Online degrees have become increasingly popular among working professionals, and for nursing graduates, there are a variety of options available to help enhance their candidature. With the right online degree program, nursing graduates can expand their knowledge and skills and open up new opportunities in the healthcare field.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, General Medical and Surgical Hospitals have employed the highest number of registered nurses, i.e., 31.32% of the total number of RNs. The average annual wage of these RNs is $ 85,020. If a registered nurse wants to increase their candidature and annual wage, they can go for an online BSN to MSN program. The options are many.
This article discusses five online degrees that nursing graduates can pursue after their BSN degree to enhance their candidature. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry, these online degrees can help you achieve your goals.
1. MSN – Nurse Practitioner
A Master of Science in Nursing focusing on Nurse Practitioners is a great option for nursing graduates looking to advance their careers. This online degree program will provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Those already practicing as a nurse and don’t have much time to go for a master’s degree full-time program can go for an online MSN program. These online BSN to MSN nurse practitioner programs allow working registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to further their education through online coursework and clinical hours.
Nurse Practitioners are responsible for providing primary and specialty care, and they can diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medication. With an MSN – Nurse Practitioner degree, nursing graduates can take on more responsibility and have more autonomy in their practice.
2. MSN – Nursing Administration
This online degree program will provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in healthcare management, finance, and organizational behavior.
According to Zippia, there will be a requirement of 1.2 million RNs by 2030 to fulfill the current shortage of nurses. Therefore, a master’s degree will always be an added benefit when you are hired. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work as nursing administrators, which is a critical role in the healthcare industry.
Nursing administrators are responsible for managing and leading a healthcare organization, such as a hospital or clinic. They are responsible for creating policies and procedures that ensure quality patient care, manage budgets, and oversee day-to-day operations.
With an MSN – Nursing Administration degree, nursing graduates can take on leadership roles and greatly impact the healthcare system.
3. MSN – Nursing Education
This online degree program will provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in curriculum development, teaching strategies, and assessment.
Statista says only 13% of RNs have an associate degree or higher education. However, if you have a master’s, you will be preferred for the job of Nursing educator.
Nursing educators are responsible for educating and developing future healthcare professionals and nurses. They create and deliver educational content, design and evaluate curriculum, and mentor and guide students.
With an MSN – Nursing Education degree, nursing graduates can share their knowledge and experience to shape the future of healthcare.
4. MSN – Nursing Informatics
A Master of Science in Nursing focusing on Nursing Informatics is a unique option for nursing graduates looking to combine their clinical expertise with technology. This online degree program enhances students skills, knowledge and expertise in healthcare information systems, data management, and communication technology.
Nursing informaticist work at the intersection of nursing, information science, and computer technology. They design, develop, and implement information systems that support patient care, clinical decision-making, and nursing practice.
With an MSN – Nursing Informatics degree, nursing graduates can improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery through technology.
5. MSN – Nurse Anesthesia
This online degree program ensures that students gain advanced skills and desired knowledge in pharmacology, anatomy, and anesthesiology.
Graduates of this program will be prepared to work as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), a critical role in the healthcare industry. CRNAs are responsible for administering anesthesia to patients during surgical procedures, childbirth, and other medical procedures.
They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure anesthesia’s safe and effective administration. With an MSN – Nurse Anesthesia degree, nursing graduates can provide high-quality anesthesia care to patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many online degrees that nursing graduates can pursue after their BSN degree to enhance their candidature. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, expand your knowledge and skills, or open up new opportunities, an online degree program can help you achieve your goals.
Some options available to nursing graduates include a Master of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and more. Each of these programs will provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in specific areas of the healthcare industry, such as patient care, healthcare management, education, informatics, and anesthesia.
With the right online degree program, nursing graduates can take their careers to the next level and impact the healthcare system.
