Topcount topcount
Should You Get an MSN as a Registered Nurse (RN)?
#life

Should You Get an MSN as a Registered Nurse (RN)?

@nikita · · · 460 views · ·

Copy this code to embed the top 10:

If you are a registered nurse (RN), then you already know that a master’s degree in nursing sciences can only be good for your career. However, that is much easier said than done. There are tuition fees to consider, and you may need to take a break from work, or at least work part-time. Then there is the question of routine because it can be difficult to go back to school after working for a significant amount of time.

Some nurses have families with children to take care of as well, and to them, going back to nursing school can potentially seem like an impossibility in light of everything. However, there are ways to get past most of these obstacles and become a higher paid, more qualified nursing professional. It’s never going to be easy of course, but the real question is whether you can consider getting an MSN degree to be something that’s worth the effort necessary. Let’s look at some of the reasons why it might really be worth it.

Managing Everything: Is It Possible? If you are already working as a registered nurse, then enroll yourself in an accredited online MSN degree course. It just solves so many of the problems that keep RNs from completing their graduation. Accredited online MSN courses are designed flexibly for professional nurses, which means that you will have time to hold down a job and support your own education. Since you will not need to take a break from work, you will also be gaining experience and a higher qualification at the same time.

Higher Pay, But by How Much?

How much of a pay boost you will receive after completing your graduation in nursing depends on several factors such as:

Advertisement
  1. 1
    0
    Specialization

    Specialization

    Earning an MSN allows RNs to specialize in advanced practice areas such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator. Specialization can expand clinical authority, career options, and professional autonomy.

  2. 2
    0
    Job role

    Job role

    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if you can also find a job that suits your new qualification. There is a growing demand for advanced practice nurses, so that should not be too difficult. Estimates also point towards an exponentially growing employment rate up top for nurses, with each new year. What if you don’t manage to become a nurse practitioner right away? Will you still be working for the same money, despite all the effort and expenses? Not quite, because you can still expect a significant boost in your salary as a senior nurse with higher qualifications. According to the BLS, the average salary of a RN – MSN is $89,000 per year, which is 25% higher than the average salary of the undergraduate RN. At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances. Now that you have some of the more important facts though, making an informed decision should be easier.

  3. 3
    0
    Employer

    Employer

    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if you can also find a job that suits your new qualification. There is a growing demand for advanced practice nurses, so that should not be too difficult. Estimates also point towards an exponentially growing employment rate up top for nurses, with each new year. What if you don’t manage to become a nurse practitioner right away? Will you still be working for the same money, despite all the effort and expenses? Not quite, because you can still expect a significant boost in your salary as a senior nurse with higher qualifications. According to the BLS, the average salary of a RN – MSN is $89,000 per year, which is 25% higher than the average salary of the undergraduate RN. At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances. Now that you have some of the more important facts though, making an informed decision should be easier.

  4. 4
    0
    State

    State

    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if you can also find a job that suits your new qualification. There is a growing demand for advanced practice nurses, so that should not be too difficult. Estimates also point towards an exponentially growing employment rate up top for nurses, with each new year. What if you don’t manage to become a nurse practitioner right away? Will you still be working for the same money, despite all the effort and expenses? Not quite, because you can still expect a significant boost in your salary as a senior nurse with higher qualifications. According to the BLS, the average salary of a RN – MSN is $89,000 per year, which is 25% higher than the average salary of the undergraduate RN. At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances. Now that you have some of the more important facts though, making an informed decision should be easier.

  5. 5
    0
    Location

    Location

    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if you can also find a job that suits your new qualification. There is a growing demand for advanced practice nurses, so that should not be too difficult. Estimates also point towards an exponentially growing employment rate up top for nurses, with each new year. What if you don’t manage to become a nurse practitioner right away? Will you still be working for the same money, despite all the effort and expenses? Not quite, because you can still expect a significant boost in your salary as a senior nurse with higher qualifications. According to the BLS, the average salary of a RN – MSN is $89,000 per year, which is 25% higher than the average salary of the undergraduate RN. At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances. Now that you have some of the more important facts though, making an informed decision should be easier.

  6. Advertisement
  7. 6
    0
    Experience

    Experience

    How much of a pay boost you will receive after completing your graduation in nursing depends on several factors such as: Specialization Job role Employer State Location Experience Record However, we can still make an estimate from the data that’s available. To make things simple, let’s compare salaries of different advanced practice nurses on a nationwide average scale with the national average salary of an undergraduate RN. Undergraduate Registered Nurse (RN) - Approximately $71,000 per year. Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN - FNP) - Approximately $101,500 per year. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (MSN - PNP) - Approximately $99,000 per year. RNs can potentially receive a salary boost of 40% or more after completing their MSN, as we can see from the above comparison. This should prove to be a lucrative enough incentive, especially when you consider the future prospects of assuming leadership roles that an MSN might open up. Higher Pay without the Specialist Job Role? It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if you can also find a job that suits your new qualification. There is a growing demand for advanced practice nurses, so that should not be too difficult. Estimates also point towards an exponentially growing employment rate up top for nurses, with each new year. What if you don’t manage to become a nurse practitioner right away? Will you still be working for the same money, despite all the effort and expenses? Not quite, because you can still expect a significant boost in your salary as a senior nurse with higher qualifications. According to the BLS, the average salary of a RN – MSN is $89,000 per year, which is 25% higher than the average salary of the undergraduate RN. At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances. Now that you have some of the more important facts though, making an informed decision should be easier.

  8. 7
    0
    Record

    Record

    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if you can also find a job that suits your new qualification. There is a growing demand for advanced practice nurses, so that should not be too difficult. Estimates also point towards an exponentially growing employment rate up top for nurses, with each new year. What if you don’t manage to become a nurse practitioner right away? Will you still be working for the same money, despite all the effort and expenses? Not quite, because you can still expect a significant boost in your salary as a senior nurse with higher qualifications. According to the BLS, the average salary of a RN – MSN is $89,000 per year, which is 25% higher than the average salary of the undergraduate RN. At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances. Now that you have some of the more important facts though, making an informed decision should be easier.

  9. 8
    0
    However, we can still make an estimate from the data that’s available

    However, we can still make an estimate from the data that’s available

    To make things simple, let’s compare salaries of different advanced practice nurses on a nationwide average scale with the national average salary of an undergraduate RN.

  10. 8
    0
    However, we can still make an estimate from the data that

    However, we can still make an estimate from the data that

    To make things simple, let’s compare salaries of different advanced practice nurses on a nationwide average scale with the national average salary of an undergraduate RN.

  11. 9
    0
    Undergraduate Registered Nurse (RN) - Approximately $71,000 per year.

    Undergraduate Registered Nurse (RN) - Approximately $71,000 per year.

    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if you can also find a job that suits your new qualification. There is a growing demand for advanced practice nurses, so that should not be too difficult. Estimates also point towards an exponentially growing employment rate up top for nurses, with each new year. What if you don’t manage to become a nurse practitioner right away? Will you still be working for the same money, despite all the effort and expenses? Not quite, because you can still expect a significant boost in your salary as a senior nurse with higher qualifications. According to the BLS, the average salary of a RN – MSN is $89,000 per year, which is 25% higher than the average salary of the undergraduate RN. At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances. Now that you have some of the more important facts though, making an informed decision should be easier.

  12. Advertisement
  13. 10
    0
    Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN - FNP) - Approximately $101,500 per year.

    Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN - FNP) - Approximately $101,500 per year.

    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if you can also find a job that suits your new qualification. There is a growing demand for advanced practice nurses, so that should not be too difficult. Estimates also point towards an exponentially growing employment rate up top for nurses, with each new year. What if you don’t manage to become a nurse practitioner right away? Will you still be working for the same money, despite all the effort and expenses? Not quite, because you can still expect a significant boost in your salary as a senior nurse with higher qualifications. According to the BLS, the average salary of a RN – MSN is $89,000 per year, which is 25% higher than the average salary of the undergraduate RN. At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances. Now that you have some of the more important facts though, making an informed decision should be easier.

  14. 11
    0
    Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (MSN - PNP) - Approximately $99,000 per year.

    Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (MSN - PNP) - Approximately $99,000 per year.

    This should prove to be a lucrative enough incentive, especially when you consider the future prospects of assuming leadership roles that an MSN might open up.

  15. 12
    0
    RNs can potentially receive a salary boost of 40% or more after completing

    RNs can potentially receive a salary boost of 40% or more after completing

    This should prove to be a lucrative enough incentive, especially when you consider the future prospects of assuming leadership roles that an MSN might open up.

  16. 12
    0
    RNs can potentially receive a salary boost of 40% or more after completing

    RNs can potentially receive a salary boost of 40% or more after completing

    An MSN often qualifies nurses for higher-paying advanced practice and leadership roles, which can significantly increase earning potential. Salary data consistently show substantial income growth for MSN-prepared nurses compared to RNs with an associate or bachelor’s degree.

  17. 13
    0
    Higher Pay without the Specialist Job Role?

    Higher Pay without the Specialist Job Role?

    Will you still be working for the same money, despite all the effort and expenses? Not quite, because you can still expect a significant boost in your salary as a senior nurse with higher qualifications. According to the BLS, the average salary of a RN – MSN is $89,000 per year, which is 25% higher than the average salary of the undergraduate RN.

  18. Advertisement
  19. 14
    0
    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if

    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if

    There is a growing demand for advanced practice nurses, so that should not be too difficult. Estimates also point towards an exponentially growing employment rate up top for nurses, with each new year.

  20. 14
    0
    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if

    It should be noted that you can only expect a hike as big as stated above if

    Now that you have some of the more important facts though, making an informed decision should be easier.

  21. 15
    0
    What if you don’t manage to become a nurse practitioner right away

    What if you don’t manage to become a nurse practitioner right away

    Will you still be working for the same money, despite all the effort and expenses? Not quite, because you can still expect a significant boost in your salary as a senior nurse with higher qualifications. According to the BLS, the average salary of a RN – MSN is $89,000 per year, which is 25% higher than the average salary of the undergraduate RN.

  22. 15
    0
    What if you don

    What if you don

    Considering what happens if you choose not to pursue an MSN is important when weighing long-term career mobility. Without a graduate degree, advancement into specialized, administrative, or advanced practice roles may be limited.

  23. 16
    0
    At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances

    At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances

    Now that you have some of the more important facts though, making an informed decision should be easier.

  24. Advertisement
  25. 16
    0
    At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances

    At the end of the day, it all comes down to you and your present circumstances

    Deciding to pursue an MSN ultimately depends on your career goals, financial situation, and personal responsibilities. Evaluating your current circumstances helps determine whether the time and investment align with your professional plans.

Also ranked in

More Lists You Might Like

Frequently Asked Questions

Is getting an MSN worth it for a registered nurse (RN)?
An MSN can lead to higher-paying roles, advanced practice positions, leadership opportunities, and greater job autonomy. Whether it’s worth it depends on your career goals, desired specialty, and the time and financial investment you’re prepared to make.
How does an MSN affect salary and job opportunities?
RNs with an MSN often qualify for roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator, which typically offer higher salaries and expanded responsibilities. Demand for advanced practice nurses continues to grow in many states and healthcare settings.
Do I need an MSN to specialize or move into leadership roles?
While not always required, an MSN is often preferred or mandatory for advanced clinical specialties, management positions, and academic roles. It provides the clinical training, leadership skills, and credentials employers look for in higher-level positions.
How is the ranking for this list determined?
This list is ranked based on community votes and engagement, reflecting real-world perspectives from nurses and healthcare professionals. Factors such as specialization, job role, employer type, state, location, experience, and overall career impact influence how items are evaluated.

Missing something?

Suggest an addition. Submissions are reviewed before appearing on the list.

Sign in to propose an addition.
Advertisement

Discussion (0)

Sign in to join the discussion.
No comments yet. Be the first.