Nursing is one of the most essential and rewarding professions in the healthcare industry. It provides a wide range of opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in this field, and a master’s degree in nursing can open the door to even more exciting and advanced roles. With the increasing demand for highly skilled nurses, a master’s degree in nursing has become a sought-after degree for many aspiring and current nurses.
This blog will explore the different types of Master’s degrees in nursing, the career paths they offer, and what you can expect from each program.
Whether you’re a new nurse looking to advance your career or an experienced nurse seeking new challenges, this guide will help you choose the right Master’s degree in nursing to meet your goals and aspirations.
3 Different Types of Master’s Degrees in Nursing
There are three main types of Master’s degrees in Nursing:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): This degree program focuses on advanced nursing practices and prepares graduates for advanced nursing roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse educator.
- Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA): This degree program focuses on the administration and management of healthcare organizations and prepares graduates for leadership positions in healthcare management.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): This degree program focuses on the principles and practices of public health, including health promotion and disease prevention, health policy and management, and biostatistics and epidemiology. Graduates of this program may work in public health organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
As these types need further clarification and elaboration, let’s explore all the requirements, specialties, and career opportunities.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level degree program in nursing that provides advanced training and education for registered nurses (RNs).
The program prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare organizations and enhances their knowledge and skills in specialized nursing practice.
A master’s degree in nursing is often the requirement for advanced nursing practice positions such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse administrator.
Specialties
There are several specialties within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, including:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Pediatrics Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP)
- Pediatrics Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Administration
- Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Executive Leader in Healthcare
These specialties allow students to focus on specific areas of nursing practice and develop expertise in those areas.
Admissions Requirements
The admissions requirements for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program may vary depending on the school and specialty but generally include the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution
- Active, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license
- An overall GPA of at least 2.5
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or essay outlining the student’s reasons for pursuing an MSN degree
- A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Proof of English proficiency for international students
- Evidence of clinical experiences, such as a current nursing practice or relevant work experience in healthcare
- Completion of a criminal background check and drug screen
- Proof of liability insurance
Some MSN programs may also require standardized test scores, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).On the other hand, others may have additional requirements, such as a minimum number of hours of clinical practice experience. As a result, it is critical to check with the relevant application for the most recent needs.
Career Opportunities
Completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree opens up various career opportunities in the healthcare industry. Here are five popular job titles for MSN graduates, along with their average annual salaries:
| Job Title | Salaries |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $120,249 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | $114,685 |
| Nursing Administrator | $99,269 |
| Nursing Educator | $106,267 |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $204,264 |
Note: Salaries can vary widely based on location, years of experience, and specific employers; these numbers provide a general idea of what to expect. It’s also worth noting that as the demand for highly trained nurses continues to grow, salaries for MSN-educated nurses are likely to increase.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is a professional degree program that prepares individuals for leadership and management roles in healthcare organizations. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry and its management and the skills necessary to manage healthcare delivery systems successfully.
The MHA curriculum covers healthcare finance, law and ethics, healthcare informatics, and healthcare policy.
Specialties
There are several specialties within the field of healthcare administration, including:
- Hospital Administration
- Long-Term Care Administration
- Ambulatory Care Administration
- Health Information Management
- Public Health Administration
- Health Policy and Advocacy
- Healthcare Consulting
- Health Economics and Financial Management
- Healthcare Information Technology
- Global Health Administration
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program typically include the following:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 – 3.0
- SAT scores
- Relevant experience in healthcare, management, or a related field.
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
- A clear understanding of healthcare administration and related fields
Career Opportunities
Many career opportunities exist for individuals with a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree. Here are 5 common job titles and their estimated annual salaries:
| Job Title | Salaries |
| Healthcare Administrator | $83,236 |
| Healthcare Operations Manager | $68,966 |
| Healthcare Consultant | $87,531 |
| Health Information Manager | $95,420 |
| Healthcare Executive | $79,345 |
Master of Public Health (MPH)
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a professional degree that provides interdisciplinary training in the principles and practices of public health. The program emphasizes developing skills and knowledge necessary to address public health challenges, including health promotion and disease prevention, health policy and management, biostatistics, and epidemiology.
Individuals seeking careers in public health, including positions in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and international health organizations, often pursue an MPH degree.
Specialties
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program offers a wide range of specialties to allow students to focus their studies on a specific area of public health. Some of the typical specialties within the MPH program include:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Environmental Health
- Health Policy and Management
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Global Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology
- Occupational Health and Safety
Additionally, some MPH programs may offer interdisciplinary specialties that combine aspects of multiple areas within public health.
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for a Master of Public Health (MPH) program can vary among institutions but typically include the following:
- A bachelor’s degree
- 2.5 to 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
Career Opportunities
A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities in the public health sector, including the following top 5 job titles, along with their estimated annual salaries:
| Job Title | Salaries |
| Public Health Director | $97,706 |
| Epidemiologist | $104,031 |
| Health Services Administrator | $83,236 |
| Biostatistician | $105,189 |
| Environmental Health and Safety Specialist | $104,951 |
Conclusion
Obtaining a Master’s degree in Nursing opens up various career opportunities and helps nurses advance their healthcare careers. There are many types of Master’s degrees in nursing to choose from – each with its unique focus and areas of specialization.
A master’s degree in nursing can help you discover your goals, whether you want to be a nurse practitioner, a nurse educator, or specialize in a specific healthcare field. You must carefully evaluate your career goals and select the school that best matches your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
MSN is best for those who want to be advanced practice nurses, MPH is for those driven to improve health outcomes for the whole community, and MHA is the top degree for people most interested in managing people and resources in healthcare.
While a master’s degree in nursing takes approximately 2 years to complete, this can vary depending on the type of program and the institution offering it.
