MSN – Acute Care
When students enroll in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, they must choose one area in which to specialize. Most programs include acute care as one of the choices. Acute care is immediate medical care to treat extreme but brief illnesses. Acute care nurses are qualified to work in a number of facilities and situations, including emergency rooms and on ambulances.
Overview of a MSN – Acute Care Program
- Students learn to provide direct patient care to adults with critical and complex illnesses.
- Students learn how to manage patient behavior and how to communicate with family members in highly emotional states.
- Students gain comprehensive knowledge of nursing theory and research, critical thinking, differential diagnosis, problem solving, case analysis and advanced technical skills.
- Most programs require clinical rotations so students learn best care practices and gain hands-on experience.
- Students learn how to integrate the patient’s care across the field of acute care services in association with other health care professionals, families, and patients.
Steps to Become a Acute Care 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 acute care.
- Obtain ACNP certification and proper licensure, which varies by state.
Acute Care Nurse Salary and Career Information
- Estimated Salary: $53,844 – $109,000 (determined by place of employment and area of specialty), according to Payscale.com.
- Job Setting: Private practices, outpatient care centers, nursing homes, hospitals (intensive care unit), neonatal unit, internal medicine clinics, ambulatory care, family practice offices.
- Job Prospects: Excellent, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online MSN for Nurse Practitioners – Acute Care Degrees
There are currently no Acute Care MSN programs available.
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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