Designed for current nurses with a bachelor's or associate in nursing, online nursing master's programs help nurses take the next step in their careers. A master of science in nursing (MSN) provides plenty of flexibility, allowing students to specialize their degree in various nursing fields.
Depending on the specialization selected, the career outcomes can be lucrative. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners earn a median wage of $115,800. Nearly all potential outcomes could see significant job growth over the coming years, too.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nurses, nursing programs were known to turn qualified applicants away before COVID-19 due to limitations regarding faculty, class sizes, and clinical sites. And the pandemic has caused the field to become more competitive thanks to the changes schools have had to make to the traditional learning environment, such as limiting class sizes and switching to an online learning format. However, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reported that there was a 6% increase in enrollment in baccalaureate nursing programs in 2020.
This resource explores the most affordable online master's in nursing programs, as well as how an MSN aligns with nurses' career goals.
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Top 30 Affordable Online Master's in Nursing Programs in 2021
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Nursing Programs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What types of master's degrees in nursing are there? | Online MSN students can earn a degree in leadership, education, or administration. They can also study to become a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. |
| What can you do with a master's in nursing? | A master's degree in nursing leads to advanced careers in nursing. Those that earn an MSN enjoy better paying positions with a specialized role. |
| How long does it take to get a master's in nursing? | A nurse studying full time can finish an online MSN in just one year, though many nursing students must complete clinicals which adds another year or two of study. |
| What is the highest paying job in the nursing field? | According to the BLS, nurse anesthetists earn a median wage of $174,790, though some nurse anesthetists earn even more. |
What Are the Goals of Nursing?
Nurses aim to help others through holistic practices. Aside from providing medical care, nurses monitor patients' mental and emotional wellbeing. All nurses must first complete an associate or bachelor's program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become registered. This allows nurses to perform basic nursing tasks, though many specialize their careers through on-the-job experience.
A master's in nursing builds off previous education and experience, teaching new skills that apply to different fields of nursing. Many advanced nursing positions, including positions as a nurse practitioner or nurse midwife, require at least a master's degree.
Career and Salary Outlook for Nursing Majors
Completing an online master's nursing program helps current registered nurses advance their careers. However, the potential job openings for MSN graduates vary significantly based on the specialization that students select. Fortunately, the BLS projects that many graduate-level nursing careers could see high job growth rates from 2019-2029. Keep in mind that no level of education guarantees neither a specific position in nursing nor a specific salary.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioner | $115,800 | 45% |
| Health Educator and Community Health Worker | $46,910 | 13% |
| Registered Nurse | $73,300 | 7% |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $100,980 | 32% |
Source: BLSNurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioner Three positions that require at least a master's in nursing, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners help specific populations and perform specialized tasks. All three positions require professional certification.
Health Educator and Community Health WorkerHealth educators and community health workers promote wellness and healthy habits for individuals and communities. These professionals create strategies to improve health, then work with individuals or groups to implement the strategy. They two work in different environments but often together.
Registered Nurse Registered nurses provide patient care and treat various health conditions. These nurses assess patients, administer medicine, observe patient reactions, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. A registered nurse must complete an approved nursing program and become a licensed registered nurse before they can practice professionally.
Medical and Health Services Manager Also known as healthcare executives, medical and health services managers coordinate healthcare services. These professionals manage a group of physicians, a department, or an entire facility. Most healthcare facilities prefer to hire candidates who hold at least a master's degree.
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Accreditation for a Master's in Nursing
Accreditation determines the academic quality of a school and program. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) works with the federal government to verify accrediting agencies. Colleges and universities receive either national or regional accreditation. Employers and doctoral programs prefer applicants who graduate from regionally accredited institutions.
Prospective nursing students should also be aware of programmatic accreditation, especially at the graduate level. The two most important nursing accreditation organizations, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, accredit the best nursing programs. However, advanced nursing programs might secure additional accreditation. If nurses plan on studying a niche field, they should also research other nursing accrediting organizations. Students can find a full list of accrediting organizations through CHEA.
Courses in a Nursing Master's Program
The courses a nurse takes during their online MSN vary depending on specialization. Each track leads to a specific career outcome, and the required coursework prepares students for that career.
Still, many online MSN programs have similar course overlap. These advanced courses build upon ethical and theoretical topics introduced at the undergraduate level. Because online master's in nursing programs vary significantly based on specialty, the courses below outline potential courses a learner might take.
What Are the Benefits of a Degree in Nursing?
Advance Your Career An online MSN teaches important skills that prepare nurses for new positions. Some positions require at least a master's degree in nursing.
Increase Your Salary Higher levels of education often lead to higher paying careers. Many MSN career outcomes offer larger salaries than registered nursing positions do.
Become a Leader MSN programs teach important leadership skills, especially if students specialize in nursing leadership.
Quality for Advanced Certifications Many nursing certifications require applicants to complete a graduate program from an accredited school. Advanced certifications increase employability and qualify nurses for specific licenses.
Focus Your Career Whether you plan on working in administration or prescribing medication, an MSN allows nurses to focus their career in a specific area.
Types of Online Degrees in Nursing
Multiple pathways into the world of nursing exist. When considering an online nursing degree, your options include BSN-to-MSN, RN-to-MSN, and direct entry to MSN. These degree options have varying lengths and requirements.
BSN-to-MSN - Nurses who have obtained their BSN can enroll in an BSN-to-MSN program, and complete MSN-level coursework and clinical hours to earn an MSN. Students can expect to complete the MSN program in one to two years depending on the school. This offers nurses the opportunity to advance their careers and increase their earning potential.
RN-to-MSN – Nurses who have obtained their RN license can enroll in an RN-to-MSN program. Students will complete BSN clinical hours and coursework that allow them to enroll in, and graduate from an MSN program. Students can expect to complete the MSN program in 1.5 to 2 years depending on the school.
Direct Entry to MSN - Non-nursing degree students with no experience who have obtained a degree in another field can fast-track their path to a registered nurse. By simply enrolling in an MSN program of their choice, students can expect to complete the MSN program in 15 months to 3 years depending on the school.
How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists face stricter requirements than other advanced practice registered nurses. After becoming registered nurses, the BLS states that nurse anesthetists then must earn one year of experience working in critical care. Next, nurses must complete an accredited nurse anesthesia program. While some MSN nurse anesthesia programs exist, many healthcare facilities prefer applicants complete a doctoral nurse anesthesia program.
After graduating from an approved program, nurses then become certified through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. Nurse anesthetists must also maintain their certification through continuing education courses.
Certifications and Licensure for Nursing Majors
Beyond education, certification plays an important role helping MSN graduates secure high-level nursing positions. Many nursing careers require a specific professional certification to become licensed. Other certifications help job applicants stand out. Note that certification requirements vary by desired position, location, and education level.
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How Can a Master's Student Pay for College?
To cover the costs of earning an MSN, many nursing students take advantage of scholarships. Scholarships provide free funds that go toward an education, and some scholarships only accept applicants pursuing an MSN or graduate-level nursing degree. Some scholarships may even cover the entire cost of an online MSN.
Uniform Advantage-GNSA ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Members of the Graduate Nursing Student Academy may apply for this award. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate-level nursing program, hold a minimum 3.5 GPA, and provide professional references. GNSA selects two winners twice a year based on academic excellence.Amount: $2,500
Geraldine "Polly" Bednash ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Available to nurses at every academic level, the Geraldine "Polly" Bednash Scholarship selects two winners every three months, giving MSN students plenty of chances to win. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA and be currently enrolled in an AACN member institution associated with CastleBranch. Recent applicants awaiting college approval can also apply.Amount: $5,000
APIC Graduate Student AwardWho Can Apply: The APIC Graduate Student Award provides $5,000 in funding to anyone pursuing a graduate degree related to infection prevention and evidence-based implementation science. Winners of the award present their thesis at the APIC Annual Conference. The three previous winners of this award all pursued a graduate degree in nursing.Amount: $5,000
Nursing Economic$ Foundation ScholarshipsWho Can Apply: Nursing Economic$ provides four $5,000 scholarships to current RNs pursuing a graduate degree in nursing. Applicants must choose a graduate emphasis in administration or management. Additional requirements include studying at an accredited nursing school and planning to work in nursing administration, management, education, or leadership.Amount: $5,000
AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship FundWho Can Apply: The Scholarship Fund selects four $2,500 award winners per year. Applicants must pursue a degree in nursing, a graduate nurse educator program, or an accelerated program. The fund gives special consideration to students completing an RN-to-MSN bridge programAmount: $2,500
