RN to MSN – Nurse Practitioner

When students enter a master of science in nursing (MSN) program, they are asked to choose one of four education tracks: Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). An RN to MSN program is the most efficient way to become a nurse practitioner as quickly as possible without sacrificing educational quality. Within a few years, students are qualified for higher-paying jobs in leadership positions.

Overview of a RN to MSN – Nurse Practitioner Program

• Many RN to MSN programs require students to choose a specialty from the start, which gives them the advantage of getting specialized training in their field even before they complete their BSN.
• Students learn to diagnose and treat patients in their field, as opposed to clinical nurse specialists, who typically work in administration, research, and education.
• Students study how to effectively communicate with patients on planning goals that facilitate wellness, health, healing and well-being.
• The curriculum incorporates adult learning principles and recognizes prior academic course work, continuing education and clinical expertise.
• Courses include content in the following subject areas: anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, sociology, general psychology, developmental psychology, and health assessment skills.

Steps to Obtain a RN to MSN

1. Earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.
2. Receive a Registered Nurse Certification.
3. Enroll and complete a RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner program.
4. Obtain NP certification and proper licensure, which varies by state.

Salary and Career Information

• Estimated Salary: $56,967 – $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 RN to MSN – Nurse Practitioner Degrees

• MSN – Education (RN to MSN): Western Governors University
• RN to MS in Nursing: American Sentinel University
• RN to MSN: Nurse Educator: Gonzaga University
• RN to MSN – CNL: Sacred Heart University
• RN to MSN – NE: Sacred Heart University
• RN to MSN – PCSA: Sacred Heart University
• RN to MSN: South University
• RN to MSN – Adult Health Nurse Practitioner: South University
• RN to MSN – General Track: Walden University
• RN to MSN Option: Grantham University

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.

MS in Family Nursing MS in Midwifery/Women's Health	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. 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 — 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. Click Here Click Here
MSN in Nurse Admin MSN in Nurse Informatics	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. Click Here Click Here
MSN in Clinical Nursing MSN in Nurse Midwifery MSN in Psychiatric Health MSN in Women's Health	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. Click Here Click Here
MSN for Nurse Practitioners	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. Click Here Click Here
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