A Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing

Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death....

(MSN) is an advanced-level postgraduate degree for registered nurse

Registered nurse

A registered nurse is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program at a university or college and has passed a national licensing exam. A registered nurse helps individuals, families, and groups to achieve health and prevent disease...

s and is considered an entry-level degree for nurse educators

Nurse educator

A nurse educator is a nurse who teaches and prepares licensed practical nurses and registered nurses for entry into practice positions. They can also teach in various patient care settings to provide continuing education to licensed nursing staff...

 and managers

Nursing management

Nursing management is performing leadership functions of governance and decision-making within organizations employing nurses. It includes processes common to all management like planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling...

. The degree also may prepare a nurse to seek a career as a nurse administrator, health policy expert, or clinical nurse leader

Clinical nurse leader

The Clinical Nurse Leader is a relatively new nursing role that was developed to prepare highly skilled nurses focused on the improvement of quality and safety outcomes for patients or patient populations...

. The MSN may be used as a prerequisite for doctorate

Doctorate

A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder to teach in a specific field, A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder...

-level nursing education, and previously was required to become an advanced practice registered nurse such as a nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioner

A Nurse Practitioner is an Advanced practice registered nurse who has completed graduate-level education . Additional APRN roles include the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist s, CNMs, and CNSs...

, clinical nurse specialist

Clinical nurse specialist

A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice registered nurse, with graduate preparation from a program that prepares CNSs. According to the APRN Consensus Model for Regulation "The CNS serves a unique APRN role in integrating care across the continuum and through three spheres of...

, nurse anesthetist

Nurse anesthetist

A nurse anesthetist is a nurse who specializes in the administration of anesthesia.In the United States, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is an advanced practice registered nurse who has acquired graduate-level education and board certification in anesthesia...

, or nurse midwife

Nurse midwife

In the United States, a Certified Nurse-Midwife is an Advanced Practice Nurse who has specialized education and training in both Nursing and Midwifery. CNM's function as primary healthcare providers for women and most often provide medical care for relatively healthy women, whose birth is...

. The master's level advanced practice registered nurse programs have already, or are in the process of, transitioning to the requirements of the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

This graduate-level degree may focus in one or more of many different advanced nursing specialties such as acute care, adult, family, geriatrics

Geriatric nursing

Geriatric nursing is the specialty that concerns itself with the provision of nursing services to geriatric or aged individuals.-Geriatric nursing:...

, neonatal, palliative care, pediatric, psychiatric

Psychiatric Nursing

Psychiatric Nursing is a 1958 documentary film directed by Lee R. Bobker. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature....

, obstetrics and gynecological nursing

Women's health

Women's health refers to health issues specific to human female anatomy. These often relate to structures such as female genitalia and breasts or to conditions caused by hormones specific to, or most notable in, females. Women's health issues include menstruation, contraception, maternal health,...

, etc.

See also

• Diploma in Nursing
  Diploma in Nursing
  A Diploma in Nursing or Nursing Diploma is an entry-level tertiary education nursing credential.In the United States, this diploma is usually awarded by hospital-based nursing schools. Students awarded a Diploma in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a...
  
  
• Associate of Science in Nursing
  Associate of Science in Nursing
  An Associate of Science in Nursing is a tertiary education nursing degree. In the United States, this type of degree is usually awarded by community colleges or similar nursing schools. Some four year colleges also offer this degree...
  
  
• BSc in Nursing
  Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an American four year academic degree in the science and principles of nursing, granted by a tertiary education university or similarly accredited school...
  
  
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
• Nurse education
  Nurse education
  Nurse education consists in the theorical and practical training provided to nurses with the purpose to prepare them for their duties as nursing care professionals. This education is provided to nursing students by experienced nurses and other medical professionals who have qualified or...
  
  
• Nursing school
  Nursing school
  A nursing school is a type of educational institution, or part thereof, providing education and training to become a fully qualified nurse. The nature of nursing education and nursing qualifications varies considerably across the world.-United Kingdom:...
  
  

External links

• CCNE - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education - Accrediting body that "ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs preparing effective nurses."