Earning a Master of Science in Nursing online is an excellent way to challenge yourself, open up new career opportunities and help patients in need of care. An advanced nursing degree reflects years of experience and an exemplary education that qualify you for care in a variety of settings, making you an invaluable part of any medical team in a profession whose demand is only growing by the day. It also equips you to educate family members and patients on their care and, in many cases, act as a primary caregiver.
A master of nursing degree (MSN) can increase the salary potential and career pathways for nurses with a graduate education. In this guide, you’ll learn how online MSN programs like the online Master of Science in Nursing degree from St. Thomas University prepare nurses for leadership and clinical roles, ensuring that they’re receiving a high-quality, specialized education that enables them to take control of their careers.
What Is a Master of Science in Nursing?
A Master of Science in Nursing is a graduate-level degree for nurses looking to advance their career beyond the skills and opportunities of a registered nurse (RN) or a nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This advanced degree represents additional training, coursework and skills that a nurse has earned in their program, indicating that they are eligible for more advanced nursing positions, such as a nurse practitioner or nurse midwife.
These graduate-level nurses are also often members of professional communities, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), which allows them to gain additional professional development and make important connections in their field. They may also continue earning additional specializations and degrees, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), to further advance their education.
Typical requirements for admission into an MSN program include:
- RN licensure
- BSN degree (usually but not always required)
- 3-5 years of nursing experience (some programs may require more or fewer hours)
While some MSN programs are offered at brick-and-mortar nursing schools, online MSN degrees have become increasingly popular in modern healthcare. These programs allow working nurses to complete coursework and clinical practice while maintaining their current schedules. With higher admission rates and lower tuition, they can be an excellent option for nurses ready to take the next steps in their careers.
Types of MSN Programs
An MSN allows nurses to specialize in practices where they can bring the most benefit to their patients. These nursing specialties go beyond an entry-level master of science in nursing and provide detailed, population-specific training to help nurses succeed and gain expertise in these fields.
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
An MSN – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program trains nursing students to care for older adults. They have advanced knowledge of the complex needs of at-risk elderly patients and work with family caregivers to develop treatment plans tailored to their patients’ acute and chronic health conditions.
An AGPCNP may work in retirement homes, hospitals, community centers, hospice care or private practices. They are skilled in age-specific health conditions that afflict this population, including memory lapses and chronic illnesses, and can manage patient care with this context in mind.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurses who earn a Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) online degree are experienced with populations spanning the entire lifespan, including infants, children, young adults and elderly patients. They are primary care providers for wellness checks, illnesses and emergencies, and can be instrumental members of a family’s medical care team.
FNPs find employment opportunities in many different healthcare settings, primarily in family practice clinics, hospitals and pediatric community centers. They are trained in both standard and advanced nursing care and are capable of working with patients and their families from assessment through diagnosis to aftercare.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Completing an MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree program prepares graduates to work in the mental health field. Their strong understanding and experience with psychopathology, health policy and clinical pharmacology equip PMHNPs to administer prescription medication and provide therapy to at-risk patients of any age who may be experiencing an emergent or ongoing mental health crisis.
PMHNPs often work in mental healthcare facilities, such as inpatient and outpatient clinics, mental health centers, addiction treatment centers and correctional facilities. Some schools may also employ PMHNPs to help students with counseling and managing their medication for mental health conditions.
Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing
Enrollment in an accelerated MSN program allows nurses to graduate several months sooner than in a standard MSN program. They take a higher course load in a shorter time to earn their degrees quickly and conveniently, while receiving the same high-quality general nursing education as nursing students in longer programs.
An accelerated MSN degree is a good choice for successful nurses who want to begin their new careers as graduate-level nurses and prefer a fast-track approach. These graduates can work in any setting where nurse practitioners practice and are well-equipped to become leaders in their workplaces and departments.
MSN Career Paths and Salaries
Graduates from an MSN program find several nursing career paths open to them, given their advanced nursing skills. Beyond specialized nurse practitioner roles like FNPs, PMHNPs and AGPCNPs, nurses with an MSN can find leadership opportunities in hospitals, healthcare systems and nursing schools. These jobs for nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing include nurse managers, nurse educators, nurse researchers, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists.
In 2024, the median salary for a nurse with a master’s degree was $132,050. This number depends on where the nurse is practicing, how long they’ve been working in their advanced position and whether they have additional graduate degrees, such as a DNP.
Why Choose an Online MSN Program?
If you’re currently working as a nurse, live far from a high-quality nursing program or want to complete an affordable graduate degree in an efficient timeframe, an online MSN degree may be the right fit for you. With flexibility for working professionals and access to courses from your current location, online programs can help you advance your nursing career with an affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition schedule.
Despite being based on a distance format, online MSN degree programs provide a balance between academic and clinical requirements. Nurses working in the healthcare field may be able to fulfill these requirements in their current workplace, or they can make arrangements with cooperating schools and nurse educators in their areas. Accredited online nursing schools also allow students to transfer their units to other accredited schools, ensuring they won’t lose credits due to work or life demands.
Advancing Your Nursing Career With STU
St. Thomas University’s MSN programs offer state-of-the-art coursework and instruction that equips future nurse practitioners with specialized skills they’ll use daily in their careers. With support from expert faculty, knowledgeable mentors and support staff, students receive hands-on experience through clinical placements and preparation for certification and licensure.
STU’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), assuring students and their future employers that they have received a rigorous education that incorporates modern best practices with traditional care that has helped patients for generations. STU’s commitment to healthcare leadership and community impact positively influences its nursing graduates, perpetuating a legacy of high-quality care and compassion that extends long past a nurse’s individual responsibilities.
Care for Your Patients With an MSN from St. Thomas University
When you enroll in an online Master of Science in Nursing program from St. Thomas University, you’ll have access to a flexible, affordable program that includes expert-level instruction and support. After graduation from this MSN program, nursing students find a host of career opportunities, increased salary potential and numerous nursing skills that can benefit both their patients and their healthcare settings.
Become a valued member of a highly skilled and educated medical team when you apply to an MSN program from STU today. If you’d like to learn more about STU’s nursing specializations, tuition rates, start dates or credit hours, contact our admissions office for answers to all your questions.
