Flash Forward: What Can You Do with a Master’s in Nursing?

Prior to starting an Master’s in Nursing (MSN) degree, there are many factors you must consider. Is this program reputable? What do I need to do to apply? Will I be able to handle the graduate coursework alongside life’s million other demands? In the back of your mind, you know that once you earn your MSN degree, it will lead to many new opportunities—opportunities that are not always available to registered nurses holding a BSN. You know an MSN degree could position you for higher earning potential and qualify you for advanced titles within the nursing field. But what are those positions, exactly? What can you do with a Master’s in Nursing? And do those career options align with your own career goals?

An MSN degree can open several career and advancement doors for you. While some advanced MSN careers may require additional certifications, know there are leadership jobs in nursing that only an MSN will qualify you for. Here are some of the many careers you can pursue with a Master’s in Nursing:

Nurse Administrator

If you are looking for a supervisory role within nursing, then nursing administration could be a great fit. Nurse administrators are executive-level nurses that oversee nursing staff, departments, and/or nursing facilities. In addition to managing one or more nursing departments, nurse administrators are also responsible for overseeing other nurses and ensuring that the quality of patient care adheres and exceeds all standards and regulatory requirements. A nurse administrator may also be responsible for creating and managing department finances, as well as looking into opportunities to increase a facility’s efficiencies and cost savings.

Nurse Manager

Similar to a nurse administrator’s role, nurse managers also have parallel leadership responsibilities, only on a smaller scale. Nurse managers typically only manage one department or nursing group. Unlike nursing administrators, however, nurse managers may be more patient-facing in certain situations. The majority of their time, however, is spent behind-the-scenes, supervising the nursing staff and acting as a bridge between upper-level management and the nurses within their department.

Nurse Educator

If you enjoy teaching others, then the answer to “what can you do with a Master’s in Nursing?” is simple: become a nurse educator. A nurse educator, after completing the appropriate certification, is qualified to teach aspiring nurses how to properly care for patients. They serve as instructors in a variety of settings, including community colleges and universities, teaching the next generation of nurses. Nurse educators often develop curriculums, teach using lectures, provide hands-on training, and oversee students’ lab and clinical work. Furthermore, many hospitals and healthcare centers also employ nurse educators to provide ongoing nurse education to students and new nurses.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

An MSN degree and the appropriate certification could lead to a specialized career within the field of nursing. If you have a certain passion area that you’d like to pursue, you can include it as part of your end-goal! For example, if you enjoy working with children, you may choose to specialize in pediatric nursing. Geriatrics and women’s health are some other specialization options. Some MSN graduates go on to specialize in specific diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well.

If you’re still wondering, “What can you do with a Master’s in Nursing?” please do not hesitate to contact us. Goodwin College’s exceptional career services team specializes in helping aspiring nurses and MSN graduates alike in pursuing advanced nursing positions. Whether your questions are broad, such as about general career options, or more specific like MSN salary information, our trained team can provide you with the information to help get you on the path towards your nursing career goals.

Contact Goodwin’s Master’s in Nursing advisors today by calling 800.889.3282 or visiting us online.