Nursing Jobs: 4 Reasons to Look at Earning an MSN Degree Online

Are you an RN who's thinking about going back to school to earn your masters degree in nursing online? Find out about the exciting career opportunities available to advanced-practice nurses.

4 Nursing Jobs that Require a Masters Degree in Nursing

• Clinical Nurse Specialist. These advanced-practice nurses focus their care within a specific patient population. For example, a CNS may specialize in treating diabetes or working in psychiatric-mental health. A CNS may provide direct patient care or consultation to other healthcare providers.
• Nurse Anesthetist. These nurses are responsible for administrating anesthesia to patients before surgery, diagnostic tests, or during child birth. They are often responsible for patient care before, during and after surgery.
• Nurse-Midwife. These healthcare providers specialize in working with women. They provide primary care, including gynecological exams and family planning advice, as well as obstetric care. A nurse-midwife can provide many of the medical services that an OB/GYN physician can.
• Nurse Practitioner. Also known as NPs, these nurses can offer primary and specialty care services to a broad range of patient populations. Nurse practitioners will often specialize in a population group, such as family practice, adult care, geriatrics or women's health.

All of these advanced practice nurses can prescribe medication, and many work independently of physicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, advanced practice nurses in all specialties will continue to be in high demand as organizations look for ways to cut expenses.

For more information about becoming an advanced-practice nurse, contact an advisor about programs that offer an online masters degree in nursing. These programs often provide professional nurses the flexibility they need to earn their masters degree while continuing to work.