RN to MSN (No BSN Required)
As a vital component of our healthcare system, registered nurses (RNs) provide nursing care to patients in a wide range of settings. After gaining hands-on experience and working in the profession for a while, some RNs choose to further their education at the graduate level by obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
The path you take to obtain an MSN will differ slightly depending on whether you have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This guide will discuss the many specialties you can pursue with an MSN, the benefits of obtaining an MSN, and how to transition from an ADN-prepared RN to an MSN.
What is a Registered Nurse (RN)?
A registered nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who provides complex nursing care to patients. RNs are specially trained to give care to patients who may be medically unstable and require advanced nursing interventions. Because registered nurses work under their own professional licenses, they do not require direct supervision to perform clinical tasks that fall within their scope of practice. RNs typically work collaboratively with physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and physicians.
In order to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), you must have completed at least an ASN degree. After passing the NCLEX and gaining licensure in the state you wish to work, you can then work as a registered nurse.
Registered nurses are an irreplaceable part of the healthcare team, working in a variety of settings, such as clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient centers, government agencies, educational institutions, home health, and more.
Examples of clinical tasks performed by RNs include:
- Assessing patients
- Administering medications
- Providing chemotherapy agents
- Obtaining vital signs, such as pulse rate, respirations, and blood pressure
- Inserting and maintaining intravenous lines (IVs), feeding tubes, and urinary catheters
- Performing blood draws
- Obtaining specimens for laboratory testing
- Performing basic and advanced wound care and dressing changes
- Educating patients and their families
MSN Specialty Options
While you can still continue to work as a bedside nurse with an MSN, other career options become available to you after you have obtained a graduate degree. In fact, most nursing specialties require or strongly encourage candidates to have a minimum of an MSN, including:
Choosing your MSN specialty track is a big decision since it significantly impacts your career path moving forward. It is important to choose a track that you are passionate about and that you can envision doing for the rest of your career.
Benefits of an MSN Degree
Deciding to go to graduate school is a major life decision that should not be taken lightly. No matter which MSN specialty you choose, you must be willing to commit yourself to multiple years of additional schooling and consider how this commitment may affect your professional and personal responsibilities.
There are many benefits to obtaining your MSN, including higher earning potential, improved job opportunities, as well as career advancement opportunities.
Salary
Salaries for MSN-prepared RNs vary by specialty. However, it is generally expected that nurses with an MSN will make more money than nurses with an ASN or BSN.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying nurses for which at least an MSN is required are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), with a mean annual salary of $205,770.
However, it is important to mention that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data does not differentiate between the reported salaries and the types of degrees held. Some nurses have terminal degrees, such as a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Though not always the case, these nurses often make higher salaries than MSN-prepared nurses, even if they have the same job responsibilities.
Job Opportunities
Nurses who hold an MSN degree tend to have more lucrative job prospects compared to those without a graduate degree. As we’ve previously discussed, certain nursing specialties necessitate at least an MSN degree in order to practice.
When it comes to the job search process, having an MSN degree can give you a leg up, especially in fields where competition is fierce. Imagine a hiring manager who has two resumes in front of them – both nurses have comparable experience, but one has a BSN and the other an MSN. It’s highly likely that the nurse with the MSN degree will be chosen. That’s because an advanced degree can make you stand out from other candidates.
Career Advancement Opportunities
If your ambition is to become a nursing leader or manager, acquiring an MSN degree is a smart move as many employers tend to favor or even require it for these job positions. MSN-prepared nurses are also more likely to progress into leadership and management roles compared to those with ASN or BSN degrees.
It’s worth mentioning that some employers offer financial aid to ADN- or BSN-trained nurses who want to pursue an MSN degree. These tuition assistance programs can alleviate some of the financial burden of returning to school, but they usually come with important conditions.
For instance, the nurse may be required to work for the company for a set number of years after completing the degree. If the nurse decides to leave or is terminated before fulfilling this commitment, they may be obligated to pay back a portion of the tuition.
How to Transition From ADN-Prepared RN to MSN
Can you transition from ADN-prepared RN to MSN without obtaining a BSN first? Technically, yes!
More colleges and universities across the country are offering ADN-to-MSN programs. These programs allow you to complete an accelerated BSN and MSN curriculum within one continuous program, awarding you both degrees when you are finished.
Most ADN-to-MSN programs take around 3-4 years to complete, depending on the MSN specialty you choose. These programs tend to function within a hybrid model where classwork is completed online, but laboratory, clinical, and preceptorship hours must be completed in person. The number of in-person hours will vary based on your MSN concentration or specialty.
If you plan to specialize as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) like an NP or CRNA, you should be aware that passing an additional licensure exam is necessary after completing your MSN degree.
Aspiring nurse practitioners need to successfully pass either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam specific to their chosen specialty.
To become a certified nurse anesthetist, students are required to pass the national certification examination administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
Passing or failing the certification exam to become a certified nurse anesthetist will not impact your RN license. You can continue to practice as an RN during your studies and preparation for the APRN licensing exam.
