to obtain an MSN in nursing. Through this program, the direct entry master of science in nursing is possible.
A person with zero experience in the nursing field can obtain it through this means. This might take a long time, unlike the BSN-MSN, because the basics of the nursing profession must be taught before anything else.
RN-MSN
The RN-MSN is another route through which you can obtain a master of science in Nursing degree. This is majorly for candidates who have obtained a Registered Nurse (RN) degree for 2 years and want to get a masters in nursing science.
Remember, we initially talked about the BSN-MSN route, where applicants will have to obtain a bachelor of science degree in nursing before being eligible to apply. For this, you can proceed to get a masters degree in nursing science without a bachelor’s degree.
But just like DE MSN, this will definitely take a much longer time since more things need to be taught and covered since the candidates only gave 2 years of experience.
Apart from the time, it will take, it is more tedious and stressful due to the workload that must be covered.
Some Advantages and Disadvantages of obtaining a masters degree in Nursing
Just as we’ve been saying, it is important to know the pros and cons of getting a masters of science in nursing. There are many good reasons why you should consider obtaining this degree. But it is good to look at some limitations too. We’ll be examining them now.
Advantages
More Job Opportunities are opened up
It is a known fact that certain nursing areas require a masters degree by default. So getting a master of science degree in nursing will definitely qualify you for areas like this.
If you also have a special interest in a particular field of nursing, getting a masters degree will be an advantage.
Even for jobs that are not exclusive to those who have masters degree in nursing, more preference is always given to masters degree holders during selection. So it is in your best interest to obtain a masters degree if you can.
An MSN degree will earn you a better Salary
Undoubtedly, just like other fields of study, obtaining a masters degree in nursing will definitely increase your chances of earning a higher salary.
The amount to be earned usually varies and is based on the area of specialization chosen. Nurses in much more delicate areas might earn more.
In a study, according to the US Bureau of labor statistics, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists earn about $117,670 per year.
So it depends on the area of specialization, but the fact remains that holders of masters degrees earn more than others.
Specialization in a specific Area
Some specific areas of nursing usually require advanced learning, which is why a masters degree is needed. Through this, deeper knowledge can be obtained.
Disadvantages
Master’s Degree in Nursing is quite challenging
Obtaining a master’s degree in nursing is tasking because of its advanced nature. Asides from this, most people who take up masters programs are most times married or have great responsibilities already. Therefore trying to balance this up can be quite difficult.
It is quite Expensive
The master’s degree in Nursing Science program is a very expensive one. So this has to be well considered before deciding whether to take it up or not.
The cost varies and is dependent on the school you choose to apply to and also the area of specialization. The price range could be between $35,000 to $60,000.
Final Words
The basic things you need to know before doing a master’s degree in nursing have been thoroughly discussed in this article. It would be helpful to consider these things before taking any step.