Is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Worth It?
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An associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing can qualify you to become a registered nurse (RN). But if you’re looking for more autonomy in your career or more options beyond the bedside, a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree may be what you’re seeking.
MSN programs allow you to pursue more complex nursing specializations, such as anesthesia or nurse-midwifery. While an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or the more common bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) are both pathways to the nursing profession, an MSN degree can ultimately grant you more freedom in patient care, including diagnosing conditions and prescribing medicine.
Careers that require an MSN, such as nurse practitioners, tend to pay higher salaries and are in much higher demand than other professions both in and out of healthcare.
Years to Become
2-3 years
Average Salary
$104,000
Job Outlook, 2022-2032
38% job growth
Source: Payscale, June 2024; BLS
Learn More About Herzing University’s MSN Programs
What Is a Master of Science in Nursing?
An MSN program equips nurses with more specialized skills than what they learn in an undergraduate nursing program like the BSN.
The MSN degree program generally focuses on the more advanced subjects within nursing, such as nursing management principles and nursing policy and ethics.
Four MSN specializations include: advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse educator, nursing administration, and nursing informatics.
An MSN is also the minimum degree requirement to become a nurse practitioner (NP), which is a profession projected to grow 45% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In fact, NPs have been the fastest-growing profession for the past two years.
Average total costs for master’s programs in the health professions range between $28,060-$78,820, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The average yearly cost for an MSN program was $33,150 in 2019-20, but that average varies by institution.
- Public university: $28,100
- Private, nonprofit university: $39,410
- Private, for-profit university: 28,060
Is MSN Training Hard?
The MSN journey is challenging but can be more manageable for students with a strong work ethic and prioritization skills.
MSN-required coursework tends to be very technically intensive, with a strong emphasis on healthcare concepts likely not covered in other programs. For example, MSN programs may focus more on improving patient outcomes overall in a health system.
Some typical core concepts for an MSN program include:
- Advanced pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Advanced health assessment
- Management and leadership
- Data management and analytics
You’ll also be required to complete hundreds of hours of clinical and lab experience to earn an MSN degree. While the hour requirements differ depending on what specialty you are pursuing, they can range anywhere from 500-1,000 hours. Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) programs require 2,000 hours, according to the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
MSN programs may also include leadership-focused coursework. If you struggle with taking the lead on projects, these courses may prove challenging.
What Are Some Duties of an MSN-Trained Nurse?
MSN-trained nurses tend to have a wider scope of practice than BSN-trained nurses.
That isn’t to say that an RN doesn’t have a wide scope of responsibilities in a healthcare setting. However, as a nurse practitioner (NP), which requires an MSN degree, you could have more autonomy in your day-to-day role. Several states allow NPs to practice independently with an MSN degree, while others require collaboration with a physician or a certain amount of experience under physician supervision before you can work independently.
Here are some of the differences between MSN- and BSN-trained nurses:
| Comparison Point | BSN-trained nurse | MSN-trained nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Specializations | Yes | Yes |
| Can diagnose patients | No | Yes |
| Create nursing/treatment plans | Limited | Yes |
| Prescriptive authority | No | Depends on the state |
Dual degree programs may allow you to earn a master’s in business administration (MBA) concurrently, which could help you further refine your credentials for a management position in healthcare.
Master of Science in Nursing Salary Data
Nursing jobs that require an MSN degree typically pay more than those that do not.
Nursing professions and average salaries that require an MSN:
Average salaries tend to be significantly higher for nursing jobs requiring an MSN degree. Nurses with MSN degrees and beyond earn more than BSN-prepared nurses because of their advanced education and increased responsibilities.
Career Outlook: MSNs Are in Demand
Demand for advanced practice nurses is expected to explode over the next decade and an MSN is the minimum degree requirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of nurse practitioners will grow 45% from 2022-2032. To put that in perspective, the average projected growth for all occupations in the U.S. is just 3%.
To put that in perspective, the average projected growth for all occupations in the U.S. is just 3%.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing attributes much of this projected growth to soon-to-retire Baby Boomers and an acute need for nurses to care for an aging population.
Learn More About Herzing University’s MSN Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree?
A master of science in nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree for current or aspiring nurses.
MSN programs equip students with the skills and knowledge to advanced practice nurses in various specialties. It can also be a stepping stone to earning a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP), which is a requirement to become a nurse anesthetist.
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