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RN to MSN - Career Benefits and Education Options
by: Michael V. Gruber, MPH
A nurse in many cases holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The implications of an RN receiving an MSN
go beyond patient care. Their education in leadership, research, and understanding the current political
framework of the medical system allows an MSN to achieve greatness in the field of nursing.
Changing Course – RN to MSN
There are major differences between an RN and MSN. The education attained by an MSN opens the doors to
learning the field of medicine that is similar to the work of a medical physician.
An MSN may choose one of many different nursing roles. They may be a Nurse Practitioner who diagnose and
treat patients, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who provide anesthetics to patients in collaboration with
surgeons, dentists, or childbirth procedures. Next we have Certified Nurse Midwives who provides primary
health care to women, prenatal care, labor and delivery care, care after birth, gynecological exams, and many
other care taking procedures necessary for women’s health. Lastly, there is the Clinical Nurse Specialists who
specialize in education, research, consulting, case management, and leadership.
National Implications of MSN
Managed care, Medicare, Medicaid, and hospital reimbursement issues are all realities of the current health
care system. Many new nurses are unfamiliar with the national crisis occurring each day; a cloud of financial
and political challenges that are within the medical system.
For an RN who seeks to make a difference in the current structure of our political system, they will be motivated
to receive an MSN. An MSN degree offers the opportunity to deal with these issues head-on.
As medical costs continue to increase astronomically, the challenge is to cut costs wherever possible. Studies
show that the U.S. could save up to $8.75 billion annually if MSN’s were used in place of physicians (Thomson
Petersons). Advanced practicing nurses with MSN’s will be at the frontline to save money and treat patients, to
diagnose and replace the role of the physician.
In addition, MSN nurses such as clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, midwives, and anesthetists, are in
high demand, for the medically underserved areas of both rural and urban settings to serve as lower-cost
primary care providers (U.S. Department of Labor). In rural settings in particular, there may be fewer physicians
available and the MSN will replace the duties of the absent physician unless the patient requires the use of
hospital facilities or advanced medical care.
Education, Admission Requirements, and Salary
In order for an RN to achieve an MSN and become an advanced practice registered nurse, most programs
require a masters program lasting approximately 2 years following the Bachelor of Science Nursing degree.
Some programs require at least 1 to 2 years of clinical experience as an RN for admission. In 2004, there were
329 master’s programs for nurse practitioners, 218 for clinical nurse specialists, 92 for nurse anesthetists, and
45 for nurse midwives (U.S. Department of Labor). Many programs combine the BSN and MSN degree for the
nurse to graduate with two degrees together.
The education includes both classroom learning and clinical requirements. Admissions usually require scores
taken from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). In addition, college
transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays, are usually required.
MSN’s generally receive a higher salary than BSN’s and RN’s. The average salary for a RN/BSN is between
$43,000 and $63,000. The average salary for a Nurse Practitioner, for instance, is approximately $66,000 and
can go up to $90,000 if the nurse owns their own practice.
Conclusion
An RN who is becoming an MSN has much to ponder for the field they are about to enter. It is no longer about
just becoming a practitioner. Many RN’s become outstanding clinicians; however the doors are open to make a
difference in the current financial, political, and health care system. Their training is in leadership, research,
clinical learning, and communication skills. This is a formula for success in the dynamic field of nursing.
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