Nursing offers numerous opportunities for advancement beyond practicing as a Registered Nurse. These include nurse practitioners, nurse managers, cardiac, neonatal, oncological, or forensic nurses. Some hospitals and healthcare organizations prefer a Master of Science in Nursing candidate for daily nursing duties. And to pursue a career in nursing informatics or hospital administration, completing a Master of Science in Nursing is all but required.
One nursing career opportunity requiring a Master of Science in Nursing is the position of Nurse Educator. The Master of Science in Nursing -Nursing Education is a graduate degree. While Registered Nurses have achieved a Bachelor’s degree in clinical care, the Master of Science degree expands the knowledge base and clinical practice skills while building leadership abilities.
Nurse educators teach at universities, clinical settings, hospitals, and vocational schools. And they instruct at all levels of nursing, from fundamental nursing to specialized training – demonstrating and teaching patient care to nursing students.
On the whole, Master of Science in Nursing programs are challenging, but they allow individuals to become experts in their field. And while entry-level nursing education requires a more traditional location-oriented route, many advanced nursing degrees, such as an MSN Nursing Education online program, can be completed entirely online.
One significant benefit of choosing an online program is convenience – allowing individuals to optimize their personal and professional schedules around the necessary coursework. Those seeking an MSN in Nursing Education will learn didactic and clinical skills. These two-year (24-month) programs offer classes in pedagogical development, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health policy, and research development. A teaching practicum allows individuals to teach in their community for real-world experience.
Eligibility and applications for admission to an MSN Nursing Education online program are straightforward – primarily online.
Academic requirements often include:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN from an accredited nursing program
- An active and unfettered Registered Nursing license
- Clinical care experience as a Registered Nurse
- Official transcripts – all colleges and universities
- A minimum GPA and specific coursework
Graduate degrees can be expensive. However, online programs can be an affordable alternative to on-campus learning. The MSN Nursing Education online Program democratizes fees by having equal tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Online programs minimize expenses and reduce costs. When considering financial assistance and counseling, look for an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited online program. The ACEN is a not-for-profit organization that ensures education standards and academic integrity for all students. ACEN accredited programs offer financial counseling – discussing appropriate student loans, grants, and the navigation of military education benefits.
Nurse educators are in strong demand across the United States. Most major metropolitan areas need qualified, experienced nurse educators. And according to the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing), nurse educators are in such demand that prospective nursing students are being turned away because there are not enough instructors. In fact, the number of open positions has increased by almost 10% in the last decade.
Many consider nurse educators vital to nursing’s future. As the medical landscape changes, educators will be tasked with helping nurses develop the skills needed to provide necessary healthcare. For individuals who hold an MSN in Nursing Education, there is potential for higher income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse educators in the United States earn a median salary of $82,040.
Many nurse educators combine teaching, nursing, and research – further increasing their potential income. Pharmaceutical Nurse Educators earned over $99,000, and the highest wages for nurse educators were listed at over $125,000. Additionally, due to the high demand, full-time tenured nursing professors earn over $200,000.