subject: Achieve Your Career Goals With A Master In Nursing Degree [print this page] Nursing is a fast growing career field in the United States, offering rewarding opportunities and several levels of certification. A Registered Nurse who has already achieved a Bachelors degree may be interested in expanding their education to advance their careers. An RN is an entry level position in the nursing field, and without further certification, it is difficult to break into administrative and management positions in the industry.
Distance Learning Makes Earning a Masters Possible for the Working Professional
Choosing to pursue higher education when currently employed in a demanding career like nursing can be an intimidating decision. Now, pursuing a Master in Nursing degree online makes it possible to work and study at the same time. Learning institutions understand the demands placed on career professionals and how difficult it can be to continue in a career while trying to advance education. Many colleges now offer an online MSN program so practicing nurses can work toward a higher degree and certification level around their demanding professional schedules. Nurses rarely work traditional hours and attempting to schedule traditional classes around nursing rotations could prove to be a very difficult task. Many nurses work twelve hour shifts on a changing rotation, so no matter how well a traditional class may fit one week, it could be impossible the next.
Focus on a Specific Field
Earning a Master in Nursing degree online allows professional nurses to obtain specialization in a field of care. Not only do students complete course work in leadership, administration, disaster management, public health, health education and health policy, but they can also learn skills that focus on a single discipline. Each candidate can customize a program that will help them achieve their career goals with this in-demand degree program.
Higher Education Translates to Higher Salaries
Earning a MSN online allows RNs to work toward become a licensed nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners earn substantially more than RNs even at a starting salary. Other possible certifications also become available after completion of an online MSN program such as a position as a Certified Nurse Executive. Nurse Executives are responsible for management and administrative tasks within various health care environments. Taking a leadership role in creating and implementing procedures, managing budgets, designing care and much more are all possible duties that can come with this rewarding career opportunity. The responsibilities inherent in this position require hospitals to look for people that have demonstrated leadership skills such as those that have successfully completed their education and led teams. Nurse Executives have substantially more responsibility than registered nurses and earn a commensurate salary.
In nursing, career advancement correlates closely to education and experience. Many positions are only available to those who have completed master degree level education requirements. Pursuing an MSN online is a remarkably sensible option for those seeking career advancement in the nursing field.
