What can you do with a masters in nursing?

Acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) diagnose and manage care for individuals with complex, acute, or critical health conditions. ACNPs can specialize in adult gerontology or pediatrics. Online MSN programs can prepare ACNPs with skills in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and diagnostics.

ACNPs typically work in hospitals, intensive care units, emergency rooms, and ambulatory care clinics.

To practice as an ACNP, you must pass a national certification exam through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. ACNP's scope of practice generally includes prescribing medications, managing treatments, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Your state's practice environment defines the level of required physician collaboration.

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) provides comprehensive primary care across the human lifespan. They focus on preventive care, diagnosing illnesses, and managing chronic conditions.

FNP programs can help you develop strong clinical, assessment, treatment, and communication skills.

An FNP must complete a master's in nursing and pass national certification examinations from the ANCC or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. The state-defined scope of practice for FNPs includes ordering diagnostic tests, interpreting test results, and prescribing treatment with physician collaboration.

A certified nurse midwife (CNM) provides specialized care for patients throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They also offer gynecological and reproductive healthcare. A master's in nursing with a midwifery focus can prepare CNMs with clinical skills in prenatal care, labor and delivery, and neonatal care.

To practice, CNMs must earn their state license by passing the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, physician offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers employed the most CNMs. Their scope of practice includes delivering babies, providing prenatal and postnatal care, and supporting their patient's health through all stages of life.

Nurse educators prepare and train future nurses. They develop curricula, teach courses, and provide mentorship. Nurse educators may also assess student performance, design lesson plans, and contribute to ongoing nursing education and professional development.

Most nurse educators work in colleges, universities, and junior colleges and require strong communication, leadership, and clinical skills in order to create evidence-based learning experiences for their students.

A master's in nursing with an education focus can equip graduates with advanced teaching strategies and curriculum development skills. The National League for Nursing certifies nurse educators. Certification is not a state requirement but may set you apart from other candidates.

Nurse administrators oversee healthcare operations. This includes managing nursing staff, budgeting, and implementing policy. The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Most nurse administrators and managers work in hospitals and other healthcare systems and focus on improving work efficiency, staff management, and regulatory compliance.

A master's in nursing with an administration focus can provide graduates with healthcare management, financial oversight, and leadership skills. While certification is not required, it can improve your employment options.

A nurse informaticist integrates nursing science with information technology to improve patient care outcomes. They use skills in data analysis, healthcare technology, and systems implementation. They often work in healthcare systems or IT departments to optimize electronic health records, improve workflow, and support clinical decision-making.

Master's in nursing programs with a focus on informatics have a strong curriculum in healthcare technology, data management, and project management. While nurse informatics certification is not required, it is recommended and offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners are the third fastest-growing occupation, with a projected growth rate of 46% from 2023–33. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners also reports that 88% of NPs are certified in an area of primary care, which may be a strong indication of field popularity.

No, an MSN is a type of master's degree that you can earn, while an NP is an advanced nursing role you can pursue after earning an MSN degree. Keep in mind that an NP must earn additional certification and licensure after graduating from an MSN program to practice.

Earning an MSN degree can open opportunities in advanced practice clinical or management roles, such as a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse administrator, or nurse informaticist. These roles can offer leadership opportunities in patient care, healthcare administration, education, and data management.

Earning an MSN can boost your salary potential, open doors to higher-level positions, and prepare you for certifications and doctoral studies. The degree can advance your nursing career by providing specialized knowledge for roles in leadership, advanced clinical practice, education, and research.