MSN – Adult Nursing
Students who want advanced nursing careers may consider becoming adult nurse practitioners (ANPs). ANPs diagnose, treat, evaluate and manage critical illness and disease in adults. An MSN in adult nursing prepares students for the advanced practice of nursing in the primary health care of adults. ANPs are qualified to diagnose and treat patients over the age of 12 and supervise registered nurses (RNs).
Overview of a MSN – Adult Nursing Program
- Students focus on the study of at risk and critically ill patients and their families who are cared for in ambulatory or extended care settings.
- Students can further specialize in an area of the body (cardiology), type of care (emergency), or type of disease (cancer).
- Students often work one-on-one with patients to ensure an accurate health assessment.
- Courses provide nurses a structure for the use of research and theory as a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of illness in adults.
- Additional coursework includes advanced pharmacology, diagnostics, and clinical management.
Steps to Become a Adult Nurse
- Earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.
- Receive a Registered Nurse Certification.
- Enroll and complete a MSN program with a concentration in adult nursing.
- Obtain ANP certification and proper licensure, which varies by state.
Adult Nursing Salary and Career Information
- Estimated Salary: $54,000-$92,000 (determined by place of employment and area of specialty), according to Payscale.com.
- Job Setting: Hospitals, clinics, private practices, home care organizations, and government departments.
- Job Prospects: Excellent, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online MSN – Adult Nursing Degrees
Earn an Online Nurse Practitioner Degree
A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who holds a graduate-level degree. While in most states RNs currently need only a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree to become nurse practitioners, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has proposed that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) be the minimum requirement for all advanced practice nurses by 2015. Listed below are the best online colleges offering accredited MSN and DNP degrees.
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Georgetown University — The Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies offers two online Master of Science in nursing degrees. The MS in family nurse practitioner program prepares students for careers as family nurses. The MS in midwifery / women's health nurse practitioner program perpares students for careers as nurse practitioners who specialize as midwives and caring for female patients. |
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University of Phoenix — The Master of Science in nursing for nurse practitioners from the University of Phoenix is a flexible online program from an accredited school. Students will learn advanced nursing skills, finance, change management, and evidence-based nursing research. Upon completion, graduates will be well prepared to advance their nursing careers. MSN specialties are offered in health education and health informatics. Dual degrees (MSN + MBA and MSN + MHA) are also available. |
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Kaplan University — The MSN nurse administration, nurse education, and nurse informatics degree programs from Kaplan allows nurses with bachelor's degrees to take their careers to the next level. Students of these programs will learn advanced nursing theory, health policy, evidence-based decision making, financing, and more. |
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University of Cincinnati — The MS in nursing degree program with a specialization in women's health practice offered online by the University of Cincinnati is geared toward nursing students wanting to receive expert training on women's health issues. Cincinnati also offers many other nurse practitioner degree programs, including MSN specialties in clinical nursing, nurse midwifery, and psychiatric & mental health nursing. |
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South University — South University has built a reputation on class flexibility and affordability. Their MSN program for nurse practitioners is no exception. This program is ideal for registered nurses who may be too busy with work for full-time campus classes, but looking for professional advancement in their respective careers by earning an online degree. |
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