The ability to make a positive difference in people’s lives, as well as healthcare as a whole, are just some of the reasons why people chose to enter the nursing profession. An ideal career for natural caregivers and those dedicated to serving the needs of others, nursing has long been considered a noble profession.
This highly respected and rewarding field of medicine also offers entrants a number of job opportunities due to the large demand for skilled professionals. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the current shortage of trained staff has meant that the United States is in the midst of a national nursing crisis which could see growth of 40% in the overall employment of nurses over the next 10 years. This far exceeds the average of any other occupation.
Along with the potential for new entrants to the field, it is also an opportune time for those already in this profession to advance their careers. For registered nurses (RNs) who are looking to gain expertise and develop their role within healthcare, there is the option to do so by studying for an online degree as a master of science in nursing (MSN).
In this article, we will look at some of the benefits of completing an RN to MSN degree program. You can find out more about RN to MSN online programs available in California here.
What is an RN to MSN Program?
An RN to MSN degree program is an accelerated admission path for RNs who already hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree without having to undertake their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) first.
The RN to MSN program acts as a bridge to help RNs gain a master’s qualification in nursing faster than if they studied for a BSN and MSN respectively. In doing so, the program offers a clear and fast track for RNs to advance their careers in nursing, enabling them to pursue other opportunities within their field.
Benefits of Online RN to MSN Program
Below are some of the benefits of becoming an NP by taking this online medical degree course.
Cost-Effective
Studying for a degree online can be less expensive than on campus or in a classroom. Without the need to pay for travel expenses or accommodation, students make considerable cost savings while undertaking their studies. Since there are both full-time and part-time options available students also have the ability to work while studying, allowing them to earn an income at the same time.
In addition, many medical and government institutions, universities and health organizations offer scholarships and other funding opportunities to help nurses who wish to advance their careers through further study. As it constitutes and contributes toward a nurse’s professional development, many employers may also agree to fund all or part of the tuition cost of studying for an online RN to MSN degree.
Global Perspectives
Online study programs have the advantage of drawing students and faculty from different parts of the world. This enables RN to MSN students to gain a broader perspective on various healthcare practices and viewpoints that they may not encounter otherwise.
For example, an NP who has experience only in inner-city hospitals may get the chance to interact with one who works in an underserved or less technologically advanced community. This exposure and exchange allow for a deeper understanding of some of the issues currently faced in nursing, helping students to make more meaningful contributions to their field, whether it be in management, policy or in practice.
Opportunities to Specialize
An MSN degree offers nurses greater opportunities to specialize by working in a larger variety of fields. This enables the possibility of directing your career based on particular areas of interest, allowing you to develop your learning in that field. Some of the career opportunities available with a MSN degree include the following:
- Nurse educator
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
- Research nurse
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP)
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
- Nurse ethicist
- Pediatric nurse practitioner
- Nursing informatics specialist
A MSN degree also qualifies nurses to take on administrative, managerial or leadership positions, unlike nurses who hold only an ADN or BSN degree. This can include working within research, patient care, academia, and health systems management, as well as shaping public policy. Such roles may include that of chief nursing officer, legal nurse consultant and director of nursing.
Greater Autonomy
Unlike RNs, NPs have greater autonomy and in some states are able to work with full autonomy. This enables them to make decisions and carry out responsibilities in various areas without the need for physician supervision. From diagnostic reasoning and the development of treatment plans for patients to overseeing the performance of other healthcare members and prescribing medications, NPs are able to deliver healthcare services to their patients in a number of different settings with a greater level of independence than before.
Studies have also found greater autonomy can lead to greater job satisfaction amongst NPs and can lead to an overall feeling of respect and confidence in their work and decision-making skills.
Earning Potential
The benefit of further education by gaining an MSN degree can help you to earn a higher salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses who hold an MSN degree such as Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and NPs earn a median salary of $123,780 per year. This is approximately 50% more, on average than the salary of a nurse who holds a bachelor’s degree. In comparison, the average RN salary is $82,750.
Flexibility
Online study offers nurses greater flexibility to learn at their own pace and in tandem with their work schedule. Classes and material can be easily accessed at any time and from anywhere making it convenient to catch up on study in the evenings as well as during breaks and while commuting to work. Such learning makes it easier for students to balance their work and other responsibilities while studying for their degree.
As this article has shown, there are many benefits to studying for an online RN to MSN degree program enabling you to advance your nursing career in a number of pathways.