Top Reasons to Start an Online MSN Program
Find NP Schools
For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
The nursing profession is full of opportunities and development. Some of these opportunities can be obtained by advancing nursing education. Many registered nurses with bachelor degrees are interested in continuing their education but may be reluctant to return to school in person. Perhaps they are working full-time or are raising young children and cannot commit to studying in person. MSN online programs are a wonderful option for many nurses.
Pursuing an online MSN program can be flexible and allow RNs to keep their full-time jobs. Nowadays, nurses can easily find accredited and respectable online MSN programs. These programs allow nurses to become advanced practice clinicians or transition into a career in leadership or education.
Obtaining an MSN degree is an incredible decision for nurses who want to earn more, specialize, and change the trajectory of their careers. There are even programs that allow RNs to enroll directly without having a previous bachelor’s of science degree. Below are the top reasons nurses should start an online MSN program today.
Online MSN Programs Are Accredited
Online MSN programs are accredited and well respected. Both in-person and online nursing courses must meet the same criteria for accreditation. They are accredited by well-known agencies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. These accrediting agencies ensure that the curriculum offered in these online programs meets high standards of educational quality.
Accredited nursing programs must offer detailed coursework and sufficient clinical hours in the field. Some online MSN programs are completely distant learning, while others require students to attend clinical labs in person for instructors to evaluate their skills and competencies. All online MSN programs have clinical requirements that can be met in the community.
Nurses can be confident that their education will prepare them well in their new role or scope. Additionally, they can utilize their MSN credits to continue their studies and earn a doctoral nursing degree if that interests them. Knowing that a nursing program is accredited allows nurses to be certain about their program and increases trust between students and institutions.
RNs Can Continue to Work
One of the main concerns nurses have when it comes to continuing their education is the possible need to give up their job. Fortunately, pursuing an online MSN degree offers flexibility that allows nurses to continue working while obtaining their graduate degree. An online MSN program permits students to study independently and select their hours. Students can plan their school schedule around their work instead of trying to intertwine work around a set, in-person class schedule.
Another factor that makes online MSN programs flexible is the ability to watch recorded video lectures multiple times. Online tests and quizzes can be taken at a convenient time. This allows for overall better balance compared to in-person schooling, especially for caregivers and those working. It is a great option for nurses who want to take their careers to the next level without having to give up their current job and income.
There are many program options when pursuing an online MSN degree. They have part-time programs to accelerated ones that are only one year long. Students can decide to go full-time or part-time in their studies. They can easily customize their course schedules due to improved technology for distance learning. This is ideal for nurses who are still working while expanding their education. Even travel nurses can join an online MSN program since they will be 100 percent remote.
Fortunately, online MSN programs often cost less than traditional on-campus MSN programs. This makes it more affordable for nurses to continue their education. As a result, online MSN programs are more accessible to working nurses who cannot afford to give up their income. NPSchools.com keeps a running list of the most affordable online NP programs.
RNs Can Become Advanced Practice Clinicians
Online MSN programs provide nurses with graduate-level skills and competencies that prepare them for a broader scope of practice. Nurses will build upon their undergraduate nursing degree and add more leadership and administrative skills. Nurses can also choose a specialty or specific patient population to focus on, such as mental health, pediatrics, or nursing education.
Nurses with an MSN degree can become advanced practice providers such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives. In this role, nurses will gain an understanding of nursing practice and knowledge in their area of specialty. The didactic and clinical rotations they complete through their online MSN program will prepare them for their new role.
There is also an increased need for proficient nursing professionals to lead and manage teams. With an MSN degree, nurses can specialize in administration and become healthcare organizations’ managers, directors, and executives. The demand for nurses means there is an ongoing need for nurse educators. By advancing their education, nurses can become researchers, teach at universities, or teach in the hospital setting.
Increase Overall Career Opportunities
Earning an MSN degree opens a plethora of opportunities for nurses. They can transition into working in leadership or nursing education. They can become advanced practice clinicians such as nurse practitioners or midwives. They can also become a clinical nurse specialist. Many of the above nursing specializations require a master’s degree. Some hospital positions and healthcare organizations may even prioritize candidates who have an advanced degree.
The knowledge and skills gained from an MSN degree can help nurses make a positive influence in their workplace and the nursing profession. Nurses with an online MSN degree can improve patient outcomes and impact the delivery of nursing care. They can teach nursing and prepare novice nurses to become competent. Nurses with an MSN have advanced clinical training and leadership skills that set them apart. These abilities can be beneficial in other parts of healthcare industries, such as medical consulting, insurance, and pharmaceutical sales.
Moreover, studying in an online MSN program can provide opportunities to network. Through online MSN communities, students can meet other nursing students and faculty members from various parts of the country that can influence their careers. The chances to network with professionals from diverse healthcare settings are endless.
Higher Salary Potential
Nurses with an MSN have a better-earning potential compared to nurses with only a BSN or ADN. Since there is a limited number of MSN-educated nurses in the current job market, companies are willing to pay more for their expertise. Nurses can grow their income significantly with increased opportunities for nurses to advance their careers by obtaining an online MSN degree.
In some states, nurses can double their income by becoming advanced practice nurses such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. Their income will increase by working as an executive in the hospital through acquiring a leadership MSN degree. The exact salary for a nurse with an MSN degree varies depending on specialty and employment setting. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that some advanced practice registered nurses, such as nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, earn an average of $129,480 annually.
Sophia Khawly, MSN
WriterSophia Khawly is a traveling nurse practitioner from Miami, Florida. She has been a nurse for 14 years and has worked in nine different states. She likes to travel in her spare time and has visited over 40 countries.
Being a traveling nurse practitioner allows her to combine her love of learning, travel, and serving others. Learn more about Sophia at www.travelingNP.com.