Jobs That Open up with a Master’s Degree in Nursing
Nurses who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree have opportunities to advance to management positions at the health care facilities that employ them. But those who wish to rise to the level of advanced practice nurse must obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Many advanced practice nursing specializations enjoy high demand, even during challenging economic times.
Certified Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwives provide health care for women's gynecological and obstetric needs. In addition to providing prenatal care and delivering babies, they also diagnose and treat gynecological disorders. Women choose nurse midwives because they usually charge less than medical doctors, but can give the same high-quality care women deserve at every stage of life.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) provides patients with anesthesia care in surgical settings. These highly trained professionals command the highest salaries of any advanced practice nurse. The recession has had little effect on the high demand for this nursing specialization.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) may specialize in a number of areas of medicine including geriatric care, pediatrics, family care and adult care. They have prescriptive authority within their specializations and work in independent practice or as part of a health care team.
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators teach and train nursing students at the college or university level. They have great influence over the future of the nursing profession because they train the nurses of the future. Some nurse educator positions require a doctorate degree in nursing.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists must hold master's degrees in their specialty areas. They diagnose and treat patients with more independence than any other advanced practice nurse. Many hold leadership positions, which allow them to influence health care policy at their medical facilities.
Other Nursing Specialties
Other nursing specialties requiring master's degrees in nursing include nurse executive, nurse researcher and professional nurse consultant.
