Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Programs Guide

Now more than ever, there is an increasing demand for nurses with specialized education and advanced skills to deliver high-quality care at more affordable costs. This is because the availability of affordable healthcare is quickly dwindling. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, healthcare costs are projected to increase at an average annual rate of 5.4 percent from 2019 to 2028, compared to a 1.3 percent annual growth rate from 2012 to 2017. Additionally, individuals 65 and above are spending almost three times more than the working-age population.

Nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) programs are often around two years in length and include content in physical assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology in addition to other coursework specific to your specialty. These courses require knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology which is typically covered in undergraduate-level nursing programs such as a BSN.

Certified nurse-midwife (CNM) programs often have the same main three coursework requirements found in nurse practitioner programs, in addition to a variety of women’s health subjects. CNM programs typically take two years to complete.

Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) programs focus on pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology and pathophysiology, with an added emphasis on chemistry, biochemistry, clinical research, and the technology used in the field. These programs may be completed in two years but are often available as three-year programs.

Scope of practice: Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who provide direct patient care by diagnosing and treating illness or offering preventive care and checkups. Nurse practitioners can practice independently or as part of a team. In many states, NPs have the authority to prescribe medication.

Education: NPs must complete a master’s nursing degree program. This is the minimum education requirement to become licensed.

Licensure: Nurse practitioner license requirements are set at the state level. However, RN licensure is a prerequisite for becoming an NP.

Salary: The median annual salary for nurse practitioners was $121,610 in May 2022, according to 2022 pay data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  
Job outlook: Based on job growth projections from the BLS, employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow 45% from 2022 to 2032.

Scope of practice: Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) provide gynecologic and primary healthcare to women from adolescence to menopause. They assess and manage contraception, support women through pregnancy and childbirth, care for newborns, and diagnose and treat gynecological and general health issues. CNMs can prescribe medication, administer treatments, order diagnostic tests, and operate medical devices.

Education: CNMs must earn at least a master’s degree from an accredited nurse education program.

Licensure: CNMs must pass a national certification exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) and complete their state’s licensing requirements.

Salary: The median annual salary for nurse midwives was $120,880 in May 2022, according to 2022 pay data from the BLS.

Job outlook: Based on job growth projections from the BLS, employment of nurse midwives is expected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032.

Scope of practice: Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) perform very specialized duties including administering general and local anesthesia, sedation, epidural, and spinal or peripheral nerve blocks during surgery, childbirth, and other procedures.

Education: The entire process of becoming a CRNA is often longer than that of other nursing specialties, with nurse anesthesia programs ranging from 24-51 months and graduates earning, on average, over 9,000 hours of clinical experience.

Licensure: CRNAs must pass the national certifying exam administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

Salary: The median annual salary for nurse anesthetists was $203,090 in May 2022, according to 2022 pay data from the BLS.

Job outlook: Based job growth projections from the BLS, employment of nurse anesthetists is expected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032.

Scope of practice: Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are registered nurses with expert knowledge and experience in a specific care setting, patient population, or medical specialty, such as critical care, geriatrics, or oncology. Clinical nurse specialists provide direct patient care and also advise and support other nurses in caring for patients within their specialty.

Education: To become a CNS, you need a master’s degree in nursing.

Licensure: Clinical nurse specialists must pass relevant state and/or national licensing exams.

Salary: There is no salary data from the BLS for clinical nurse specialists. While salary will vary based on care setting, geographical location, and employer, clinical nurse specialists may be able to earn above-average salaries due to their additional education and experience.

Job outlook: The BLS currently does not have employment projections for clinical nurse specialists. You may refer to job outlook data for other advanced practice registered nurses.