What Can You Do With a Master’s in Nursing?

Ready to elevate your nursing practice and deeply impact patient care? Earn your Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership and Administration at New Mexico State University (NMSU) Global Campus.

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced degree that opens doors to exciting career opportunities in the ever-evolving healthcare field. Whether you’re a recent nursing graduate, or an experienced nurse looking to advance your career, an MSN can be a valuable investment in your future. But what exactly can you do with this degree?

Let’s explore the possibilities for those wishing to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.

Benefits of Earning Your MSN

Earning an MSN can give you numerous advantages beyond personal and professional growth. You can enhance your clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and develop invaluable leadership qualities for today’s complex healthcare landscape.

Additionally, individuals holding an MSN command higher salaries and enjoy broader career options than those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Value of a Master’s Degree in Nursing

Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations highly seek out nurses with a master’s degree. An MSN qualifies you for leadership positions and specialized roles, and demonstrates a deeper understanding of complex healthcare issues and a commitment to professional growth.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports a significant gap between supply and demand for advanced nursing expertise. In 2022, only 17.4% of registered nurses held a master’s degree, and just 2.7% possessed a doctorate. These advanced degrees are crucial for roles in advanced practice, clinical specialties, teaching, and research.

With an MSN in nursing administration, you can expect to gain insight into the newest techniques and technology in advanced nursing practice. As a manager or leader, your role will involve implementing best practices through program assessment, development, and execution.

Possible Career Opportunities With an MSN

Nursing offers a diverse range of career pathways for MSN holders. From direct patient care to administrative roles, the possibilities are extensive. Let’s explore some of the highest-paying MSN jobs and other notable career avenues.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

As a nurse practitioner, you’ll be pivotal in delivering primary and specialized healthcare services to patients. NPs can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and formulate treatment plans. With the increasing demand for primary care providers, nurse practitioners are increasingly vital in addressing healthcare needs, particularly in underserved communities.

Nurse practitioners’ salaries typically range from $90,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialty.

Nurse Educator

If you possess a passion for teaching and mentoring aspiring nurses, a career as a nurse educator may be an ideal fit. Nurse educators work in academic settings, healthcare institutions, or community organizations, imparting knowledge and skills to future nursing professionals. By educating and inspiring others, nurse educators contribute significantly to the advancement of the nursing profession.

Compensation for nurse educators varies but typically falls between $70,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on factors such as experience, education level, and the institution’s budget.

Nurse Administrator

Nurse administrators, also known as nurse managers or healthcare executives, oversee healthcare facilities’ operational and administrative aspects. They coordinate patient care services, manage budgets, and implement quality improvement initiatives to ensure optimal outcomes.

With a focus on leadership and administration, MSN graduates are well-prepared to assume leadership roles in healthcare organizations, driving innovation and fostering excellence in patient care delivery.

Salaries for nurse administrators can vary widely based on factors such as the organization’s size, geographic location, and level of responsibility, but typical ranges fall between $80,000 and $150,000 annually.

Take the first step towards becoming a leader in the nursing field and reinforce your potential with a Master of Science in Nursing.

Can You Earn Your Nursing Degree Online?

Online education has revolutionized how individuals pursue higher learning, making it more accessible and flexible than ever before. Institutions like NMSU Global Campus offer a reputable MSN program that can be completed online, allowing working professionals and busy individuals to balance their academic pursuits with other commitments.

Our program focuses on the area of nursing leadership and administration. In 2022, our MSN program was ranked among the best nursing schools in New Mexico. Through our curriculum, students can expect to gain skills that allow them to secure middle- and top-level administrative positions with a wide range of healthcare agencies.

Other Benefits of Achieving an MSN

In addition to expanding your career prospects and earning potential, acquiring an MSN allows you to specialize in a particular area of interest within nursing. Whether you’re drawn to psychiatric-mental health nursing, pediatric care, or healthcare leadership, pursuing a master’s degree allows you to tailor your education to align with your professional goals.

Furthermore, an MSN can be a stepping stone towards pursuing advanced practice roles or doctoral studies in nursing.

What is Different About Leadership and Administration in MSN?

While a general MSN prepares you for various advanced practice roles, the NMSU Global Campus’s Master of Science in Nursing, focusing on Leadership and Administration, provides a specific skillset for leadership positions.  

This program delves into healthcare finance, human resource management, and strategic planning, preparing you to manage teams effectively, oversee operations, and drive positive change within healthcare systems.

Ready to Earn Your Master of Science in Nursing?

A Master’s in Nursing opens many opportunities for career advancement and professional fulfillment. Whether you aspire to become a nurse practitioner, educator, administrator, or other specialized roles, earning an MSN equips you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to thrive in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.

With the flexibility of online education offered by institutions like NMSU Global Campus, pursuing your MSN has never been more attainable.

Become a leader in the nursing field. Advance your career and make a difference in healthcare with an MSN degree from NMSU Global Campus.