Nursing is one of the most common careers in the health profession. It involves other specializations like traveling nursing, nursing administrator and private nursing among others. Regardless of these specializations, all prospective nurses must gain formal training before embarking on their careers. Depending on their desires, they have the choice of choosing from different levels of formal training.
A Masters of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) is one of the highest levels of nursing courses. It is an advanced postgraduate degree, which caters for registered nurses who want to advance their careers. MSN is also a perfect degree for nurses who wish to sharpen their nursing skills. Besides that, the program increases their level of knowledge in the field of operations.
Obtaining a MSN
Before sitting for a MSN class, there is need for prospective students to fulfill its requirements. First, they should be holders of a BSN degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Some nursing schools, however, might just allow their students to undertake BSN and MSN programs concurrently. The next step in obtaining a MSN degree is to earn the RN (Registered Nurse) license. This permit allows nurses to continue their formal training in nursing.
Next, students must pass the hurdle of the GRE (Graduate Requisite Exam). This examination focuses on the nurses’ general knowledge. Various nursing institutions have different conditions that determine the maximum score for this examination. It would be wise for students to seek out these requirements in earnest. Gaining a degree in MSN also demands that the soon-to-be professionals must have some work experience.
In this regard, such individuals ought to engage in some clinical work. This penultimate phase ushers in the application process for a MSN degree program. Concerning the mode of study, students can opt for online or regular programs. In the former case, they would not have to attend classes physically.
Online MSN degree programs
Many institutions have embarked on offering nursing training courses via the Internet. This form of education has afforded numerous benefits to such students. Some of the reasons that would induce them into undertaking online MSN programs include convenience, flexibility, cost-efficiency and time management among others. These students save on expenses associated with covering distances to make it to class. With online programs, they can save on fuel costs involved in traveling to campus.
Online MSN programs are also convenient since students can opt for their own schedules. They can also catch up on any lectures that they had missed. At times, they can acquire any learning materials they need without having to go all the way to school.
An online MSN degree program comes with various packages. For example, students can attend classes with their regular counterparts while at home or in other locations. This is normally possible via video applications. Just like regular MSN programs, these online programs afford students with the chance to specialize. The difference between the two programs is their schedules or course period. Online MSN programs usually allow students to complete their courses within a short time. Also, these students have control over the learning schedules.
Job opportunities for MSN degree holders
A MSN degree guarantees lucrative jobs in the field of nursing. For example, this degree opens up nurses to the chance of becoming nurse practitioners. This job enables nurses to engage in primary and preventive care. As nurse practitioners, all nurses must be in possession of appropriate certification. Medical information technology management is another product of MSN degrees.
This career combines information technology and nursing; it allows nurses to undertake project management and database construction among others. With a MSN degree, it is also possible for nurses to become nursing administrators. This gives them a leadership role in nursing and allows them to dispense knowledge and experience to other nurses. Of course, these jobs have higher remuneration than regular nursing. They are the benefits that come with a MSN degree.