Should RNs Invest In A MSN Degree?

As an RN, you’ve seen the education ads for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and wondered what it would be like to pursue a degree in nursing. The MSN degree is an excellent way to advance your nursing career, but it’s essential to understand what the degree is and isn’t before you invest your time and money.

The Difference Between Nursing Degrees

As the healthcare industry evolves, nurses are often called upon to specialize in areas such as gerontology or neonatal intensive care. One of the most common ways to become a nurse is to complete an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), which trains students in the core nursing skills such as patient education and primary care.

The next step for many nurses is to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). A BSN allows nurses to focus on more complex issues, such as the management of chronic illness and the care of critically ill patients.

Those who want to advance their careers or education even further can consider pursuing a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), which focuses on advanced clinical education, such as critical thinking and leadership skills. A nurse with a master’s degree in nursing could work as a nurse practitioner, a nurse-midwife, or a nurse educator.

Money (and Time) Matters

The traditional way of going from an ADN to an MSN is to complete a baccalaureate degree and then a master’s degree in nursing. However, the costs associated with pursuing this traditional route can be prohibitive.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate programs cost students $19,792. Some institutions can cost over $40,000 to complete a master’s degree program.

The average time it takes to complete a master’s degree in nursing is about two years, from a BSN to an MSN. RN to MSN programs can take up to five years, depending on the institution. Other factors such as the number of credits earned per semester can increase or decrease the time it takes.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to the traditional route.

Online RN to MSN Programs

Online education programs are becoming more and more popular. They offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling and cost. A nurse could complete some online RN to MSN programs in 3 years, with most (if not all) of the coursework available online.

Many traditional schools prefer students to have a BSN before working on an MSN. Online programs are more willing to accept RNs with an associate degree and work experience. By combining the BSN and MSN online, schools can provide a degree that takes less time to complete.

Finding A Good Program

Recent news about fraud in for-profit online education programs has made many people wary of these programs. Online RN to MSN programs are not immune to this problem. However, the good news is that there are many reputable online RN to MSN programs that are not part of a for-profit chain.

The best thing to look for is the proper accreditation. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is the most widely recognized accrediting agency for nurse education programs in the United States. Finding an ACEN accredited online RN to MSN program should be a priority.

Other things to look out for are the school’s reputation and its faculty. Use tools such as the College Navigator to filter out for-profit schools. The school should also have a strong record of graduates employed in the field. College Navigator will also show you each school’s graduation rate.

In Summary

Earning an RN to MSN online is a great career choice for those looking to advance their career and gain a new degree with a flexible schedule. However, it’s essential to be aware of the risks associated with online education. When searching for a program, look for the following:

• Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Public or private institutions that are nonprofit
• A strong track record of graduates who are employed in their field of study
• A good reputation of the school and its faculty