Those who might be interested in a career in nursing will find several possible paths to take throughout their education. Those just starting out have the option to earn an associate’s degree before earning a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN), and they can ultimately pursue a master’s degree in nursing (MSN). Individual career goals will determine what path is best; those who wish to enhance their career a registered nurse (RN) will go for the BSN, while students who wish to become nurse practitioners or specialize in various areas of nursing typically choose the MSN. The ability to tailor their educational experience based on career goals is empowering for students; it just depends upon one’s goals, in addition to the time and money one is willing to spend.
BSN vs. MSN — What Does it Take?
In terms of education, to earn a BSN degree typically takes an average of four years. Those who want to quickly become a registered nurse may earn only an associate’s degree first, but most typically go on to complete an RN to BSN program. An MSN, on the other hand, typically takes two additional years to a bachelor’s degree. CTX offers both an RN to BSN and an RN to MSN degree fully online, so they can be completed while students work full-time.
The education a nurse receives while taking BSN courses will provide a broad knowledge base, and will prepare students to work in a diverse array of nursing fields. BSN degree holders, typically registered nurses, will work directly with patients in hospitals or nursing homes. Those who pursue an MSN degree receive a more focused education; they oftentimes choose to emphasize one area of specialization, such as nurse practitioner, lactation/mother-baby, clinical nurse educator, nursing administration, etc. This degree delves deeper into advanced theories, management and research techniques, clinical practices and sciences.
Expectations: Salary and Career Opportunities
When time is of the essence, and students want to complete a degree program as quickly as possible, the BSN may seem like the best choice. However, investing extra time to achieve an MSN degree is a better choice, especially when it comes to salary potential and the number of available opportunities. Changes in health care and health insurance laws are allowing those with an MSN degree to help alleviate the shortage of doctor and assume higher roles in health care. Many states grant nurse practitioners prescribing privileges.
In terms of salary, the median annual wage for an RN in May 2012 was $65,470, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This career is expected to grow 19 percent by the year 2022, which is much faster than average than all other occupations. Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives on the other hand, earned a median annual salary of $96,460 in the same year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and those careers can expect to see an even higher percentage of growth at 31 percent. It should be noted that these figures will vary widely based on the number of years of experience a nurse has, the practice for which he or she works, their geographic location and other factors.
These and other factors should be considered when deciding what online nursing degree to pursue. However, students who are certain they want to work within the nursing field, and who want to have the best opportunities and highest earning potential, will do best to pursue an MSN degree. Current BSN holders should research funding opportunities within the organization for which they work; as more and more employers endeavor to employ a highly-educated workforce, many have developed scholarship programs to help their RNs earn MSN status while working full time.