Types of Master’s Degrees in Nursing
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Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty ImagesEarning a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree can greatly impact your nursing career. You can pursue your MSN degree whether you’re already a nurse or have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a non-nursing degree.
“With an aging population and a focus on prevention and chronic disease management, there’s a growing need for advanced practice nurses to help fill gaps in specialty and outpatient settings,” said Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed, RN-BC, a nurse educator and a content reviewer for NurseJournal. “Employers are also looking for MSN-prepared nurses for leadership, education, research, and informatics. With more online, part-time, and hybrid programs, advanced degrees are also more accessible for those juggling work and life responsibilities.”
This guide outlines various MSN pathways and specialties you can pursue. Discover the MSN degree that fits your unique circumstances and professional needs.
“Earning my MSN gave me more confidence in my system-wide nurse educator role, mentoring new clinical educators, and developing programs and courses,” Jones said. “The critical thinking and research skills I gained ultimately led me to content writing and business ownership, allowing me to influence patient education and nursing practice on a broader scale.”
Master of Science in Nursing Degree Options
Traditional and bridge nursing programs require applicants to have registered nurse (RN) experience, while direct-entry programs are for students with non-nursing backgrounds. Dual-degree nursing programs allow enrollees to earn both an MSN and a master’s degree in a related subject, such as public health (MPH) or business administration (MBA).
According to Jones, nurses often have more flexibility or autonomy to continue pursuing education even as they work.
“One of the benefits of the nursing profession is the ability to grow, change, and pivot,” Jones said. “Gaining education and new skills can open doors and guide you to a path you hadn’t considered before.”
Carefully assess your eligibility, experience level, resources, and goals before making a decision. The following MSN overview will help you learn more about your options.
Baccalaureate to Master’s Degree
- Who It Is For: RNs with BSNs
- Program Length: 2-3 years
Most master’s in nursing programs require applicants to hold a BSN and at least a year of clinical registered nursing (RN) experience. BSN-to-MSN programs usually last 2-3 years, depending on the curriculum and the student’s enrollment status.
Online, in-person, or hybrid master’s programs in nursing are often available. Many nursing graduate programs offer some courses online, but you may have to visit campus to complete exams or labs.
You must also complete clinical placements onsite at a healthcare or related facility. Distance learners usually complete nursing practicums at local facilities, but some programs require you to complete your practicums at partner sites. Some schools help you find your practicum site, while others do not. Check with individual programs to find out more about their clinical placement policies.
MSN Bridge Programs
- Who It Is For: RNs with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) who want to pursue a master’s degree, including through advanced practice programs, nurse practitioner programs, or general MSN degrees, like nursing educator or nursing administrator programs
- Program Length: Three years
MSN bridge programs are a great option for ADN-level RNs seeking master’s degrees without completing a full bachelor’s program. These bridge programs combine the equivalent of the last two years of a BSN program with the master’s in nursing curriculum.
“I chose a BSN-to-MSN online program because I needed something that allowed me to balance a full-time job and a growing family, so flexibility was necessary,” Jones said. “The education pathway was best for me because it aligned with my position as a system-wide clinical educator and my passion for teaching. I’d recommend this model of a part-time, online, or bridge program to nurses who want to advance their careers without stepping away from work or family commitments.”
Direct-Entry Master’s Degree
- Who It Is For: Learners with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees
- Program Length: 18-36 months
Direct-entry graduate programs are designed for students with non-nursing bachelor’s or graduate degrees, allowing them to pursue a nursing master’s without a BSN. Each student must first take a condensed year of the BSN curriculum, pass the NCLEX-RN, and earn an RN license before advancing to the MSN portion of the program.
“A direct-entry MSN is best for non-nurses who want to earn an MSN and can commit to full-time studies,” Jones said. “A bridge program is ideal for those with a nursing degree. Choosing the type of program (e.g., online, part-time, or hybrid) depends on your learning style and lifestyle.”
Consider that direct-entry programs are typically full-time and notoriously demanding, making it difficult to keep a job while enrolled. These programs apply existing college credits, especially in STEM courses, toward an MSN and are available online, hybrid, and on-campus.
Dual Master’s Degree
- Who It Is For: RNs pursuing advanced leadership roles like nursing administrator or manager of clinical informatics
- Program Length: 3-4 years
Dual master’s degree programs combine two programs into one and include an MSN/MBA program or MSN/MPH program. They prepare candidates to pursue advanced leadership roles that require a deep understanding of nursing practice, the business of healthcare, and administration.
Types of Master’s Degree in Nursing Specializations
Schooling and post-graduation job outlooks vary. Set realistic expectations by researching your specialty.
For example, some specialties, like nurse-midwife, require students to pass their boards to practice.
You need an MSN to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), which includes nurse practitioners, certified midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.
“No matter the track, the first half of an MSN builds clinical knowledge with advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice,” Jones observes. “It also shifts your focus to big-picture thinking, leadership, and evidence-based decision-making. You learn to analyze complex cases, influence policy, and advocate for change. Additional coursework is also more conceptual, emphasizing why things are done.”
After earning an MSN, you can earn a more advanced degree, such as a Ph.D. or doctor of nursing practice (DNP), in any specialty.
Here are some of the specialized nursing professions you can pursue with an MSN.
Master’s in Nursing Degrees: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! A master’s degree in nursing is often worth it for career advancement, higher salary, and increased professional freedom and opportunities on the job market. However, consider your career goals before you enroll in an MSN program. Pursuing higher education is an investment in time and money, and not all nursing roles require a master’s degree, so be sure it aligns with your plans and aspirations.
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