Thinking about an MSN? 5 areas to consider

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level degree designed to help prepare registered nurses for a variety of specialized roles. Core courses help strengthen skills in key areas of nursing theory and practice. From there, students can further their knowledge in their chosen nursing specialty.

Whether you have an RN or a BSN, you may be exploring nursing specialties and thinking about which specialization could be right for you. Keep reading for advice from Capella School of Nursing and Health Sciences faculty on picking an area of focus.

Nicole Aclin, DNP, RN, CNE, kicks us off with some general thoughts: “Reflect on your interests and strengths. Consider what aspects of nursing you are most passionate about and where your skills shine.”

Want to learn how optimization among providers works?

The MSN in Care Coordination specialization focuses on processes to help improve patient health by bridging gaps in healthcare delivery, aligning resources and coordinating culturally competent care. Students in this program learn about the theories, research and best practices related to the role of nurse care coordinator.

“Care coordination is fundamental to modern nursing to help ensure high-quality, patient-centered care,” says Dionne Gibbs, PhD, RN, CNE. “In a complex healthcare landscape, nurses are crucial in helping manage seamless and efficient care transitions. This coordination helps improve patient outcomes, enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and advances the nursing profession, ultimately benefiting community health and well-being.”

Check out the RN-to-MSN in Care Coordination if you’re an RN with an associate’s degree.  

Interested in how technology and nursing intersect?

As technology evolves, it’s important for nurses to bridge the gap between technology and clinical practice. The MSN in Nursing Informatics helps nurses learn to promote streamlined technology solutions in the interest of promoting patient health and safety outcomes. Students will learn how health information systems influence strategic planning, decision-making and clinical project management.

Adriane Stasurak, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, explains how nursing informatics professionals are setting new standards for interprofessional collaboration, especially with integrating technology and advances in artificial intelligence. “Their expertise in managing and analyzing health data helps them streamline workflows, improve patient outcomes and enhance communication among healthcare professionals. As technology continues to evolve, they play a crucial role in helping ensure that healthcare systems are efficient, innovative and capable of meeting the demands of modern patient care.”

Check out the RN-to-MSN in Nursing Informatics if you’re an RN with an associate’s degree.

Want to discover insights into leading a healthcare team?

Motivating and inspiring others plays an important role in implementing the goals of a healthcare organization. The MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration can help provide the knowledge and operational skills to effectively communicate with members of a healthcare team. Students will also learn about strategies to allocate financial resources and facilitate patient care.

“Nurse leaders combine clinical expertise, leadership and business skills to help improve health outcomes,” says Lisa Merritt, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, NE-BC. “They guide teams, optimize operations and implement strategies to help enhance patient care, especially crucial amid healthcare professional shortages. By fostering collaboration and innovation, nurse leaders help ensure high-quality, patient-centered care in a complex and resource-limited environment.”

Check out the RN-to-MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration if you’re an RN with an associate’s degree.

Looking for ways to teach others how to grow as nurses?

The MSN in Nursing Education specialization focuses on how to design and deliver nursing education programs and evaluate learner performance. Students will learn approaches that can help them function as educators within both academic and healthcare environments.

Marylee Bressie DNP, RN, CCNS, CCRN, CEN, emphasizes the important role nursing faculty play in the field. “Due to a constantly changing healthcare environment, including the rise of new technology and an aging population requiring complex care, there is a need for faculty who can help prepare the next generation of nurses with the proper skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide evidence-based, safe and quality care to patients.”

Check out the RN-to-MSN in Nursing Education if you’re an RN with an associate’s degree.

Want to learn more about nurse practitioner specialties?

Advanced-practice nurses in the nurse practitioner field focus on comprehensive management of patients’ health to include interpreting diagnostic data and formulating treatment plans. Capella offers two nurse practitioner programs to help students specialize in working with different populations.

The MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialization helps equip students with advanced-practice nursing skills to care for individuals aged 13 and older, and the MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner focuses on care for people of all ages. In both programs, students will learn how to help promote health, reduce risks and manage acute and chronic health conditions for individuals in these populations.

“The role of nurse practitioners is crucial in today’s healthcare landscape,” says Brianna Seaver, DNP, ANP-C, FNP-C, ENP-C, CNE, NRP. “Their holistic approach ensures that patients receive personalized and continuous care, which is essential for helping improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction.”

 

Learn more about advanced nursing degrees with the CCNE-accredited* MSN program at Capella.

*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.