Guide to Masters Degrees in Nursing

What exactly is a Master of Nursing?

A Master of Nursing is a graduate level degree sought by nurses who wish to go into advanced practice. Those who opt for a master’s degree in a nursing related field should already have or be in pursuit of an undergraduate degree in nursing, such as an associate’s degree or more commonly a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Once an undergraduate degree is earned, the nurse will then apply to a graduate program in nursing for their master’s. The most common degree for a Master of Nursing is the MSN, or Master of Science in Nursing.

The primary master’s degree in nursing that serves as an entry-level degree for advanced practice nurses is the Master of Science in nursing (MSN). But there are many types of MSN degrees:

Specialty Degrees

Bridge Programs

Dual Degrees

How Do These Degrees Differ?

There are similarities among these degrees and all can be found among the top nursing programs in the field. It is a good idea to consider the type of organization where you would like to work and investigate whether such organizations prefer one of the above degrees. MN and MSN programs have a tendency to provide training for further strengthening core nursing skills along with insight to advance roles in nursing leadership and clinical specialties. RN to MSN programs are likely to provide sophisticated nursing concepts in an accelerated curriculum for a current registered nurse holding an accredited degree (associates or diploma) to earn a MSN without first obtaining a BSN. The joint masters in nursing degrees are basic MSN degrees paired with the specific dual degree you choose. The MPA and MPH programs tend to have more of a public sector orientation. The MBA programs are normally geared towards securing top-level management or executive health care business positions. The MSIS programs lean towards developing information technology in which ethics are upheld. The MHSA programs center on health policy and economics with regard to management roles. The MA (Pastoral Ministry) and MDiv programs spotlight the practice of ministry. Nursing masters degrees may be achieved through traditional full-time study, part-time study, accelerated study, second degree study, direct entry, and RN to MSN. Many masters degrees in nursing may also be achieved through online nursing schools. The joint degrees listed above may require additional time.

Within these nursing masters degree distinctions, programs have different emphases and specializations. Typical specialties for masters degrees in nursing include, but are not limited to, the following: adult nurse practitioner, cardiovascular nursing, child and teen health nursing, clinical nurse specialist, clinical specialist, clinical research management, family nurse practitioner, forensic nursing masters, gerontological nursing, health administration, healthcare systems management, health policy, health promotion and wellness, neonatal nursing, nurse administration, nurse anesthesia, nursing education, nurse midwifery, nurse practitioner, oncology nursing, pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric and mental health nursing, school nurse services, and women’s health. You should investigate specific masters of nursing degree programs to determine which will best prepare you for your desired career track.

What Schools Offer These Degrees?

While master’s degrees in nursing are among the most widely-offered programs available online (over 400!), below is a list of well-known and respected names in online education. Find more information and the school’s accreditation, programs, and available financial aid by clicking on each link.

What Are the Requirements to Get Into a Master of Nursing school?

Those interested in pursuing a Master of Nursing degree should first know whether or not the master’s degree being offered is from an accredited nursing program. To see if the program you are interested in is accredited, visit a site like The American Association of Colleges of Nursing. It currently lists dozens of programs all across the country that offer accredited master’s degrees in nursing. To ensure that your school is offering a legitimate degree, check with the State Board of Nursing to ensure that completion of the Master of Nursing qualifies you to get the license in nursing you are pursuing.

Although the requirements to get into each of these differ, they often include an undergraduate degree – such as the BSN, a valid nursing license, passing grades for the GRE and/or Miller Analogies Test. Other requirements can include an average GPA of 2.5 or higher, undergoing a background check, and proving citizenship or having a valid visa.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Master of Nursing?

Once a student is accepted into a program that offers a Master of Nursing, the average time to complete the program and earn a degree is two years. Students take classes on various subjects, participate in numerous labs, and more. Students can often be assigned to faculty advisors to help guide them through the process of earning a master’s. Classes involved in getting a nursing master’s degree can include nursing informatics, nursing research, healthcare concepts, patient care management, pharmacology, and many others.

Students who dedicate summers and evenings to their study can finish in less than two years or as little as 18 months. Students who need time to work and/or take care of a family can take as long as three years to get a Master of Nursing.

What Careers Can I Pursue with a Master of Nursing?

Because advanced practice nurses are so in demand to meet the increasing need for healthcare, many opt for a Master of Nursing to begin more involved careers. Someone with a Master of Nursing can often go into the area of Advanced Practice Registry Nurse (APRN). From this career, there are several specialties nurses can go into including acute care, pediatrics, women’s health, and many more.

  • Another common career for someone with a Master of Nursing is family nurse practitioner, or FNP. These nurse practitioners are often used in place of traditional doctors and can work in clinics, hospitals, or even their own practice. While many states require a doctorate level degree in nursing to become a nurse practitioner, others still allow those with a Master of Nursing to become a licensed nurse practitioner.

  • If a student is interested in becoming a nurse midwife, the Master of Nursing degree is a common path to get there. Nurse midwives assist and can even lead in the delivery and care of newborn children and their mothers. They work from hospitals, clinics, and even the homes of pregnant mothers.

  • Nurse anesthetist is also one of the more popular careers with a Master of Nursing. Because nurse anesthetists are so in demand, they are often paid very well and many nurses are pursuing this specialty. Nurse anesthetists work with anesthesiologists and surgeons to ensure that operations go smoothly.

If you know which state you want to live in and which career you would like to have, contact the State Board of Nursing to see what the requirements are for becoming a nurse practitioner, advanced practice registered nurse, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist. Each can have their own degree and licensing requirements.

Where Can I Find Master of Nursing Scholarships and Grants?

Because graduate school can be so expensive, there are many scholarships and grants out there to help pay for it. The best way to find them is to check with the financial aid office of the school(s) you are accepted into. Not only can they tell you what scholarships and grants are available, they can tell you which you qualify for and how to apply for them.

If you are conducting a search for scholarships online, there are many ways to find ones that match up with you. Here are several nursing scholarship opportunities worth looking into.

  1. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing. They have resources just for graduate and post graduate nursing students. Each year, they award $1,500 to students in Educational Advancement Scholarships alone. They also have tons of other programs for American Indians, Men in Nursing, loan repayment, and much more. They also have loads of financial aid help for nurses at the undergraduate level.

  2. Nursing Scholarship Program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration. The HRSA seeks to alleviate the nursing shortage by helping students pay for nursing schools. In exchange for two years of service at an approved health care facility, students get paid tuition, help with other expenses, and even a monthly stipend.

  3. If you are a minority seeking a Master of Nursing, there is also help for you. Minority Nurse specializes in helping place minority students with schools, employers, and even scholarships. Visit their page to learn more about featured scholarships or sign up for a free account to learn more.

  4. There are also many grants awarded to student nurses. The HRSA also includes a comprehensive list of grant programs for nurses. They include grants for nursing diversity, development, community based, advanced education, and more. Simply click on the one that interests you to learn more. In addition to the federal government, many states also offer grants to nurses, so be sure to check with your state to see which grants are available for nurses and if you qualify. The best part is that if you qualify for a nursing grant, you will earn it, unlike scholarships that can be highly competitive.

Other Financial Aid for Master of Nursing Students

In addition to scholarships and grants, there are also other forms of financial aid for nurses. Because most students who are going for a master’s degree in nursing are already nurses, they can get help from their current employer. In order to meet the growing demand for nurses, especially advanced practice nurses, employers often offer to help pay for educational expenses, especially if the nurse plans to use his or her new skills as a nurse in their current workplace.

Because students enrolled in Master of Nursing programs need valuable experience, the schools that offer the degree can often offer internships, student jobs, or work for study programs that can help pay for the cost of the degree and give the student valuable on the job experience.

All forms of financial aid have some strings attached. Recipients of scholarships and grants are expected to maintain a passing GPA and can even be asked to maintain a higher one than normal. They are almost always expected to stay in school and can even require the students to graduate on time. Students who accept a grant or scholarship but don’t keep their GPA up or drop out can be asked to pay back some or all of the money awarded.

Because financial aid is so important when earning a Master of Nursing, it is a good idea to contact the school’s financial aid office as soon as you are accepted. That way, you can see how much tuition is going to cost, how much in grants you qualify for, how many scholarships you can apply to, and basically what school is going to cost out of pocket. If you are accepted into more than one school, knowing which will be cheaper can make a huge difference in choosing which one to enroll in.