Types of Masters of Science in Nursing

							                          Types of Masters of Science in Nursing
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the use of nurse practitioners is expected to grow by
about 22% the year 2018. A master's degree in nursing allows nurses with bachelor looking to enter
the field of nursing. Those who have worked as an RN may advance into NPs by completing a
master's program.

MSN

Degree of Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN) is a prerequisite for employment as a nurse
practitioner. Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide specialized care in areas
such as oncology, pediatrics and primary care. Nurses can complete the MSN program on a full-time
or part-time. Programs include courses in areas such as pharmacology, assessment and diagnosis of
health conditions, as well as clinical practice in settings such as outpatient clinics and private
practices. Admission requirements specific to MSN programs vary, but applicants must generally
BScN, letters of recommendation and a valid nursing license.

RN to MSN

RN to MSN programs provide a means for nurses who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing
to obtain a master's degree. Students in programs to RN MSN can select a number of specialty nurse
practitioner, such as emergency, public health care and women's health nursing. Course work in a
program of RN-to-MSN could cover topics such as decision making, genetics and health policy and
finance. Candidates for a program to RN-MSN nurses generally must be at least one year of work
experience and submit transcripts, recommendations and standardized test scores to be considered
for admission.

Direct entry MSN

Prospective nurses who hold bachelor's degrees in the fields of nursing can earn a master's degree in
nursing by enrolling in a program of direct entry MSN. Direct entry programs are designed for
students first complete the general education courses and nursing prerequisites specific to earn the
equivalent of a bachelor's degree in nursing in about 15 months. Students then move on to follow
the course of cycle requisites for a Masters and become nurse practitioners. Students in programs
Direct Entry MSN courses in health assessment, pharmacology and nursing practice. They also
complete a nursing internship.