As an RN, you might be thinking about the future of your career and the steps needed to take you there. Many advanced nursing positions require that you complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). If your dream is to manage a nursing unit, teach the next generation of nurses, or become an advanced practice nurse, the first step is to earn your MSN.
In a recent survey done by Nursing.org, nurses at every educational level wished they had pursued more education earlier in their careers. In fact, some healthcare experts suggest that nurses should earn their MSN within ten years of becoming licensed. While there are many advantages to pursuing higher education, here are three main reasons to consider obtaining your MSN.
1. Increase Your Salary
Perhaps the most obvious benefit to advancing your education is the potential to increase your earnings. According to PayScale, the average salary for nurses with an MSN degree is $90,000, with increased rates for multiple years of experience and for those in specialty areas. Pursing your MSN degree is truly an investment when you consider the income you stand to earn.
2. Advance Your Career
In the field of nursing, a master’s degree is required for you to secure leadership, management, or advanced practice positions. Depending on your chosen specialty track in the MSN program, you can become a clinical nurse leader, nursing administrator, clinical nurse educator, or a nurse practitioner. In fact, due to the lack of primary care professionals, the demand for nurse practitioners has increased. Specifically, Nurse Journal reports that the need for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) is projected to increase 22 percent by 2020.
3. Shape the Future of Healthcare
If you’ve ever wanted to influence the delivery of healthcare on a large scale or mold healthcare policies and best practices, getting your MSN can be the catalyst for making real change. RNs are in a pivotal role to shape healthcare due to their direct patient care experience and knowledge gained through academic study. Healthcare has evolved from silos to an interconnected network of professionals whose main objective is to provide high quality, patient-centered care. By studying healthcare systems and governance, quality management, and strategic leadership, you gain a global understanding of healthcare and can carve out your role of influence.
Earn Your Degree in 18 Months or Less
While the benefits are clear, many nurses believe that they don’t have the time to complete more schooling. Herein lies the advantage of the Online MSN Program at AdventHealth University (AHU). RNs can complete their degree coursework 100 percent online in as few as 18 months, fully supported by a specialized online team designed to guide students from application to graduation.
The MSN program enhances your knowledge and skills through teaching advanced theories, management, research, informatics, and clinical practice, sufficiently preparing you for career advancement. The practicum portion of the program, completed at your chosen facility, fosters inter-professional collaboration and solution-oriented approaches to healthcare.
Educational Requirements
If you want to complete your MSN degree, you must first hold a current, unencumbered RN license. Degree completion pathways are available for nurses with an ASN or BSN. Specialty tracks include Administration and Leadership, Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). 
Get Tuition Assistance from AdventHealth
AdventHealth offers up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement for qualified employees who want to earn a master’s degree in nursing. That equates to $10,500 per calendar year for full-time employees who meet the eligibility requirements. In additional, AH employees are eligible for special discounts at AHU, including a 10% tuition discount and waived application and graduation fees. For nurses entering the program with a BSN, this means that the entire cost of your MSN degree could be covered!
Take the Next Step
AH and AHU Online have paved a clear path toward your MSN. If you’re ready to start a conversation about earning your MSN, you can call or text (407) 890-8040 or click on the button below to learn more.
