Key Takeaways:
- A Master of Science in Nursing, or an MSN, equips licensed registered nurses (RNs) with the graduate-level education they need for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles.
- It takes RNs with a BSN two years to earn an MSN.
- An MSN allows you to pursue advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles or those outside of direct patient care.
Enrollment in Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs continues to grow.
During the 2024-25 school year, the number of students who decided to return to the classroom and earn an advanced nursing degree increased seven percent.
An MSN offers:
- Higher pay
- Potential for leadership roles
- Better working hours
- More skills
- And more
However, as a current registered nurse, or someone with a non-nursing degree who wants to enter the field, how do you know if it makes sense for you to obtain one? This guide outlines various MSN pathways and everything else you need to make an informed decision.
What Is a Master of Science in Nursing?
A Master of Science in Nursing, or an MSN, equips licensed registered nurses (RNs) with the graduate-level education they need for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles.
The degree expands their expertise beyond bedside care, allowing them to make a broader impact on patients, colleagues, and the healthcare system. Upon graduation, you:
- Understand nursing theory across pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment
- Apply evidence-based practice and nursing research to systems-level problems
- Demonstrate ethical reasoning and a working understanding of U.S. health policy
- And more
Types of MSN Degrees
You can obtain a master’s degree in nursing in one of four ways, depending on your existing credentials and goals. The types of MSN degrees include:
- BSN to MSN: For RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a current, active license. When the program starts, you transition straight into graduate coursework.
- RN to MSN: For registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and a current, active license. You learn baccalaureate- and master’s-level content while enrolled.
- Direct-entry MSN: For those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and no experience working as a nurse. Before advancing to the MSN portion of the program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and earn a license.
- Dual master’s degree: For RNs who want to pursue leadership or education roles such as a nursing administrator. You obtain your Master of Science in Nursing and either a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Public Health (MPH).
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master of Science in Nursing?
It takes RNs with a BSN two years to earn an MSN.The amount of time required depends on the program curriculum and whether you enroll as a full- or part-time student.
You can complete your Master of Science in Nursing degree in person, online, or in a hybrid format, giving you flexibility to choose the option that best fits your needs and schedule.
Programs for registered nurses with an ADN or those with a bachelor’s in another field last longer, about three years.
Pros and Cons of an MSN
People pursue an MSN because the degree can:
- Open new career opportunities: With a master’s in nursing, you can apply for advanced roles such as nurse practitioner. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects demand for these higher-level jobs to grow exponentially over the next decade as the U.S. population ages — providing you with stability too.
- Increase your earnings: RNs in clinical roles that require an MSN take home nearly $40,000 more than those without an advanced degree.
- Offer better hours: Your schedule can be unpredictable as a registered nurse. You often work on weekends, overnights, and on holidays for 12 hours at a time. Moving into a higher nursing position may come with more traditional hours during the week.
- Grow your professional network: While enrolled in a program, you’ll meet other nursing and healthcare professionals with a wide range of experience that can help you gain insight into different aspects of the profession.
- Deepen your knowledge: You usually choose a specialty track when obtaining your Master of Science in Nursing, allowing you to become an expert in areas such as cardiology or pediatrics. The degree strengthens your softer skills too, which prepares you for any managerial roles you may land.
However, before applying to a program, consider:
- Cost: The average graduate student paid $12,000 in tuition and fees during the 2024-25 academic year. Factor in living expenses, and it can be difficult to come up with the money needed for a master’s in nursing.
- Prerequisites: Most MSN programs require you to pass certain courses before acceptance, such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- Microbiology with Lab
- Developmental (Lifespan) Psychology
- Statistics
- English Composition
Portage Learning, a regionally accredited online institution, specializes in healthcare prerequisites.
Its online, self-directed format allows you to study anytime, perfect for anyone in their nursing journey. Tuition remains more affordable than the average per credit rate a public, four-year university charges in-state residents too. - Course difficulty: Obtaining a master’s degree in nursing will challenge you academically — and personally. Plan to dedicate a significant amount of time each week to studying and clinical requirements.
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Nursing?
An MSN allows you to pursue advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles, which include:
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
APRNs retain all the rights and privileges of a registered nurse and take on responsibilities usually reserved for physicians. That includes handling primary and specialty care, and in many states, writing prescriptions.
You can also go for opportunities outside of direct patient care such as:
- Nurse administrators, who implement nursing policies in healthcare settings, oversee unit budgets, and maintain safety standards.
- Nurse informaticists, who analyze data to design systematic solutions that enhance quality and reduce costs.
- Nurse educators, who train new staff, develop and implement continuing education programs, and lead research initiatives.
MSN Program Admission Requirements
If you want to pursue your Master of Science in Nursing degree, you’ll need the following to get into a program as an RN:
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Current verified RN license
- A 3.0 GPA or higher
- Completion of required courses
- Personal essay
- Letters of reference
- Resume
Requirements vary, depending on where you apply. Before submitting your application, you can meet with the institution’s admissions team to ensure you turn in all of the needed materials.
How Much Does a Master of Science in Nursing Cost?
Many factors influence the cost of an MSN.
- Do you plan to attend a public or private university?
- Will you enter a BSN to MSN or a direct-entry MSN program?
- Can you continue working while enrolled?
- Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
- Will you live on your own or with roommates?
You can also apply for financial aid. Graduate students may fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, which determines your need for assistance. You might be eligible for scholarships and grants through your institution and nursing organizations as well.
Choosing the Right MSN Program for You
Study after study indicates people choose nursing because it allows them to make a positive difference in the lives of others and society.
Sure, the pay and job security draw some, but the work motivates most — and earning a master’s degree in nursing allows you to broaden that impact.
With an MSN you can:
- Create patient care plans and order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, and analyze the results
- Shape health policy at the organizational or legislative level
- Lead clinical teams and mentor incoming nurses
- Drive quality-improvement initiatives that reduce errors and improve outcomes
- Specialize in a focus area, such as psychiatric care or midwifery
- And when laid out like that, it makes sense why people keep choosing to advance their nursing education each year.
Still looking for answers?
Check out the FAQs about this article below.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Master of Science in Nursing?
A Master of Science in Nursing, or an MSN, equips licensed registered nurses (RNs) with the graduate-level education they need for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles.What types of MSN degrees are there?
There are four types of MSN degrees:- BSN to MSN
- RN to MSN
- Direct-entry MSN
- Dual master’s degree
