So, you’ve finished nursing school and are now practicing as a clinician. What’s next? Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years? How are you going to grow in this field? You might be feeling overwhelmed because of these questions, and that’s completely normal.
Nursing school is just the beginning of a long and rewarding journey. If you wish to provide more than bedside care, pursuing an advanced degree might be the best decision.
Here’s a short guide explaining the different types of advanced nursing degrees and nursing specialties you can pursue:
Types of Advanced Nursing Degrees
Determining which advanced nursing degree is right for you is challenging. Therefore, the first thing you should do is thoroughly understand the types of advanced nursing degrees and what they entail. Here’s a brief breakdown:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a natural pathway after completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An MSN typically prepares you to take on leadership and management roles within the nursing field. At the University of Phoenix, the coursework for an MSN focuses on:
- Advanced assessment
- Prescribing medication
- Dispensing medication
- Advanced pathophysiology
With an MSN, you can either go into nursing education or nursing administration. The former is ideal for nurses who wish to teach in nursing schools and hospital settings. Whereas, with a focus on nursing administration, you can take on a role in the healthcare system.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused program that builds on MSN. It emphasizes translating research into practice to improve patient care.
A DNP is excellent for nurses who wish to take on leadership roles in their current setting or partner fields, such as administration or education.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
This is a research-focused program that contributes to the advancement of nursing knowledge through original research. If you want to build a career in academia or work at a research institution, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing is perfect.
Nursing Specialties You Can Pursue
Once you’ve understood the coursework and goals of different nursing programs, it’s important to know which specialities or positions you can hold. Examples include:
- Nurse educator
- Nurse executive
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Nurse anesthetist
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
- Pediatric nurse practitioner
- Public health nurse
- Health policy nurse
All of these positions have varying responsibilities. With adequate research, you can determine which advanced nursing degree matches your dream career, making an informed decision.
Beyond Bedside Care
The question arises, Why do I even need an advanced nursing degree? First off, it allows you to excel in your field and increase your income. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the roles for Nurse Practitioners are expected to grow by 52% between 2022 and 2032.
Above everything, an advanced nursing degree allows you to contribute to your field, whether as an educator or a researcher
