MSN – Nurse Practitioner

When getting a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), students are asked to choose one of four routes: Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). Becoming an NP is the most popular choice for RNs, as this educational path opens nurses up to working in numerous areas of medicine. NPs are typically clinicians, rather than working in research, education, or administration.

Overview of a MSN – Nurse Practitioner Program

Students train to work in advanced positions, such as working as a head nurse or even heading a practice of their own.
Students learn to perform comprehensive health assessments; conduct risk analyses; provide patient education and counseling to promote wellness; diagnose and treat common health problems; and maximize the functional and self-care abilities of individuals of all ages.
The curriculum is designed to give students clinical experiences and knowledge in health promotion, pathophysiology, physical/assessment diagnosis, and acute/chronic illness management.
Coursework teaches students to work with certain age groups (pediatrics, adults, or geriatrics), patients dealing with a certain type of disease (like cancer), in a specific facility (like emergency rooms), or with one part of the body (like cardiology).
Though clinical rotations and extensive practice, students prepare to diagnose and treat an extensive variety of health issues within certain age groups in several health care settings.

Steps to Become a Nurse Practitioner

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 Nurse Practitioner program.
Obtain NP certification and proper licensure, which varies by state.

Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Information

Estimated Salary: $57,967 – $100,087 (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 – Nurse Practitioner Degrees

Earn an Online Nurse Practitioner Degree

Online nurse practitioner programs have grown in popularity in recent years as more accredited schools have begun offering online alternatives to these degrees. Combining flexibility with the lack of campus visitation required these programs are ideal for working professionals. By clicking on links below, you can request information from each school about its tuition, classes, and programs.

MS in Family Nursing MS in Midwifery/Women's Health	Georgetown University — Stationed out of Washington DC, Georgetown University is a cultural and social hub and is one of the oldest schools in the nation. The school has two online nursing programs available, an MSN in Family Nursing and an MSN in Midwifery and Women's Health. Georgetown is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Click Here Click Here
MSN in Nurse Admin MSN in Nurse Informatics	Kaplan University — Kaplan University's online presence is almost unmatched, offering over 170 online degrees and programs, including MSN in Nurse Administration, MSN in Nurse Education, and MSN in Nurse Informatics. However, there are also 70 campuses across the country for those interested in a more traditional education. Kaplan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Click Here Click Here
MS in Nursing MSN/MBA Dual Degree MSN/MHA Dual Degree MSN in Health Education MSN in Health Informatics	University of Phoenix — While it may not be surprising that the University of Phoenix is based in Phoenix, AZ, the school does have over 200 additional locations around the country. Phoenix has more than 200 online programs available, with nursing degrees in Health Education, Health Informatics, and a general track. Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Click Here Click Here
RN to MSN MSN in Case Management MSN in Infection Prevention MSN in Management MSN in Nursing Informatics	American Sentinel University — American Sentinel University is an online college focused on technology, business, and healthcare. The school offers several nursing programs like the RN to MSN bridge programs or the MSN in Nursing Informatics. All of these programs require no campus visitation and can be completed online entirely. ASU has an accreditation by the Distance Education and Training Council. Click Here Click Here
MSN in Nurse Educator MSN in Nurse Educator Bridge	Capella University — Based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Capella University is an online school with over 37000 current students across the nation. Its online programs like MSN in Nurse Educator (Bridge option also available) have one-to-one tutoring, accelerated study, and low student to teacher ratios. Capella holds several accreditations, including The Higher Learning Commission and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Click Here Click Here
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