BSN to MSN programs allow nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) the ability to get a master of science in nursing (MSN) as quickly and easily as possible. These programs take your previous training into consideration, eliminating courses that would overlap in a traditional MSN degree program.
In order to apply to a BSN to MSN degree program, you must first earn your BSN. You can take any number of routes to complete your BSN. Some BSN to MSN programs require you to work as a nurse, while others allow you to apply even if you have no work experience beyond the training you did to earn your BSN. Either way, once you join an MSN program, you can pick from one of four paths – nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. If you choose nurse practitioner (where you’ll work directly with patients) or clinical nurse specialist (where you’ll send time doing research, education, consulting, and management as well as practice), you’ll also focus on a single area of medicine, like cardiology or pediatrics. Your classes will focus on theory, while also preparing you to complete advanced nursing skills in the field. In order to graduate, you’ll also need to complete on-the-job training in the field to gain hands-on nursing experience.
Once you have your MSN, you can get certified in your area of choice and start working in the field. The daily tasks you’ll complete, as well as the salary you can expect, will depend on the route you take. According to reports, here are the average annual salaries in these fields:
This is $30,000 to $100,000 more annually that you can expect to receive as an RN! Many of your daily tasks will remain the same, but because you have advanced education, you’ll be able to perform more tasks sans doctors supervision. Nurses with a master’s degree can prescribe medication and diagnose patients, and in some states, you can even open a practice without physician supervision.
Benedictine University — BSN to MSN South University — BSN to MSN Walden University — BSN to MSN: General Walden University — BSN to MSN: Leadership and Management Walden University — BSN to MSN: EducationA nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who provides primary and specialty care to patients. A nurse practitioner is responsible for administering both nursing and wider healthcare services; and, they are licensed to prescribe medications. Becoming a nurse practitioner requires the completion of a master's degree program. Below are the most popular colleges offering online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees.
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