Several colleges offer online master's degree programs in nursing.
With an online master's degree in nursing, motivated nurses can pursue teaching or management positions, according to GuideToOnlineSchools.com. Usually these degree programs require students to already have some experience in the nursing field, which involves treating patients and educating the public about various medical conditions, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Several colleges and universities offer this type of degree program online, conveniently providing self-disciplined students with the skills they need for a variety of career options.
Options
Students who are interested in pursuing an online master's degree in nursing can consider several online colleges such as Walden University, Kaplan University and Capella University. "Bricks and mortar" colleges offering this degree online are Vanderbilt University, Stevens-Henager College and Herzing University, according to Elearners.com.
Benefits
Obtaining an online degree in nursing has many advantages, including providing students with the flexibility they need to balance their coursework and other professional and personal commitments, according to WorldWideLearn.com. Not only is course material available around the clock but also students gain skills in using the internet more effectively, which can be valuable to them in several career roles available with a master's in nursing degree.
Programs
Students in a master's nursing program online can choose to follow a general track or specialize in a variety of areas such as clinical leadership, nurse educator, nursing administration, informatics, health systems leadership or infection prevention and control. Students also can concentrate on topics such as adult acute care nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery or women's health nurse practitioner. Clinical leadership students learn improve their clinical skills, work to institute more effective methods of patient care and assess data on patient treatment and outcomes. The best programs are those accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission. The requirement to enroll in an online master's nursing program usually includes having a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and being licensed as a registered nurse. Most programs are available completely online and require students to secure internships locally, while others require students to also spend a weekend or more on campus to enhance their skills.
Job Opportunities
With an online master's degree in nursing, advanced practice nurses can move into other roles such as nurse practitioners, certified clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives and certified nurse anesthetists. Nurse educator graduates also can teach, serve as staff development coordinators or work as school nurses. These professionals can find work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, hospices, rehabilitation centers, physician offices, universities or elementary, secondary or postsecondary schools.
Outlook
The demand for nurses continues to rise. Because registered floor nurses currently are more in demand than those with a master's degree, however, master's degree-holders might make only a few thousand more dollars annually than a registered nurse. Registered nurses make an average of $55,000 a year. The salary for nursing educators might be $10,000 to $15,000 less than for nurses who work with health-care providers.
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