The health care industry is transforming as it adapts to technological advancements, changes in the patient population, and a growing emphasis on preventative care. This transformation requires bold, future-focused leaders in all areas of health care, especially nursing. Nurses have been — and will continue to be — on the front lines of this dynamic field.
These changes, along with a nursing shortage, means the job outlook for nurses is strong. This is especially true for nurses who have postgraduate training and can provide primary care independently. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts roles for nurses involved in treatment and diagnostics to grow 10% between 2019 and 2029, more than twice the average growth of all careers and higher than the 7% projected for registered nurses.
You can take advantage of these opportunities by pursuing an advanced degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). There are many factors worth evaluating when deciding between an MSN and DNP, depending on your background and desired career path.
When choosing a graduate program, you should consider the requirements and time commitments for each option.
MSN programs
The coursework for an MSN includes both classroom and clinical experience. Most MSN programs include advanced coursework in health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. In addition, you will likely have the opportunity to tailor your degree in a chosen specialty that prepares you to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
If you’re interested in pursuing an MSN, you have many paths to reach your goals, even if you have no previous experience or training as a nurse.
- Entry-level master’s degree
- An entry-level MSN is for students who have a non-nursing bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Program completion typically takes two to three years
- Students finish the work required for an RN in the first year.
- RN to MSN
- This option is for students who already have an associate degree in nursing.
- Program completion typically takes two to three years.
- BSN to MSN
- This kind of program is for nurses who already have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Program completion typically takes 18 months to two years.
DNP programs
The DNP presents nurses who already have a BSN or MSN with a practice-based alternative to a research-based doctoral program, such as a Ph.D. DNP programs may offer post-master’s or post-baccalaureate options. Currently, there are more BSN to DNP programs than MSN to DNP programs, a trend that is likely to continue.
The DNP curriculum includes advanced study of evidence-based practices, quality-of-care improvement, and systems leadership. That means you can gain significant clinical experience as you prepare to translate research into practice.
DNP programs include many of the same courses found in an MSN program but also include coursework in leadership, quality improvement, policy advocacy, systems thinking, and informatics. In addition, the DNP requires 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours.
One key DNP requirement is a final project. This is not a dissertation, but a tangible project that can take many different forms. For example, you may submit a portfolio examining the impacts or outcomes of a particular practice. Alternatively, you may explore ways to change a practice and organize a pilot program for that change. The goal is to produce a project, reviewed by an academic committee, that explores ways to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice.
The paths to a DNP can vary based on your educational and professional background. These factors also determine the length of time it will take to earn a DNP.
- MSN to DNP
- Program completion typically takes at least 12 months.
- The degree requirements include 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practice hours.
- The curriculum includes a final project.
- BSN to DNP
- Program completion typically takes three to four years.
- The last 12 months consists of doctoral-level coursework.
- The degree requirements include 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practice hours.
- The curriculum includes a final project.
With an MSN, you can deliver advanced patient care in a variety of different practice areas. You can also research, teach, work in public policy, take on leadership roles, or work as a consultant. Many clinical nurses become APRNs.
To become an APRN, you must have earned at least a master’s degree with coursework tailored to your desired APRN role, pass a national certification exam, and earn a license in one of four areas: nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or certified nurse midwife. MSN programs are available for aspiring APRNs, but more schools are shifting toward DNP programs.
Nurse practitioner
Most APRNs choose the nurse practitioner (NP) specialty role. NPs deliver primary and acute care independently without direct oversight by a physician. They are qualified to order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests such as blood work and X-rays. NPs manage ongoing conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and treat injuries, infections, and other acute conditions. They also prescribe medications if needed. Their services as primary care providers are particularly crucial in underserved areas with limited access to quality health care.
Clinical nurse specialist
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) handle many of the same tasks as NPs. However, they focus less on primary patient care and more on the management or supervision of a department, clinic, or hospital staff. They typically practice within a defined patient population, location, or disease type. CNSs may specialize in any number of areas, including adult health, acute/critical care, or community health.
Certified registered nurse anesthetist
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) deliver the full spectrum of anesthesia care. They play a critical role by providing anesthesia services in nearly all rural hospitals nationwide. They provide patients with pain care, trauma stabilization, and surgical services they would otherwise not be able to receive.
Certified nurse midwife
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) deliver gynecological, obstetric, and newborn care. Primary care and preventive care account for 90% of CNM visits, which can include addressing reproductive health issues or treating sexually transmitted diseases. CNMs provide care in diverse settings, including private homes, hospitals, birthing centers, and ambulatory care settings.
Nurses who have earned a DNP can work as APRNs in the same specialty roles — NP, CNS, CRNA, and CNM — as nurses with an MSN. However, nurses with a DNP may enjoy more advanced career opportunities, as the DNP includes coursework in health care policy, leadership, informatics, systems thinking, and quality improvement. Many employers seek nurses with a DNP for administrative or executive roles, such as chief nursing officer (CNO). In addition, an increasing number of employers consider the DNP a standard requirement for APRN roles.
As more nursing instructors reach retirement age, a shortage of nursing faculty members is also driving the demand for nurses with a DNP. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nursing programs turned away more than 80,000 qualified applicants in 2019, with most schools pointing to lack of faculty as a primary reason. Current initiatives to address nursing faculty shortages will further drive the demand for nursing instructors with a DNP. Nursing instructors teach patient care in both academic and clinical settings, and some nursing instructors perform research in addition to teaching.
The BLS projects the employment of nurses with an advanced degree, such as APRNs, to grow significantly over the next decade, much faster than average for all careers. It projects jobs for nurse practitioners, for example, to grow 52%.
Nurses play a critical part in health care delivery, and pursuing an advanced degree can bring more opportunity to today’s jobseekers.
The BLS lists the median annual salaries for nurses in the following roles:
- CRNA: $174,790
- NP: $109,820
- CNM: $105,030
- College or university nursing instructors: $83,240
Typically, salary increases along with your level of education. Industry and geographic location are also factors.
The decision to pursue an MSN vs. DNP depends on your goals. Many MSN programs have credit loads similar to DNP programs. If a DNP is part of your path, then a BSN to DNP may be more efficient and save you time and money in the long run. On the other hand, stepping from BSN to MSN and then to DNP is the more traditional path and may be the best option if you’re employed full time and have a family or financial demands.
Find the right program for you
The health care industry’s ongoing transformation, combined with a nursing shortage, has created new opportunities for nurses with advanced degrees to take on leadership roles and help shape the future of the field. With so many options, including online MSN programs and online DNP programs, choosing which advanced nursing degree to pursue can be tough. Pearson Pathways can help. Explore different graduate nursing programs to find the right fit for you.
Find your path
[1] American Association of Colleges of Nursing
[2] National Council of State Boards of Nursing
[3] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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