Whether you have been a nurse for two years or 20, opting to advance your education can open fresh career opportunities, contribute to a better work-life balance, and allow you to make even greater contributions to the field. Luckily, there are many online, affordable trajectories nurses can take to further their healthcare education.
What Do You Learn During an MSN Program?
The Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online program at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) equips nurses with the skillsets necessary to step into leadership roles. Students choose from two tracks — MSN Nurse Educator or MSN Administration — with everyone completing general coursework in these key areas: evidence-based practice, informatics, research, science and theories.
Nurses who pursue the MSN Nurse Educator path complete seven additional courses in topics such as:
- Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning
- Role of the nurse educator
- Nursing education practicum
Nurses who select the MSN Administration path complete seven additional courses in topics such as:
- Roles and functions of the nurse administrator
- Financial management
- Nursing leadership
- Nursing and healthcare policy
What Are the Benefits of an Online RN to MSN Program?
Nurses who complete their MSN online often do so because of the many benefits, including:
Accelerated timeline. An online RN to MSN program utilizes accelerated pacing to significantly shorten the overall time commitment for busy, working nurses. Each course is just five weeks long, and you can complete the entire degree in as few as 36 months. This is a more streamlined avenue than completing a bachelor’s program first, followed by a master’s program.
Cost-savings. The expedited format reduces your costs, and there is the option for tuition rate lock and no expiration on previously acquired credits. Graduates of the RN to MSN program also complete two programs: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an MSN.
Accreditation. An important consideration when evaluating any degree program is accreditation, as it verifies the curriculum’s quality and how well it incorporates effective learning strategies. The RN to MSN program at UTA is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national, independent accrediting agency.
Career opportunities. Nursing requires a robust set of skills, from caring for patients with multiple comorbidities and treating novel viruses to incorporating numerous technology-based systems. While a BSN helps you develop some of the necessary core competencies, the MSN program digs deeper into these essential concepts. It prepares you to function in modern healthcare settings, plus lead and inspire others to do the same.
Improved salary. As nurses advance their educations, their earning potential tends to increase too. According to January 2021 data from ZipRecruiter, nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) earn an average salary of $58,322 annually, while MSN-prepared nurses earn $86,779 on average.
Flexibility. With two tracks to choose from, the RN to MSN program grants you the freedom and education to achieve your career goals. The online format adds even more flexibility so that you can complete coursework from anywhere without commuting.
Local clinical sites. Clinicals are an integral component of any nurse’s education and are typically where many form professional connections. The RN to MSN program at UTA helps coordinate clinical sites in your area so that you retain the benefits of both online learning and in-person experience.
Invest in Your Success
Returning to school as an adult has its challenges, but an online RN to MSN program simplifies the process. From built-in flexibility to accelerated course pacing focused on one class at a time, an accredited MSN program saves you time and money while preparing you for new career opportunities.
Learn more about the University of Texas at Arlington RN to MSN online program.
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
ZipRecruiter:
