Registered nurses looking for the next challenge to tackle (beyond their bachelor’s and entry-level experience) should consider pursuing a Master’s in Nursing degree. While returning to school might not be at the top of any busy nurse’s to-do list, long-term career benefits can quickly pay off this relatively short-term investment. The trick for RNs is to choose an MSN nursing program carefully.

Nurses curious about becoming MSN students should research and compare MSN program lengths, rigor, curriculum, flexibility, accreditation, admission requirements, and career outcomes. Multiple types of MSN programs are available, offering different specializations and concentrations. RNs should reflect on their personal nursing goals before making this decision.

Perhaps they wish to take on more responsibility at their current healthcare facility by advancing their patient care skillset and autonomy in the field. Alternatively, they may desire to become specialists in a new or existing area of interest. Maybe they crave a leadership position and wish to spearhead an entire nursing department. A great MSN nursing program should offer the tools and lessons that will propel nurses toward their goals and toward making a meaningful impact on healthcare today.

So, how does one find the right MSN nursing program? Find the answers to the most pressing MSN FAQs below!

What are the benefits of pursuing an MSN nursing program?

An MSN nursing program can elevate nurses to a more advanced professional level. With a master’s degree, nurses might be considered for new promotions not previously attainable. Additionally, they may become eligible to obtain advanced certifications, like the FNP certification, offered by both the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Certifications on top of a master’s degree in Nursing infuse even more trust and credibility into a nurse’s career aspirations, not to mention their job applications.

Nurses who leap from RN to APRN also benefit from a major salary increase. While RNs make an average wage of $81,220 annually, APRNs make an average salary of $125,900 annually. We’ll explain what kind of investment is needed to reap this potential annual payoff of about $45,000 annually.

How much time and money does it take to complete an MSN program?

A typical MSN nursing program takes two to three years to complete.

Some students may be able to study full-time, while others prefer to balance their continuing education with their current job or other obligations by studying part-time. Luckily, there are many convenient program options. Goodwin University provides an excellent opportunity for combining speed and dynamic scheduling. Goodwin University’s flexible MSN program is offered fully online and part-time, and can be completed in 20 months. Other specialized MSN nursing programs at Goodwin University take a similar time investment:

• It takes 27 months, online and part-time, to complete the Family Nurse Practitioner program.
• The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program takes 27 months to complete, online and part-time.

Nurses who are juggling many of life’s competing priorities are sure to benefit from the flexibility available in Goodwin University’s MSN nursing programs.

MSN programs can cost between $300 and $1600 per credit, with the average online master’s degree program costing about $950 per credit. Goodwin University’s three programs are priced at a competitive cost compared with other private non-profit colleges in Connecticut, at $949 per credit. Tuition costs can be calculated by multiplying the number of credits by the per-credit cost.

• The FNP program is 47 credits
• The MSN program is 30 credits
• The PMHNP program is 50 credits

To calculate the total cost per program, let’s recognize additional fees such as background tests, clinical fees, and technology fees. These fees are all transparent at Goodwin University, allowing applicants to make an informed choice about their educational pursuits. Applicants may also wish to weigh the advantages and challenges inherent in enrolling in programs with differing total tuition costs.

What are the differences between the MSN, FNP, and PMHNP nursing programs at Goodwin?

Goodwin University acknowledges three rapidly growing areas of need in the healthcare system with distinct programs. The MSN program curriculum is public health-focused for nurses who want to improve access to, and quality of, health care in their communities. FNP-trained nurses can help patients cross all milestones in their lifespan holistically, from childhood through adulthood. PMHNP program students zero in on improving mental health for patients through diagnosis, counseling, and treatment plans which may include medication and other interventions. The FNP and PMHNP programs include 600 hours of clinical experience, while the MSN program requires a 90-hour fieldwork capstone project. All three programs are designed for nurses to gain the confidence and skills to be leadership-minded in their careers and to grow into role models for their peers.

What is one of the most important things to look for in an MSN nursing program?

Just as background checks on school staff members and vehicle safety tests are essential when sending a child to school or selecting a car, finding an accredited MSN program should be another make-or-break decision point. An MSN education will consume 20 months and thousands of dollars, therefore it is most important to select an accredited program that has guaranteed professional recognition. For example, Goodwin University’s MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. CCNE ensures that the program offers a quality education that employers can count on. To get the most out of your education, you should rule out unaccredited master’s degree programs.

What is required to apply to an MSN nursing program?

There are no surprises in the MSN nursing program application at Goodwin University. Applicants must possess an unencumbered RN license and submit an official transcript proving their bachelor’s degree completion. An 800-1000 word personal statement explaining career goals plus an interview help each applicant consider their personal and professional goals formally. Applicants must also have at least two years of direct patient care obtained over the last five years. Goodwin University is proud to rely on these requirements and will never ask aspiring students to take extra tests or the GRE for admission.

To learn more about the career outcomes and possibilities for nurses who strive towards their MSN goals, reach out to a nursing advisor at Goodwin University today! Call 800-889-3282, or visit us online for more details.