Academics: College of Nursing: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (2024)

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares students to focus their practice on the identified health needs of society, become leaders in their field through scholarship, influence the quality of patient care, manage technology and information, gain autonomy in their careers, and develop a lifelong commitment to learning. The MSN program offers a range of specializations in the most critical areas of nursing today.

Note:The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered in two different learning modalities: the course-based modality and the competency-based modality, Tempo Learning®.

Accreditation

Academics: College of Nursing: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (1)

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Note on Certification

The MSN nurse practitioner specializations are designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for national nurse practitioner certification exams, which are required for practice as a nurse practitioner in most states. Because no graduate program can guarantee that graduates will be permitted to practice as a nurse practitioner upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate Board of Nursing or state agency to determine specific certification exam requirements. Walden enrollment specialists can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she resides, as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information about nurse practitioner certification exams, students should visit the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCBB), or other nurse practitioner websites.

Note on Licensure

The MSN nurse practitioner specializations are designed to prepare graduates with an active registered nurse (RN) license to practice as nurse practitioners. However, each state Board of Nursing has its own academic and certification requirements and issues its own credential for an RN to be permitted to practice as a nurse practitioner in that state. Because no graduate program can guarantee that graduates will be permitted to practice as a nurse practitioner upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate Board of Nursing or state agency in the state in which he or she resides to determine specific requirements. Additionally, prospective students are advised if they choose to relocate to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate. Walden enrollment specialists can provide general guidance relating to the state-by-state requirements for practice as a nurse practitioner; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to the practice as a nurse practitioner in the state in which he or she resides, as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. For more information about the requirements to practice as a nurse practitioner, students should contact the appropriate Board of Nursing or state agency.

Prospective Alabama students:State approval of a program to offer Alabama licensed nurses’ opportunities for advanced degrees does not indicate eligibility for approval to practice as an advanced nurse in Alabama. Applications for approval in Alabama are required to meet the Alabama requirements for national certification, graduation from a specific-type program for the advanced practice approval, and completion of the appropriate application. Any program offering a pre-licensure track to Alabama students shall meet the requirements of the Alabama regulations for pre-licensure programs or the graduates may not be eligible to take the national licensure examination required by the Alabama Board of Nursing to enter the practice.www.abn.alabama.gov

Prospective Washington students:Walden University is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to provide practice experiences in Washington State for a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Leadership and Management, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, as well as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. For more information, go to the following website:https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission/NursingEducation/NursingPrograms.

Academics: College of Nursing: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (2024)

FAQs

Is a Masters of Science in Nursing the same as a MSN? ›

Even today, you will sometimes see a school that offers both degrees -- with the MS requiring a thesis and/or the mastery of a foreign language in preparation for a research/teaching career while the MSN focuses more on clinical practice projects and make a thesis optional.

Is MSN in nursing education worth it? ›

An MSN is a valuable degree that can open doors to leadership positions, advanced practice roles, and countless other fulfilling career options in the healthcare industry. It can offer you the chance to specialize in a particular area of nursing and gain expertise in your chosen field.

Is a Master of Science in Nursing the same as a bachelor of science in nursing? ›

Differences Between a BSN and MSN

Individuals considering earning either a BSN or MSN should consider their personal long-term career goals. The primary difference between the degrees is that an MSN provides nurses with more career options and opportunities to increase their annual salaries.

Is MSN higher than NP? ›

In order to practice as a nurse practitioner, you need to earn both a BSN and a graduate degree. One of the most common graduate degrees pursued by aspiring nurse practitioners is the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which is really going to be the lowest level of education you can complete and work as an NP.

What is a nurse with a MSN called? ›

MSN graduates often go on to become advanced practice nurses, taking on roles as nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists or nurse practitioners.

How many years is a MSN degree? ›

The length of most master's in nursing programs is two to three years, but completion times vary based on a student's schedule and preferences. For example, many who pursue a master's degree in nursing already are healthcare professionals, so they may choose to take classes part time while they work.

What percentage of nurses have a MSN degree? ›

In 2022, 17.4% of the nation's registered nurses held a master's degree and 2.7% held a doctoral degree as their highest educational preparation. The current demand for master's- and doctorally prepared nurses for advanced practice, clinical specialties, teaching, and research roles far outstrips the supply.

Does MSN pay more than BSN? ›

MSN-holders make thousands more per year than those with BSNs. Nurses with BSNs bring in less than $53,000 for the lowest 10% to more than $116,000 for the highest 10%. The lowest 10% of MSN-educated nurses earn less than $84,000, and the highest 10% make more than $190,000.

Can you teach with an MSN? ›

Nursing professionals who have a calling to educate their peers, patients, and new medical students can choose to earn their MSN degree with a Nurse Educator role specialty. Nursing schools and healthcare organizations employ nurse educators to mentor, train, or teach in the classroom or onsite.

What is the highest degree in nursing Science? ›

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The DNP is the highest degree for nursing practice. In addition to APRN concentrations, DNP programs may prepare graduates for careers in organizational and executive leadership, health policy, or nursing informatics.

Is master of nursing the same as NP? ›

Not exactly. The biggest and most important difference to consider when examining the MSN vs. NP – is all about potential career outcomes. As described above, MSN degree programs often prepare students for administrative careers in nursing, such as Nurse Administrator, Nurse Executive, or Clinical Nurse Leader.

Which is harder, BSN or MSN? ›

The main reason an MSN is harder than a BSN is the curriculum is quite rigorous. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is an undergraduate program.

What is a nurse with a master's called? ›

Master's in Nursing (MSN)

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who is educated at the master's level or higher, and represents a step up in responsibilities and autonomy compared to registered nurses.

Does DNP pay more than MSN? ›

According to EMSI, the median advertised salary for an RN with an MSN is $95.5K, compared to $117K for an RN with a DNP. However, your salary can vary widely depending on which career path you choose. Let's look at top careers and average salaries for each degree.

How long is NP after MSN? ›

A post-master's graduate certificate program for NPs is a non-degree program that provides MSN-trained nurses with only the coursework and clinical training necessary to qualify for certification and licensure in an NP specialization. These programs can typically be completed in roughly one to two years.

Is it better to get an MSN or MHA? ›

If you want to stay within the nursing hierarchy, get at least and MSN (if not DNP) in Nursing Administration. Getting a dual degree with an MSN with either and MBA or MHA, is even better. If you don't want to stay within the nursing hierarchy, then having a graduate degree in nursing is not necessary.

What is Masters of Science in Nursing? ›

What is an MSN degree? A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is a graduate-level degree for advanced practice registered nurses. It is most often completed after a nurse obtains their bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field and registered nurse license.

What is the best nursing Master's degree to get? ›

The Best MSNs for Nurses
  • Nursing Research. ...
  • Nursing Informatics. ...
  • Nurse Anesthetist. ...
  • Nurse Midwife. ...
  • Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Holistic Nurse Practitioner. ...
  • Public Health. ...
  • Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The aging population is increasing, and this trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

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