Master of Science in Nursing: Salary
Being a nurse is a calling. It is one of the careers that couples compassion with skill when interacting with people. While a bachelor's degree is enough to make you a nurse, anyone seeking to take their career a step further must consider a Master of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN). The master’s degree will open up new opportunities and responsibilities. Let's take a closer look at what to expect after you earn your MSN degree.
Gives You the Power to Specialize
The Master of Science in Nursing will give you advanced skills by letting you specialize in a niche of the nursing field. With an MSN, you can give most of the healthcare services a physician is qualified to do. This is particularly important in the current field since combining a physician and a nurse into one person is a great way to cut down on costs.
This coupled with the fact that most physicians have packed schedules means that health institutions with an MSN holder can afford to take on more clients and only have the nurse refer serious cases to the resident physician.
Nurses who have earned a Master of Science in Nursing will have the opportunity to pursue the following positions:
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse Practitioners are the closest to physicians. They diagnose and treat acute illnesses, infections and injuries. The nurse can sanction or conduct diagnostic tests and combine the findings with patient medical histories to come up with a complete prescription and treatment plan for any patient.
Certified Nurse Anesthetic (CRNA)
CRNAs are among the best-paid registered nurses right now. The certification gives you the freedom to practice in all the 50 states and you will be in the operation room with professional surgeons, podiatrists, anesthesiologists and dentists.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
As a clinical nurse specialist, you will focus on expertise in specific areas. You can be involved in reviewing treatment programs, suggesting adjustments, creating policies and procedures, educating and mentoring other nurses. You work will mostly focus on improving health care conditions and procedures rather than delivering service directly to the patient.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
If you love babies, you will be well suited to being a certified nurse midwife. Your work will revolve around pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, prenatal, or newborn care.
Expected Salaries for Master of Science in Nursing Holders
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the 2015 median pay for Master of Science in Nursing holders was at $104,740 per year and $50.36 per hour. This salary estimation involves data points gathered from Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners.
With the job growth rate estimated to hit a much faster than average rate of 31% between 2014 and 2024, getting a Master’s Degree in nursing is one of the best ways to further your career and improve your bargaining power in the healthcare market.
The growth will stay steady due to the effects of firm healthcare legislation that make it easier for more American citizens to access quality healthcare services. This combined with an increased emphasis on prevention and an aging baby-boom population that is conscious of old age complications means that more and more people will be looking for professional nursing care.
Expected Work Environment
The specialization you choose during you master’s degree will determine your work environment. Even though most of the MSN holders will deploy to health care settings like hospitals and physician offices, some can make their way to schools, daycare centers or assisted living institutions.
Your work time will not be any different from a regular nurse and you will work in shifts. Moreover, chances are that you will be expected to be available on call to handle any emergencies even if you are not on shift.
Is it the Right Career Path for You?
The healthcare future lies in the hands of capable nurses interested in stepping up to earn their MSN degrees.. Consequently, hospitals, outpatient clinics and other specialty providers will need skilled nurses to meet patient demands without compromising on quality of service delivered.
Since it is easier and faster to train a nurse that it is to train a physician, providing more advanced nurse positions will be the trend. Getting your Master’s of Science in Nursing would be a great way to place yourself at the center of the job market's need.
Do you believe you're suited to earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)? If you are considering expanding your career to include a graduate degree in nursing, consider ECPI University for your education. With accelerated classes and flexible scheduling you can continue working while studying and finish your degree sooner. If you'd like more information, contact a friendly admissions counselor today to take the first step.
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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