In the past, nurses started their schooling career by choosing between becoming a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse. RNs require a higher level of education and are usually in school for two years. They also receive more responsibilities in the field and a higher pay rate. Nurses who wanted to move into management someday could go for the full four-year degree with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. However, there’s another option growing in popularity, and that’s the Master’s Degree in Nursing.
More Knowledge and More Open Doors
With a master’s degree, nurses expand their horizons. There are a growing number of jobs that require a master’s degree for consideration, and these come with much higher pay rates. Among jobs that only require a BSN, applicants who have a master’s may have an edge over other applicants. Some nurses want to get their Masters in Nursing simply for the additional knowledge as it may improve their ability to help people.
No More Obstacles with New Programs
There are new programs in place that make earning a Master’s in Nursing easier than ever before. Online programs such as the OU MSN allow students to continue working full-time while they’re in college. Programs are finished in 27 to 30 months, and arrangements can be made to fit the clinicals into a busy schedule.
The Shift into Nurse Practitioner
An increasing number of doctors are hiring nurse practitioners to help them with their workload. These people can do everything the doctor does, but they operate under his or her supervision. It allows them to get more in-depth with treatment and develop a stronger relationship with patients in their care. Nurse practitioners also earn a good deal more than RNs, and the MSN is an important part of the advancement process.
Across the nation, institutions of higher learning such as Ohio University are offering a greater range of nursing programs. More facilities are requiring RNs to have their bachelor’s or master’s degrees, and the colleges are responding by changing their programs. With the availability of online classes, working nurses can fit the course load into busy schedules and earn the next higher degree. In addition to the professional rewards, there are also personal rewards associated with making this change and advancing to a higher level of education.
About Jammie Morey
Speak Your Mind