[Articles](/articles.html)>[Nursing](/articles.html#nursing-articles) > Advanced nursing degrees and levels for work beyond the bedside
# Advanced nursing degrees for work beyond the bedside
Last updated: September 4, 2026
Written by [Morganne Skinner](/blog/authors/morganne-skinner.html)
This article was reviewed by[Raelene Brooks](/about/academic-leadership/dean-raelene-brooks.html), Dean, College of Nursing.
Despite common perceptions, RNs are not limited to bedside care. For those ready to explore alternatives, an advanced nursing degree may be a good next step.
## Why pursue degrees after becoming an RN?
Having an advanced nursing degree can prepare RNs with skills for a variety of specialized nursing roles, and can prepare nurses for[careers beyond direct patient care](https://www.phoenix.edu/articles/nursing/nontraditional-nursing-jobs.html)in hospitals or clinics. from. Whether the goal is leadership and administration, research, education, influencing policy, or taking on a more autonomous role as an RN, an advanced nursing degree might makes sense.
When armed with specific skills and education and, if applicable, additional certification, nurses can work, for example, as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners, nurse administrators or nurse educators. Specializing in an area of nursing that aligns with a nurse’s interests can lead to improved job satisfaction and potentially build greater confidence and expertise. Nurses who prefer to work a traditional 9-to-5 schedule rather than a 12-hour hospital shift might also find these roles more attractive.
Career opportunities for RNs with advanced practice nursing qualifications can also offer autonomy and higher salaries. For example, as of May 2025, registered nurses earned[between $68,940 and $135,320 a year, with a median salary of $93,600](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-5), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For comparison, BLS reports that nurse practitioners earned between[$102,190 and $137,470, with a median salary of $224,490.](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5)
One other reason for moving beyond beside care? Stress. No role can guarantee stress-free work, but the average[nursing staff turnover rate is 17.6%](https://www.nsinursingsolutions.com/Documents/Library/NSI_National_Health_Care_Retention_Report.pdf), with telemetry, step-down and emergency nursing experiencing the highest turnover. That could suggest that many nurses are seeking a better balance in other roles, such as administration and informatics. Of course, to do this, many need to pursue additional education.
_Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website._
## What are the levels of advanced nursing degrees?
The degree levels for an RN proceed like this: nursing diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Each level is a step forward in education and specialization, preparing nurses with skills for new roles and responsibilities in the nursing profession. All degrees after the bachelor’s level are considered advanced nursing degrees.
### Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nurses who wish to pursue further education after earning a BSN may consider an MSN, which can prepare them with skills for roles such as [becoming a nurse practitioner](https://www.phoenix.edu/articles/nursing/what-is-a-nurse-practitioner.html). The MSN coursework focuses on research, advanced assessment, advanced pharmacology, prescribing, dispensing medications, advanced pathophysiology leading to diagnosis, and other specialized clinical skills.
Some concentrations in an MSN program track are:
- **Nursing education:**Prepares you for leadership roles working as a nurse educator in clinical and other educational settings. This degree is ideal for nurses who wish to teach in schools, universities and hospital settings.
- **Nursing administration:**Prepares you for a role as a hospital, health system or healthcare leader. This program includes key courses on nursing theory, research, applied statistics, and leadership roles and responsibilities.
### Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The DNP is a terminal degree in nursing, meaning it is the most advanced nursing degree available. An online program is[ideal for working nurses](https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/alumna-lisa-lea.html)who want to be experts in their field, expand their leadership skills and drive improvements in patient care, policy and healthcare systems.
## Choosing the right advanced nursing program for you
Careful consideration is important when choosing a university for a degree. Prospective students should obtain details about the school and its programs. Top considerations to research include:
- **Is the school accredited**? Ensuring the institution you’re interested in is accredited can potentially determine various factors, such as eligibility for transfer of credits from prior institutions.
- **Is the program accredited?** Attending a program that is not accredited may prevent graduates from being able to sit for an advanced practice nursing licensure examination.
- **What are the admissions requirements?** Admissions requirements may influence which degree program is most appropriate.
- **Is the prospective student ready for an advanced degree?** Admissions criteria vary by program, but all require an active, unrestricted RN license. Most advanced degree programs also have degree requirements. For example, a bachelor’s degree is required before pursuing a master’s degree.
## Career opportunities with an advanced nursing degree
As mentioned, furthering nursing education prepares nurses with skills for a range of career opportunities, from leadership roles to nursing informatics. An advanced nursing degree also allows nurses to specialize in a particular field or expand their skill sets. For instance, a nurse practitioner could work in an addiction center, focusing on behavioral and mental health. Some notable[advanced practice nursing roles](https://www.phoenix.edu/articles/nursing/what-can-you-do-with-an-msn-degree.html)include:
- School of nursing director
- Nursing instructor
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Director of nursing
- Nurse practitioner
With an MSN, nurses could work as nurse managers or nursing directors. Nurses with a DNP can work as nursing professors at universities, become health, practice or program managers, and more.
## What are advantages of getting an advanced nursing degree online?
Earning an online nursing degree offers flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with work and other life commitments without the hassle of a commute or set class times.* Students can complete coursework on their own schedules, but within provided timelines, making online programs potentially beneficial for busy nursing professionals. Online students may also benefit from dedicated support, such as academic counselors who are available to assist them throughout their educational journeys.
Some online programs require select in-person courses, but the majority of the work can otherwise be completed online.
## How to start on the path from RN to an advanced nursing degree
RNs who are ready to take the next step in their nursing journeys can start by exploring their educational options. Prospective students can find an accredited program that meets their criteria at University of Phoenix, which offers a variety of advanced nursing degree programs, including:
- [Master of Science in Nursing](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/masters.html)
- [Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/family-nurse-practitioner-masters-degree.html?_gl=1*1cw8q0f*_gcl_au*MTQ3NTIyMTE0OS4xNzgwOTI2MzE2Li0uLS4xNzg4NTMyODMwLjIxMzgzODg0NDMuMTc4ODUzMjgzMC4xNzg4NTMzNDMy*_ga*NjIyNjM2MjQuMTcxMDI3MTQ1Mg..*_ga_2LNTX19Q2Z*czE3ODg1MzEzNDYkbzE5OCRnMSR0MTc4ODUzMzQzMiRqNjAkbDAkaDQ2Mjk0MzQyMg..)
- [Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner-masters-degree.html?_gl=1*1cw8q0f*_gcl_au*MTQ3NTIyMTE0OS4xNzgwOTI2MzE2Li0uLS4xNzg4NTMyODMwLjIxMzgzODg0NDMuMTc4ODUzMjgzMC4xNzg4NTMzNDMy*_ga*NjIyNjM2MjQuMTcxMDI3MTQ1Mg..*_ga_2LNTX19Q2Z*czE3ODg1MzEzNDYkbzE5OCRnMSR0MTc4ODUzMzQzMiRqNjAkbDAkaDQ2Mjk0MzQyMg..)
- [Nurse bridge program](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/nurse-bridge-program.html)
- [Doctor of Nursing Practice](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/nursing-practice-doctoral-degree.html?_gl=1*fzrdg*_gcl_au*MTQ3NTIyMTE0OS4xNzgwOTI2MzE2Li0uLS4xNzg4NTMyODMwLjIxMzgzODg0NDMuMTc4ODUzMjgzMC4xNzg4NTMzNTMz*_ga*NjIyNjM2MjQuMTcxMDI3MTQ1Mg..*_ga_2LNTX19Q2Z*czE3ODg1MzEzNDYkbzE5OCRnMSR0MTc4ODUzMzUzMyRqNjAkbDAkaDQ2Mjk0MzQyMg..)
_*UOPX nursing students in the Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner and Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs are required to complete an in-person, five-day residency in Phoenix._
Contact University of Phoenix for [more information](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)about these programs.
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### ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Morganne Skinner, BSN, RN, is a fertility educator and writer. She began nursing in the surgical-trauma intensive care unit and earned a critical care nursing certification. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Liberty University in Virginia. She served as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural Zambia for two years, fueling her passion for women’s and public health. After returning to the U.S., she worked in rehabilitation, public health, and fertility. Morganne excels in health education through her writing and fertility work, contributing to fertility and textbook companies and nursing websites, and creating practice questions for the NCLEX.
### ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Dr. Raelene Brooks, dean of the College of Nursing, has been a registered nurse for more than 25 years and practiced extensively in the areas of ICU, trauma and critical care. Her publications include a focus on nursing education, critical care, and organizational wellness and engagement. She is a leader in creating, guiding and launching innovative curriculum.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
[Read more about our editorial process.](/blog/editorial-process.html)
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