Nurses with bachelor's degrees often times desire more schooling so they can engage in their specific areas of interest and make position and salary advancements in their careers. Many universities offer online BSN to MSN tracks that are designed with these students in mind, enabling them to quickly earn a Master of Science degree in nursing.

BSN to MSN MSN in Nurse Administrator MSN in Nurse Educator MSN in Nurse Informatics RN to MSN	Kaplan University — The Kaplan School of Nursing offers a variety of graduate degree programs for registered nurses looking to advance their careers into special areas of interest. In addition to their general BSN to MSN program, Kaplan also offers MSN degrees with concentrations in nurse administration, nurse education, and nursing informatics. For registered nurses who have not yet completed their bachelor's degrees, Kaplan also offers an RN to MSN program.
BSN to MSN MSN in Health Education MSN in Informatics MSN in Health Administration MSN in Healthcare Mgmt	University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix is America's largest accredited online university. Their School of Nursing offers several different online BSN to MSN degrees, including degree programs with concentrations in healthcare education, health informatics, healthcare administration, and healthcare management. These graduate-level programs of study are available to all registered nurses (RNs) who have completed their bachelor's degree and have a minimum of three years working experience.
BSN to MSN (General) MSN in Leadership & Mgmt MSN in Nursing Informatics MSN in Nurse Education	Walden University — In addition to its general BSN to MSN track, Walden offers a specialty MSN degree programs in leadership & management, nursing informatics, and nurse education. Available to RNs with a BSN, ADN, or nursing diploma, Walden's MSN programs are designed to prepare current nurses for new opportunities in their field by giving them the tools and skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
Dual Degree: MBA & MSN MSN in Nursing Education MSN in Nursing Leadership	Grand Canyon University — A highly-rated Christian school based in Arizona, Grand Canyon University's School of Nursing offers multiple master's degree-level nursing programs, including a dual MSN and MBA degree for business-oriented students and MSN degrees with concentrations in nursing education and nursing leadership.
MSN in Adult Nursing MSN in CNS/Nurse Educator More...	University of Cincinnati — The University of Cincinnati offers online BSN to MSN programs with numerous specializations, including adult nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist and nurse educator, family nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, nurse midwifery, psychiatric nursing, and women's health specialist. Students of these programs are required first to be registered nurses holding BSN degrees.
MSN in Nurse Educator MSN in Nurse Educator Bridge	Capella University — Capella offers two Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree programs, both in nursing education. The basic MSN - nurse education program is suited for students who already hold a BSN degree. For those who do not currently hold a BSN, but rather a bachelor's degree in a different subject, Capella also offers an MSN - nurse education bridge program, which covers the basic baccalaureate-level coursework from a BSN program. Each program will prepare students for successful careers as nurse educators or clinical nurse leaders.
MSN in Clinical Nursing MSN in Nursing Education MSN in Patient Services	Sacred Heart University — Sacred Heart University's MSN program offers a trio of specialization options to fit students' needs. The Clinical Nurse Leader specialization focuses on evaluating patient outcomes and assessing risk, among other ideals. A Patient Care Services specialist can prepare students for leadership positions. The Nursing Education specialization offers necessary skills in teaching and learning.
MSN in Adult Acute Care MSN in Adult Psychiatric Care MSN in Clinical Trials MSN in Nurse Leadership	Drexel University — Drexel University offers several BSN to MSN degrees in advanced nursing specialties, including adult acute care, adult psychiatric care, nurse clinical trials, and nursing leadership. Though its campus is headquartered in Philadelphia, the Drexel University Online program allows students to access coursework and make progress toward degrees from anywhere in the world.
RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Education MSN in Health Leadership	Gonzaga University — Gonzaga University offers nurses the RN to MSN transitional degree program, which includes opportunities to specialize in nurse education and health systems leadership. The RN to MSN is designed for registered nurses with an associate's degree in nursing. The MSN is a vital component for career advancement. The program is flexible to your needs, depending on your level of nursing education.
BSN to MSN	Chamberlain College of Nursing — With Chamberlain's BSN to MSN track, current registered nurses can take the next step in their healthcare career. Holders of an MSN degree become leaders in their nursing communities by studying key areas of nursing leadership and learning valuable skillsets.
MSN MSN in Nurse Education MSN in Nurse Management	Regis University — Founded in 1877, Regis University is a small Jesuit Catholic school offering online MSN degrees through The College Network. RNs can earn their MSNs at their own pace with local clinicals in this convenient and affordable program. Specializations are offered in education and management.
MSN in Education MSN in Administration	Norwich University — Norwich offers two graduate-level nursing degrees, both accredited by the CCNE. Their MSN in nursing education prepares students for careers in contemporary healthcare leadership and education positions; their MSN in nursing administration prepares students for managerial/supervisory positions within the nursing profession.
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BSN to MSN Careers at a Glance

Nursing is a profession where obtaining higher level degrees can translate to increased job prospects and salary figures rather quickly after graduation. Nurses who have obtained a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree will be prepared to lead medical teams in hospitals and other health care organizations. Depending on specialization, some can go into private practices as a nurse practitioner, or a multitude of other options.

Types of BSN to MSN Degree Programs Available

A BSN to MSN degree program will typically take around one to two years for completion, depending on prior credit, full-time status, and so on. It is important to note that there are many different specializations available for MSN programs. These specializations will allow nurses to work on different skill sets that can better aid them in obtaining the exact occupation they desire upon graduation.

• BSN to MSN: Having a Bachelor of Science in the field of nursing is great, but an MSN can open even more career opportunities. This degree program functions to streamline the process of obtaining an MSN specifically for nurses who already have a BSN.
• MBA/MSN Dual Degree: If you are interested in getting involved on the business side of nursing, then this degree program should definitely be considered. Students take classes for their MSN, while also receiving instruction in important business topics like human resources, management, and healthcare strategy.
• RN to MSN: Many RNs may not have a BSN degree. If you have the goal of eventually obtaining an MSN and you are an RN, then this is a program you should strongly consider, as it is tailored to fit the needs of current RNs.
• MSN - Nursing Education: Specializing in nursing education is a good choice for those who want to be involved in the instruction and training of future nurses. Graduates will have received instruction in both nursing courses and education courses.
• MSN - Leadership: The highest salaries are often reserved for people in leadership positions. Obtaining an MSN with a specialization in leadership can allow nurses to lead health care teams and work in higher levels of healthcare organizations.
• MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader: If you have a desire to work more closely with doctors, while also bridging the gap between nurses on a team and other medical professionals, then a Clinical Nurse Leader specialization for your MSN can be an excellent choice.
• MSN - Nursing Informatics: If you are interested in obtaining a leadership position in a healthcare organization, and would like to work with the gathering, tracking, and understanding of medical information, then an MSN specialization in informatics is a good choice.
• MSN - Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners are able to work in a variety of settings, and will often be more autonomous than other nursing professionals. Those who wish to work more directly with patients should consider this MSN specialization.
• MSN - Nursing Administration: Administration occupations in health care organizations are usually highly paid and come with great responsibility. If you are interested in this type of career, then you should consider a Nursing Administration MSN specialization
• MSN - Psychiatric and Mental Health: This degree program will prepare nursing students to work in mental health facilities in a variety of specific occupations.

Average Salary for an MSN Degree Holder

One of the biggest advantages to getting an MSN degree is the increased salary. The average salary of a nurse with an MSN degree is significantly higher than that of a nurse who only has an associates or BSN. Depending on the specific specialization, MSN holders can earn anywhere from $60,000 to $80,000 yearly. Years of experience and the policies of the organization will clearly determine your exact salary, but having an MSN can position you more strategically for promotions and bonuses.

Financial Aid Opportunities for BSN to MSN Programs

Many nurses are apprehensive about furthering their education because of associated educational costs. Educations are indeed expensive, but can be highly valuable as well. Additionally, there are many BSN to MSN scholarships and grant opportunities. Financial aid is also an option for the many students that qualify. A few nursing scholarships that students can apply for include, the Louise Held Nursing Award, the Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association Scholarship, the American Nurses Association Minority Fellowship Program, and the Nurses' Educational Fund.