Master's in Nursing (MSN)

A master's degree in nursing (MSN) prepares health care workers for advanced positions in a number of medical specialties, including careers as nurse practitioners, nursing specialists, and nurse anesthetists. Nurses with master's degrees are often called clinical nurse specialists and generally work for a hospital or health care clinic. MSN candidates must complete a bachelor's degree is nursing (BSN) prior to admission into a master's program, and may also be required to have one to two years of clinical experience as a registered nurse. Most MSN programs include two years of full-time study. Although earning an MSN may not increase a nurse's salary (which averages $57,280 per year), it can increase his or her job prospects and broaden future career opportunities in the field.