Online RN to MSN Degrees

What Is an RN to MSN program?

This program is for registered nurses with an associate's degree who want to earn their master of science in nursing degree (MSN) immediately after earning their bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN). Therefore this program is an accelerated course, allowing you to earn advanced placement credit for your BSN and tailor your classes to suit the master's degree you wish to pursue. It consists of a 1-year accelerated BSN program followed by 2 years of graduate study.

Why Should I Enroll in An RN to MSN Program?

Some nursing jobs require specialized training and an MSN, such as the four advanced practice nursing specialties: clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.

Some of these programs require you to be a practicing RN for a couple of years before you can enroll, and all of them require you to possess an RN license. You may also need certain minimum GRE scores, depending on the school to which you are applying.

But once you complete your training program, you can receive a national certification in your specialty, opening up new job prospects and the potential for higher salaries.

In some master's degree programs, you can also undertake training in multiple disciplines such as combing the MSN with business administration, public health, or hospital administration.

MSN Salary Information

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for a registered nurse in 2009 was $63,750, and top earners made over $93,000. Those with advanced degrees like an MSN are likely to earn towards the top of the pay scale.

There are two main factors that affect the MSN salary:

• Experience: As is in other careers, the most experienced nurse will likely earn the highest salary.
• Industry: Some of the most lucrative settings for nurse practitioners, according to a survey by ADVANCE Magazine for Nurse Practitioners, were aesthetics/skin care, emergency department, and mental health settings, with average salaries of over $100,000 in those fields.

Job Outlook for MSNs

The employment outlook for all nurses, especially those with advanced degrees like an MSN, is excellent. The demand for jobs will be particularly high for those with an MSN in rural areas and inner cities.

What Is an RN to MSN program?

This program is for registered nurses with an associate's degree who want to earn their master of science in nursing degree (MSN) immediately after earning their bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN). Therefore this program is an accelerated course, allowing you to earn …