Online MSN Programs
Why are online MSN programs important for nurses? Where can you study an MSN and what would your salary be as a graduate?
An online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares you to be a nurse leader - someone who can demonstrate advanced critical thinking, communication, and decision making skills.
Online MSN programs prepare nurses to use research findings to improve health outcomes, as well as use knowledge of healthcare policy, systems, change and finance to effectively manage available resources. The programs are developed to create strong, visionary nurse leaders.
What is studied in online MSN programs?
Typically, online MSN programs would include: communication skills; critical thinking and decision-making skills; leadership and management theory; human and finacial resource planning; evidence based practices to improve quality of healthcare; the role of the nurse leader/manager; theories of nursing, systems, change, leadership and management.
A masters program prepares nurse leaders to use this knowledge together with theories from nursing and related disciplines to improve the environment in which healthcare is delivered.
Which schools offer online MSN programs?
Online MSN programs are popular and so they are offered by several schools. Capella University offers 2 specializations for an MSN. Both incorporate the Essentials of Master‘s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, with a focus on nursing education.
The following are among those I recommend.
- Capella University:
- MSN Nurse Educator
- MSN Nurse Educator Bridge.
- University of Phoenix Online:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN);
- Master of Science in Nursing/Integrative Health;
- Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management (MSN/MBA/HCM) dual degree program;
- Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Health Administration (MSN/MHA).
- Norwich University:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
- Walden University:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN);
- Master of Public Health (M.P.H.);
- Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.);
- M.S. in Clinical Research Administration;
- M.S. in Mental Health Counseling.
Links to these and a Search Box for other schools can be found in the column on the right.
Online RN to MSN
Some schools/colleges offer online RN to MSN programs. These accelerated online MSN programs are designed for graduates of Associate Degree Nursing programs who wish to earn the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. RN to MSN programs can allow nurses to pursue a master's degree while they still work on their Bachelor's degree. Nurses completing these accelerated programs earn their BS in Nursing and MS in Nursing degrees at a faster pace and lower cost than completing each degree separately. Alternatively, in some cases RN to MSN programs allow nurses to pursue a master's degree without completing a BSN at all.
Which schools offer online RN to MSN programs?
The following are among the online RN to MSN programs I recommend.
- University of Phoenix Online:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN);
- Master of Science in Nursing/Integrative Health;
- Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration/Health Care Management (MSN/MBA/HCM) dual degree program;
- Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Health Administration (MSN/MHA).
- Walden University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with streams in:
- RN Education;
- RN Leadership;
- Management and RN Nursing Informatics.
Links to these and a Search Box for other schools can be found in the column on the right.
How much can graduates of online MSN programs expect to earn?
Salary is only one aspect of choosing a career. But a good salary helps even when you are doing something that you love. With an MSN, your salary will obviously depend on which nursing role you pursue. Family Nurse Practitioners can earn over $71,000 and Directors of Nursing can earn over $92,000 (source: PayScale, 2009).
More information about online MSN programs
Explore the links on this page to find out more about suitable schools for pursuing online MSN programs.
If you don't find what you want here or want to make a comment, you can always discuss it in the online MSN programs topic of the online subjects and programs forum.
