Master of Science in Nursing: Advanced Pathways and Specializations in Healthcare

The healthcare industry is becoming increasingly complex and expensive. It’s also experiencing distinct disruption from rapidly advancing technology and changing regulations. Many believe that making nurses full partners and leaders in the industry is key to revolutionizing healthcare in the United States. According to leading labor market analytics firm EMSI, jobs for nurses who hold a master’s degree in nursing are projected to grow by 13.9% by 2031. Advanced practice nursing roles, such as nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists, are projected to see an even greater increase in demand—with jobs growing by 45% by 2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Whether you want to continue providing direct patient care or move into administrative roles, today’s nurses need master’s degrees to rise through the ranks and become leaders in all facets of healthcare.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Options

An advanced nursing degree opens the door to new job opportunities, increased responsibilities and higher salaries. A master’s degree in nursing also offers the opportunity to specialize in the area of healthcare about which you’re most passionate. Let’s look at the different Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree options and the career paths with which they align.

The Flexible Pathway: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN-Generalist)

The foundational Master of Science in Nursing degree is a generalist program that opens the door to a wide variety of career paths. As part of a cutting-edge University, the School of Nursing provides a diverse, energetic, and collegial environment for participating in world-class interprofessional education, scientific inquiry and practice opportunities.

Advanced Practice Tracks

Students with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who want to become a nurse practitioner may choose one of the following advanced practice tracks:

• Nursing Education
• Family/Individual Across the Lifespan (FNP)
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

For all specialty nurse practitioner MSN degree programs, there is a core curriculum that all students must complete, and courses specific to population-focused advanced practice nursing concentrations that lead to eligibility to sit for national certification. The Master of Science in Nursing at Nicholls State University has been recognized as one of the top 50 nursing graduate programs in America according to Money Magazine.

Certification Exam Pass Rates

The following table illustrates the performance of graduates from the Nicholls State University MSN program in national certification exams:

Admission and Progression Requirements

Students will be admitted to the program based on enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended admission requirements:

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing awarded by an accredited college or university.
• RN Licensure in the United States (a clear and unencumbered nursing license is required).
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale for last 60 undergraduate hours of required nursing degree courses.
• Evidence of a valid, unencumbered Louisiana Registered Nurse license (for specific regional programs).
• Completed a course in introductory statistics with a minimum grade of “C” or equivalent.

During the first semester of enrollment, the student must file a degree plan with the MSN Graduate Coordinator. Additionally, students must submit a complete history and physical, current certification in CPR, annual TB results, required immunizations, a negative drug screen, and an acceptable background check. Professional Liability Insurance and Health Insurance are also required. Students are admitted into three-year part-time plans of study and are expected to maintain progression as outlined upon admission; however, students must complete all course work within a five-year time frame in order to be eligible to earn the degree.

Important Regulatory Note

IMPORTANT NOTE: The University of Delaware is required to comply with state and federal laws regarding the delivery of distance education. Please see the University’s State Authorization page for more information.