Differences Between MSN Degrees for Nurses: Which is Right for You?
The nursing field is expansive, with opportunities to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, elementary and high schools, colleges/universities, etc. Nurses can work in many settings, and there are numerous opportunities to advance their careers through degree advancement. One option that many nurses pursue is a Master of Science (MSN) in nursing. Continue reading to learn more about the different MSN degrees and tips on choosing the best option.
Different Types of MSN Degrees
Nurses can pursue several different MSN degrees based on their passion and long-term goals. Here’s a quick summary of six MSN programs for nurses.
Nurse Educator
A nurse educator is a nurse with an advanced degree who works for a college or university teaching nurses at all levels, including LPN, BSN, MSN, and doctoral programs. While there is an MSN in nursing education, it is important to note that many advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, can also teach at the college and university level.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice providers who can assess, diagnose, and treat patients in a specific population and care for patients with acute and chronic diagnoses. They are also educators and can hold leadership roles.
The scope of practice for a CNS varies from state to state, and they are not utilized equally in all states.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses whose primary role is to assess, diagnose, and treat their patients, including prescribing medications as needed. It is important to note that each state determines the scope of practice for the NP, which includes whether they can practice entirely autonomously or must work under the supervision of a physician.
There are multiple NP degrees to choose from, such as pediatric acute care, psychiatric mental health, family practice, adult gerontology, and the list goes on. Before applying to an MSN program, you must know which NP specialty you want to pursue.
Besides providing direct patient care, NPs can teach and work in leadership roles.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
A CRNA is an advanced practice nurse who cares for patients before, during, and immediately after surgery by closely monitoring and administering anesthesia and other medications. In addition to caring for patients during surgery, they also perform epidurals and assist patients during minor procedures to help manage their pain.
Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwives are advanced practice nurses specializing in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. They care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, provide family planning services, provide primary care for individuals from adolescence throughout the lifespan, and care for healthy newborns during the first 28 days of life.
Nurse midwives can practice in all 50 states, but each state determines their scope of practice.
Nurse Leader
A nurse with an MSN in leadership has received specific education to develop further leadership skills, including strategic thinking, evaluating complex problems using evidence-based practice, and working towards achieving organizational and systemwide goals.
It is important to note that advanced practice nurses like CNS and NP often work in advanced leadership roles.
How to Choose Which MSN Degree is Right for You
So, how do you choose which program is right for you? Some people know their goal as a nurse before starting their BSN program, while others figure it out along the way.
Regardless, I recommend you gain at least one year of experience as a nurse. This allows you to get more comfortable with your role and dig deeper into what you enjoy about nursing and what you may want to change.
List what you like about nursing and where you see yourself in two years, five years, and ten years. For example, is providing direct patient care a big passion of yours? If yes, pursuing a job as a nurse practitioner may be your goal. Do you want to continue to work in a hospital setting, which may lead to a job as an acute care NP or CRNA? Or are you looking at transitioning into a clinic or office setting as a nurse leader or educator? Do you see yourself leaving direct patient care?
How to Complete Your MSN
Now that you have decided to pursue your MSN, what are the next steps? Below, I have provided eight steps to lead you to your new career!
- Graduate from an accredited BSN program and obtain RN licensure
- I recommend gaining at least one year of experience as a nurse before applying to MSN programs.
- Research MSN programs and determine which one is the best fit for your career goals.
- Once you have chosen the MSN degree you want to pursue, ensure you complete all prerequisites before applying.
- Complete the application for the MSN program selected.
- Receive acceptance letter and start MSN program.
- Graduate from an accredited MSN program and pass board certification if applicable.
- Enjoy your new career!
Nursing is a wonderful career path as it offers much room for advancement and growth. Are you ready to take the next step in your nursing career?
References
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2023). State practice environment. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/state-practice-environment
- American College of Nurse-Midwives. (n.d.). Scope of practice of certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives. https://www.midwife.org/About-Midwives
- National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. (2024, March 22). CNS definition gets an update to foster understanding and visibility. https://nacns.org/2024/03/cns-definition-gets-an-update-to-foster-understanding-and-visibility/#:~:text=In%20some%20areas%2C%20there%20are,individuals%20for%20the%20same%20role.
