Benefits of a Master's Degree in Nursing
What is the difference between the average RN and those who qualify for the highest-paying positions? While medical specialty, experience, and location play a big role in average pay, one of the biggest indicators of financial success for RNs is education. What are some of the other benefits of getting a master’s degree in nursing?
Spend Less Time Creating the Perfect Career
The minimum education requirements for nurses varies slightly by state. However, three routes to earning the title of RN are generally accepted by all governing boards.
- Associates degree program
- Bachelor’s degree program
- Diploma
The credentials must be earned from an accredited institution. Each degree level prepares students to take on more responsibility in a professional medical setting. They also prepare you to successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This required examination tests your grasp of medical knowledge and procedures.
Once a student passes the NCLEX-RN, they are qualified for most entry-level nursing positions. To qualify for higher-paying positions like nurse manager or nurse director, these candidates will need to spend years gaining practical experience and learning on-the-job.
Obtaining a master’s degree in nursing shortens the amount of time a person needs to work to gain the knowledge needed to run departments, teach, or develop health and safety programs for corporations and community organizations. The course of study required for the master’s degree delivers the information nurses need to benefit their medical offices on a larger scale. Keep in mind, a nurse still must have a certain amount of experience in order to be qualified for one of these roles.
Work Less, Earn More
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 61% of RNs worked in hospitals in 2016. These nurses are often required to work difficult 12-hour shifts. The hours are long, and demand a high level of mental and physical energy. Holidays, weekends, and other special occasions are regularly compromised in order to fill in needed shifts.
A master’s degree in nursing qualifies you for management and directive positions that rarely require overtime or taxing physical labor. These positions usually stick to standard office hours. If not, the schedules are more accommodating to an average lifestyle. Getting the higher degree gives nurses the ability to work fewer hours while still earning higher-than-average pay.
Career Mobility
Gaining your master’s degree in nursing might give you the ability to shape the career of your dreams. Directors and managers who are as skilled at organizing people and data as they are at performing medical duties are essential to the daily operations of large medical practices and teaching hospitals. With a master’s degree and your specialized job experience, you could select job opportunities that match your interests, abilities, and personal goals.
Your credentials could put you at the top of every medical office’s resume pile. A master’s degree means you might never have to settle for a position that doesn’t challenge and reward your experience and efforts.
Transitioning to a New Career with a Master’s Degree in Nursing
For those already employed in the medical field, a master’s degree in nursing is a great way to infuse life into a career. A master’s degree may qualify you for more prestigious positions in your current workplace. Or use the degree to gain the skills and knowledge needed to change directions. If you are employed as a biller, coder, nursing aide, or therapist, a master’s degree in nursing can open doors to satisfying positions that let you help more people while earning a great salary.
Transitioning to a new career can be tough. Many students pursuing higher degrees need to work while studying. Competing demands on your time and attention can make getting your degree seem like a fantasy. However, there are accelerated learning programs that give you all the knowledge of a traditional program with less hassle.
Are you a BSN nurse looking to take your career to the next level? ECPI University offers a Master of Science in Nursing program aimed to suit your needs. With an accelerated pace and online availability, you could graduate sooner to start looking for jobs faster. For more information on this exciting degree program, connect with a knowledgeable admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Master of Science in Nursing
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