Masters in Nursing Programs Guide

The definitive list of accredited Masters in Nursing programs in the United States with links that lead directly to each program. Our site serves as an information portal for registered nurses, and anyone else, who may be looking for guidance on advanced degrees in nursing. Filter by degree type or US State. Further refine your search using the “Instant Search Filter”. Rankings are based on: USNews rankings, exam pass rates, and program popularity. Nursing schools ranked by USNEWS 2021 are so noted. Nursing accreditations and memberships are noted in each entry as follows: ACEN (formerly known as NLNAC), CCNE, COA, ACNM, AHNCC, CCIH. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting that through 2031, the overall employment of nursing positions that typically require a graduate degree in nursing (e.g., Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives and more..) is projected to grow 40 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations.

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.

What Masters Degrees are offered?

The most common masters degrees in the field of nursing are:

• MN: Master of Nursing
• MAN: Master of Arts in Nursing
• MSN: Master of Science in Nursing
• BSN to MSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Master of Science in Nursing
• RN to MSN: Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing

There are also variations on these basic degrees. Specializations and types are listed under degree differences.

The most common joint, or dual, degrees offered with a masters degree in nursing are:

• MSN/MPH: Master of Science in Nursing with Master of Public Health
• MSN/MBA: Master of Science in Nursing with Master of Business Administration
• MSN/MPA: Master of Science in Nursing with Master of Public Administration
• MSN/MSIS: Master of Science in Nursing with Master of Science in Information Science
• MSN/MHSA: Master of Science in Nursing with Master of Health Services Administration
• MSN/MA: Master of Science in Nursing with a Masters in Pastoral Ministry
• MSN/MDiv: Master of Science in Nursing with a Master of Divinity

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.

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.

What Schools have a Masters in Nursing Program? “Top 50”

Last Updated: December 02, 2022

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