More Information About Master's in Nursing (MSN)

• Nurses with a master's degree are usually promoted into management or teaching positions.
• Most nursing master's programs require applicants to have some experience working in the field.
• A master's degree usually promotes a nurse into an "advanced practice nurse" position, and can increase an individual's salary substantially

How does someone earn a master's in nursing?

A master's in nursing is usually earned by professionals who have already earned a bachelor's in nursing and practiced nursing for a number of years already. A master's takes about two years to complete and requires advanced application of nursing knowledge. Most who pursue a master's in nursing are looking to become clinical nurse specialists or nursing teachers.

Generally, nurses work along side doctors and other specialists in the health care industry to make sure patients are cared for and given what they need to live the most comfortable life possible. Nurses with a master's in nursing are usually fairly experienced in the field and go on to get a master's in order to move into a specialist position or teaching position. Nurses with a maste's degree are usually called clinical nurse specialists and their job evolves from doing basic nursing duties, to being more of a nursing consultant for particular departments. Many nurses with a master's degree don't work in health care facilities at all. Instead they choose to teach at community colleges and universities, where they train the next generation of nurses.

The world is in great need of nurses. It's pretty safe to say that whatever the location, nurses are able to find a job. In general, the health care industry is in a growth trend, but nurses top of list of professionals needed in all health care facilities. Nurses who perform the basic "floor nurse" duties, such as an RN, are in the highest demand right now.

Since nurses are in such high demand, salaries are usually pretty generous. Registered nurses make an average yearly salary of $55,000, with a range from $50,000 to $70,000. Unfortunately, earning a master's degree in many workplaces does not significantly increase a nurse's salary. Clinical nurse specialists are not in as high demand as floor nurses, so they will only make a few thousand dollars more a year than an RN with the same experience. Teaching nurses make even less, with a salary between $10,000 to $15,000 less than nurses working for a health care provider. What are the leading schools offering programs in Master's in Nursing (MSN) ?

• University of Phoenix - Healthcare Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited university in the U.S. The healthcare programs offered include bachelor's degrees in health administration and nursing, master's degrees in healthcare management, nursing, and healthcare education, and a doctoral degree in healthcare administration. Many healthcare professionals find a way to continue working in their field, while they earn a degree in as few as 2 years. ( More Info )
• Grand Canyon University Graduate Programs Grand Canyon University is an accredited, private, Christian university located in Phoenix, AZ. The institution offers online and on-site graduate programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts. GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional. ( More Info )
• Liberty University Online With more than 40 online degrees offered, Liberty University is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective. ( More Info )
• Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
• Western Governors University Western Governors University emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning. WGU offers Bachelors and Masters degree programs in Healthcare, Business, MBA, IT and Education. ( More Info )
• Norwich University Norwich University, established in 1819, offers an advanced education environment that is rich in history. Norwich University offers following online graduate programs - MBA, Business Continuity Management, Diplomacy, Civil Engineering, Military History, Nursing, Information Assurance, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration and Justice Administration (Criminal Justice). ( More Info )
• Stevens-Henager Online Stevens-Henager College Online offers highly flexible programs and degrees which can be easily worked into busy professional and personal lives. Students are able to complete a master's degree in as little as 15 months in subjects including Healthcare Administration and Nursing Administration. ( More Info )
• Independence University Independence University offers distance learning healthcare degree programs to accommodate busy working adults. They offer comprehensive online associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs in Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare, Nursing, Gerontology, Public Health, and Healthcare Management. ( More Info )
• Kaplan University - Healthcare Programs Kaplan University Online offers accredited associate, bachelor, and master degree programs in Nursing, Health and Wellness, Nutrition, Medical Assisting and Healthcare Management. These programs enable you with the knowledge and the credentials for a career in Healthcare and Human Services fields. ( More Info )
• National American University Online National American University Online offers flexible distance learning programs for Associate and Bachelors degrees in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Health Care, and Information Technology. ( More Info )
• Vanderbilt University With a history dating back to 1909, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has an established reputation for excellence in nursing education. Vanderbilt's Master of Science in Nursing degree programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. ( More Info )
• Saint Xavier University Online Saint Xavier University Online is an independent, Catholic University located in Chicago, Illinois currently serving over 5300 students. The school offers more than 80 programs, both on campus and online. These online programs include the MS in Nursing and an MS in Curriculum and Instruction. ( More Info )
• Loyola University New Orleans Loyola University offers students a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Specialization in Health Care Systems Management. The HCSM program focuses on knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a variety of nursing leadership positions in health care organizations. ( More Info )