5 Reasons to Pursue a Master’s in Nursing

5 Reasons to Seek a Master’s in Nursing Degree

  • More Job Opportunities
  • Higher Salary
  • More Specializations
  • Offers Leadership Positions
  • More Respect in the Field

The Master’s in Nursing is an advanced-degree nursing program chosen by many RNs who want to take their careers to the highest level. While the Master’s in Nursing program requires candidates to complete a few years of education and training, it’s more than worth the time, money and commitment. Earning a master’s degree in nursing has many benefits, and it’s a degree that can open many doors to aspiring nursing professionals. Here are five reasons to pursue a Master’s in Nursing.

1. More Job Opportunities

When we think of nursing school, what typically comes to mind is pursuing a career as an LPN or an RN. Nurses who pursue a Master’s in Nursing have many more job opportunities from which to choose. They can choose to work as nurse administrators, nurse researchers, nurse educators, clinical nurse leaders, public health nurses or nurse informaticists, among many others. It’s safe to say that the sky is the limit when it comes to job opportunities available to those with a Master’s in Nursing. With the additional education and training the RN graduate has, he or she will be a valuable asset in almost any healthcare or medical setting.

2. Higher Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs earn very good wages, whether they hold an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. RNs across the nation earned wages ranging from $50,800 to $106,530 with the average annual wage at $75,510. RNs who hold a Master’s in Nursing have the potential to earn even higher wages. They often find themselves earning more money as soon as they earn the master’s with even higher wages as they gain more experience.

3. More Specializations

Working as an RN can be a real source of pride because it puts individuals in positions where they not only earn excellent wages but also can help sick and injured individuals. The RN can choose to work at a doctor’s office, clinic, nursing home or hospital. RNs who pursue a Master’s in Nursing have the option of choosing areas of specialization. They can choose to pursue a specialization like advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), which allows them to work as a midwife, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. Additionally, there are about 100 various nursing specialties an RN can choose according to Nurse Journal.

4. Offers Leadership Positions

While some RNs enjoy working in a healthcare setting alongside other RNs as part of a team, others aspire to work in leadership positions. Earning a Master’s in Nursing puts these individuals in the right place academically and professionally. The Master’s in Nursing program prepares RNs to work in leadership positions as nurse administrators, head nurses, nurse educator or nursing supervisors. Each of these positions not only allows the RN to lead others but also offer substantially higher wages.

5. More Respect in the Field

RNs are highly regarded and respected not just in a healthcare setting but in other settings as well. RNs are highly trained individuals who are looked up to in any community. Earning a Master’s in Nursing will not just gain the RN respect in the community but also in the medical field. RNs with a Master’s in Nursing often find that they’re more respected by other medical professionals, colleagues and patients. Holders of a Master’s in Nursing are often asked more questions because of the additional knowledge and training they’ve obtained in the graduate program. The Master’s in Nursing degree is also a boost on a resume.

Related Resource: Top 10 Christian College Nursing Programs

Working as an RN can be a rewarding and extremely fulfilling career, whether the individual has an associate or a bachelor’s degree. Pursuing a Master’s in Nursing not only adds to the fulfillment but also puts the RN in a position where he or she can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including nursing, research, teaching or even nursing informatics. Few careers offer as many possibilities as nursing, especially for those with a Master’s in Nursing.

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