As of this writing, the nation’s current nursing shortage opens some rather interesting opportunities. Just realizing the enormous resources it has opened is just one small part of it all. So we’d like to introduce some of the unique conditions this shortage has afforded to individuals like you interested in securing a masters in nursing degree (MSN).
As an MSN nurse, you’ll hold one of the most coveted jobs within just 3 – 4 years from now because that’s when the nursing shortage is predicted to peak. While that’s unfortunate economic news, it provides a valley of opportunities at the same time. Here’s why.
A master’s in nursing degree prepares you for administering health care information in an advanced clinical training situation or research. As an Advanced Practice Nurse (APNs), a labeled bestowed upon nurses with an MSN, you will in effect, perform duties that physicians used to service. These are duties now performed by certified nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and nurse practitioners (NPs).
As an MSN nursing student, you’ll complete your program in about 2 years unless you decide to work towards another degree in business or psychology for example. Nursing students who pursue joint degrees extend their MSN education to related fields, like hospital administration or mental health. You’ll also work toward getting an RN license, passing GPA and GRE scores, and clinical experience.
Where are you right now in terms of getting your MSN? Are you an RN who’s thinking about making the transition? Are you someone who has a BSN, and wanting to step it up a notch? Here’s a brief introduction to some of the different types of MSN programs. Determining where you are in relation to your MSN goals will help you select an appropriate study program.
· RN-to-MSN. Prepares registered nurses (RNs) for an MSN status after completing a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) degree program. It doesn’t skip the BSN program, it simply condenses it so that nursing students can receive the training in an accelerated program.
· Direct Entry MSN. Prepares individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, switch careers and secure work as an MSN nurse. Because this program credits liberal arts requirements, this program is shortened to just 3 years. The first year focuses on entry-level nursing while the last two years focus on RN licensure with training in a particular specialty.
· Post-Masters Certificate. Prepares students for advanced practice and clinical nurse specialist certification (via The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)).
· Post-Certificate Masters. Prepares individuals who want to practice a particular type of nursing but lack the (now) required MSN. Today, certified nurse practitioners (CNPs), certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) need an MSN to hold these titles. Fortunately, they can be achieved with an accelerated program that credits earlier college courses and nursing experience.
Individuals who lack an RN license can take the NCLEX-RN exam after successfully completing a BSN program. They can additionally become certified to practice a specialty with APN certification (Advanced Practiced Nurse certification).
To qualify for APN certification, you must have an RN license, a masters- post-masters- or doctorate nursing degree, a specific number of clinical hours, and a completed course of work (in your designated specialty). For specifics, you’ll have to review what’s required within your specialty since said requirements are unique to each profession.