Online Masters in Nursing Specialties
Online Masters in Nursing Specialties Overview
Online Masters in Nursing Specialties may appeal to busy working nurses who desire to expand their professional knowledge and technical skills through advanced education in a specialty area.
If you hold a Bachelor’s degree and are currently a registered nurse, specializing in a particular area of nursing may lead to a variety of potential career paths in some very in demand and fast growing fields of nursing.
In addition to your education, and RN status, Online Masters in Nursing Specialties programs typically have the same admissions requirements as campus programs; experience in nursing, a resume, letters of recommendation, a personal statement and possibly, proof that you are a registered nurse, drug screening and a criminal background check.
Typically, Masters of Science in Nursing programs include both classroom education and clinical experience. Courses in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology are common as well as coursework specific to the chosen nursing specialty role.
Fact: An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) must have a registered nursing (RN) license before pursuing education in one of the advanced practice roles, and a strong background in science is helpful, per the BLS.
What are Potential Advantages to Online Masters in Nursing Specialties Programs?
If you are looking to pursue your Masters degree but either cannot commute to a nursing school or prefer to study when it is convenient to you, distance-learning is a good option. Study from wherever you have a computer and reliable Internet. As there may be laboratory work involved, it is a good idea to ensure that you have facilities available to you, or ascertain whether the program is fully online or will require some onsite study.
Search available programs easily on GradSchools.com to find the one that aligns with your interests; MS in Nursing- Adult Gerontology Practitioner, and MS Forensic Nursing are both available in Online format along with many other options.
Is an Online Nursing Specialty Masters Program Right For You?
If you already have a passion for a specific area in nursing, choosing to pursue an online masters in nursing specialties degree may help you cultivate expertise and potentially help you to expand your professional versatility. Nursing specialties come in many different areas, whether this is a specific age group (neonatology, pediatrics, gerontology), an interest in caring for patients with specific illnesses (cardiology, cancer, diabetes) or a focus on patient mental health or location of care delivery (primary care, public health nursing or acute care nursing).
Keep in mind as well that there are non-patient oriented care specialty areas that you may choose to specialize in when you pursue your online Master’s degree in Nursing. These may include nursing education, medical technology, healthcare administration and management, nursing research and health policy.
Some registered nurses (RNs) combine two areas of specialization, such as in the case of pediatric oncology. Other specialty areas that may be offered in an online masters in nursing specialties degree program might include:
- Addiction nurses
- Critical care nurses
- Genetics nurses
- Nephrology nurses
- Forensic nursing
- Rehabilitation nurses
What is an APRN?
An advanced practice nurse (APRN) has completed a master’s degree program and has obtained a variety of specific skills and knowledge required for advanced clinical practice. This scrupulous training sets them apart from other registered nurses. Advanced practice nurses work in an array of highly esteemed roles including clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse anesthetists (CNAs) and certified nurse-midwives (CNMs).
They also play a more active and central role in direct patient diagnosis and treatment.
Job Outlook For Nursing Specialty Professions
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for an APRN is extremely favorable as employment is projected to grow 40% from 2021 to 2031 and a recorded median pay in 2021 of $123,780. This compares to a median wage in 2021 of $77,600 and a 6% growth in employment for registered nurses during the same time frame.
Ready to Pursue an Online Masters of Science in a Nursing Specialty?
As a specialist in your field, you have the opportunity not only to earn more, be in demand, but also offer excellence in patient care or use your knowledge to train the next generation of nurses. Why not review your options on GradSchools.com today!
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | 13,570 | $122,840 |
| New York | 13,450 | $115,030 |
| Texas | 10,730 | $109,620 |
| Florida | 10,380 | $96,490 |
| Ohio | 7,460 | $99,110 |
| Metro Area | Annual Mean Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $146,050 | 680 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $131,430 | 2,450 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $129,040 | 170 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $127,330 | 110 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $123,570 | 4,260 |
Popular Schools with Nursing Specialties Masters Online Programs
GradSchools.com offers 15 Graduate Schools with Online Masters in Nursing Specialties
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- Capella University is an accredited online university offering PhD, professional doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s programs.
- 94% of nursing alumni say they are satisfied with their Capella education. Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2021–2022
Grand Canyon University
South University
Independence University
University of Saint Joseph
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Drexel University
Thomas Jefferson University
University of Arkansas Grantham
US University
Dalhousie University
Spring Hill College
University of Alabama