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

Published on: October 4, 2023

Earning an undergraduate degree in nursing can help you gain entrance into a dynamic field with significant demand for qualified nurses and plenty of room for mobility. However, with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), you can personalize your career path by seeking out specialized roles and leadership opportunities in the field. 

What Is an MS in Nursing? 

After earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), many nurses find themselves wondering, "What is an MSN, and do I need one?" If you are currently exploring your options for professional growth, you may find that an MSN degree is a worthwhile investment.  

A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN degree, is a graduate degree program designed to allow nurses to develop advanced nursing competencies while honing their leadership skills, ultimately preparing them for higher-level roles within the nursing field. An MSN degree program also provides nurses with an opportunity to specialize in a specific area of nursing, such as becoming a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.  

Benefits of Earning an MSN  

By becoming a registered nurse (RN), you open the door to many career pathways. Whether you want to work in a pediatric office and help children feel better, or you want to triage patients in the emergency room, you can do so by earning an undergraduate degree in nursing. However, many nurses find that when they are ready to elevate their career or pursue a specialization, the best way to do so is by earning an MSN degree.  

An MSN degree offers nurses many advantages, including: 

Advanced Career Opportunities 

The types of positions available to those with a master's in nursing are vastly different from those with a nursing license or an undergraduate degree. While nurses with an undergraduate degree primarily focus on clinical duties and patient care, those who pursue a graduate degree will find that they can pursue advanced and specialized positions in the nursing field. 

Some of the common roles that nurses with an MSN degree take on include nurse practitioner, nurse educator and nurse administrator. MSN graduates often have the flexibility to pursue positions that still involve patient care or focus primarily on administrative or research-focused duties.  

Higher Earning Potential 

Given the fact that nurses with an MSN degree can pursue advanced or specialized positions, it's not surprising that they enjoy a higher earning potential over the course of their career.  

Some of the highest-paying positions for nurses with an MSN include:  

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist — $203,000 per year 
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — $127,000 per year 
• Clinical Nurse Specialist — $87,000 per year 
• Certified Nurse Midwife — $120,000 per year  

By comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that an RN earns a median annual salary of about $81,000 per year, highlighting the fact that many positions available to MSN graduates offer an increased earning potential.  

Variety of Specialization Areas 

Nurses often find that they develop an interest in a certain aspect of nursing, which can increase their desire to specialize their skills and pursue a new career opportunity. According to NurseJournal.org, some of the specialization areas available to those who pursue an MSN degree include gerontology, pediatrics, cardiology, anesthesia and midwifery, to name a few.  

Increase Clinical Skills and Knowledge 

Throughout the course of their graduate degree program, students pursuing an MSN will be required to take advanced nursing courses focused on clinical skills and the latest developments in the nursing field. Course topics will vary based on the type of MSN degree you pursue, but some examples include evidence-based practice in nursing, advanced health assessment, public health policy, analysis of organizational practices in healthcare and advanced pathophysiology. If you choose a specialized MSN degree, you will find that the bulk of your curriculum focuses on your specialization.  

Greater Responsibility 

Once you have earned your MSN degree, you will likely be able to take on additional responsibilities in the clinical setting. Some nurses with an MSN go on to become managers or administrators in the clinical setting, while others choose to pursue advanced care opportunities where they can provide patients with more complex and intuitive care.  

Job Security 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that there will continue to be an increased demand for qualified healthcare workers at every level due to the aging population and the increased need for a personalized approach to health care. While the nursing field is expected to see an employment growth of about 6 percent through 2032, the BLS anticipates that the demand for nurses will outpace growth in the field. Those who earn an MSN degree should expect a high degree of job security after graduation due to the ongoing nursing shortage and the continued demand for highly skilled, specialized nurses. 

Contribution to Healthcare Innovation 

MSN graduates have the advanced knowledge required to become thought leaders in the healthcare industry, allowing them to make positive contributions that can improve healthcare practices and innovations.  

Job Opportunities for MSN Graduates  

Graduates who earn a master's in nursing will find that the doors begin to open to many advanced positions within the field. Master's in nursing jobs are often more specialized or available within niche sectors of the nursing field, and, in many cases, leadership positions in nursing require applicants to have an MSN.  

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the current nursing shortage is expected to grow in the coming decades, increasing the demand not only for RNs but also for leaders in the field with advanced knowledge and specialized skills.  

Specialized Nursing Roles 

If you are interested in moving past primary care and specializing in a niche aspect of nursing, you may find that your MSN degree allows you to become a:  

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) 
• Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) 
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) 
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)  

Advanced Practice Nursing Roles 

If you have an interest in advanced practice nursing and want to work directly with a specific group of patients, you may find that these are some of the best roles to pursue with your MSN degree:  

• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) 
• Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) 
• Nurse Midwife (CNM) 

Leadership Roles 

With an MSN degree, you may be qualified for leadership roles that allow you to guide and inspire the next generation of nurses. Some leadership roles that you could pursue include:  

• Nurse Manager 
• Nursing Director 
• Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)  

Nurse Educator Roles 

As the healthcare industry works to address the ongoing nursing shortage, there is a heightened demand for passionate and insightful nurse educators. With an MSN degree, you could pursue educator opportunities, such as:  

• Academic Nurse Educator 
• Staff Development Educator 

Research Roles 

For a behind-the-scenes look into the healthcare field, you could take your nursing career into the realm of research. Graduates with an MSN degree have an opportunity to become a:  

• Nurse Researcher 
• Healthcare Policy Analyst  

Earn Your MSN From Husson University 

At Husson University, our online degree programs are designed to allow students the opportunity to pursue their passions and accomplish their career goals in a way that accommodates their current lifestyle. With flexibility and versatility at the forefront of all that we do, we make it possible for you to earn your MSN degree while simultaneously caring for patients and prioritizing your personal life.  

Request more information about our MSN degree programs today. 

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