Master’s Degrees in Nursing (MSN)

There are nursing options available for current RNs who do not have a BSN to transition into MSN-level studies. GCU offers different nursing bridge pathways that can help prepare you for the opportunity to enroll in an MSN program at GCU. You will complete focused, relevant courses that are designed to help you transition into the MSN program of your choice.

Online^{(See disclaimer 2)} MSN programs are specifically designed to be able to provide you with the same quality of nursing education as many expect from in-person programs. With online^{(See disclaimer 2)} programs, students typically still have hands-on requirements, such as practicums and field experience hours where they exercise and apply their advanced skills.

To ensure you are receiving your degree from a quality university that offers approved degree programs and curriculums, review the accreditation status of your university and its nursing programs.

A master’s degree in nursing can help prepare you to position yourself to potentially transition from a BSN-level nursing career to an advanced position in the healthcare field. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are advanced nursing professionals such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives who all require an MSN education and typically additional certification. There are also non-clinical positions, such as nurse educators or nurse informaticists that require a minimum of an MSN degree.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Your career goals ultimately play a major part when making your decision on which MSN degree to pursue. With the many emphasis options and opportunities to specialize that GCU offers, it can be a good idea to explore your different options and the specific course offerings to help determine which program can help you best prepare yourself for your desired career.

For example, a master’s in nursing with a nursing education emphasis can provide you with knowledge relevant to becoming a nurse educator. On the other hand, a public health nursing MSN emphasis will teach you important concepts and principles of a career in public health nursing.

A master’s-level nursing degree may be the additional education you need to open yourself up for potential advanced positions in the healthcare field. These degrees also can provide you with the opportunity to specialize in your area of interest.

Additionally, in May 2023, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners had a median annual wage of $129,480, according to the BLS.^{(See disclaimer 1)} The BLS also estimates job growth for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners to increase by about 38% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 123,600 jobs in the field.^{(See disclaimer 4)}