Key Takeaways
- Accreditation—particularly Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation—is an important factor to consider when evaluating a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
- A quality MSN program should offer multiple specializations that align with career goals, from nurse practitioner tracks to nursing education.
- Expert faculty can help provide instruction grounded in current nursing practice and research.
- Online MSN programs offer flexible scheduling that allows working nurses to continue their education without leaving their jobs.
- Walden University’s CCNE-accredited MSN program offers nine specializations, as well as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to MSN and registered nurse (RN) to MSN pathways to support nurses at different stages of their education.
When selecting a school for your MSN degree, look for Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation, a variety of specializations, doctorally prepared faculty, strong student resources, and a flexible learning format. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN degree) can provide a pathway for fulfilling roles in nursing. But knowing you want to earn a master’s in nursing is not the same as knowing which university’s MSN program is right for you. After all, there are a lot of options. Here’s what you need to consider when looking at nursing schools.
Why Does Accreditation Matter for an MSN Degree?
When evaluating a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, accreditation is an important factor to consider. One accreditation prospective students may wish to look for is accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE is a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education that evaluates the quality and integrity of nursing degree programs and residency programs. CCNE accreditation indicates that a nursing program has undergone a rigorous review process and has been found to meet established accreditation standards. Accreditation may also support opportunities for continued education, employment, and professional licensure, although specific requirements vary by employer, institution, and state licensing board.
What MSN Specializations Should You Look For?
Many master’s in nursing programs offer a variety of MSN degree specializations, allowing you to focus on a specific area of interest. By offering specializations, a university demonstrates a strong commitment to nursing and an ability to educate students in all nuances of the profession. MSN degree specializations a university may offer include:
- Nursing Education
- Nurse Executive
- Nursing Informatics
- Public Health Nursing
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
How Important Is the Faculty in an MSN Program?
Whether you want to be a nurse practitioner or a nurse educator, or enter another field of MSN nursing, you want to be as prepared as possible, which means being taught by experts. When looking at MSN programs, verify that the faculty is doctorally prepared, meaning they hold degrees such as a PhD or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). If they are, that’s a good indication that your instructors can provide you with the knowledge and mentoring you need to be your best.
Doctorally prepared faculty bring deep expertise in nursing practice and research. Some programs also feature faculty who are active practitioners, giving you insights from the front lines of today’s healthcare environment.
What Resources Should a Good MSN Program Offer?
Universities with good MSN programs should also provide plenty of student resources. Take time to review the resources of your preferred universities and make sure they offer a wide range of support.
Key resources to look for include:
- Writing and research support
- Career planning and advising services
- Academic tutoring and mentoring
- Library and research databases
- Technical support for online learning platforms
Is an Online MSN Program Right for You?
If you’re a working registered nurse (RN) looking to make the move from RN to MSN, or if you have any other type of full-time job, it might be difficult for you to attend a campus-based MSN program where class times could interfere with your work schedule. Fortunately, there’s another option: online education.
Many online MSN programs allow students to complete much of their coursework remotely, reducing the need for regular travel to a campus. Depending on the program, some in-person requirements such as clinical experiences, residencies, or practicums may still apply. Additionally, when you earn your master’s in nursing online, you can take advantage of online learning’s flexible scheduling, which gives you the ability to attend class when it works best for you. You can even enroll in an RN to MSN online program that may reduce the total time or coursework required compared with pursuing separate degree programs.
Why Choose Walden University for Your MSN Degree?
Walden University’s MSN program offers features that align with many of the factors prospective students may consider when evaluating an MSN program. The program is CCNE-accredited and offers nine specializations. Walden also connects students with resources designed to support their education and career advancement.
Walden also offers an RN to MSN pathway, giving nurses at different stages of their education a route to an advanced degree. The program’s online format provides the flexibility working nurses need to balance their education with professional and personal responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CCNE accreditation and why does it matter?
CCNE accreditation means a nursing program has been evaluated by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and found to meet established accreditation standards. Accreditation can be an important factor when choosing an MSN program because it reflects a commitment to educational quality and continuous improvement and may be considered by employers, educational institutions, and licensing boards. Requirements vary by employer, institution, and state.
Can you earn an MSN degree online while working full time?
Yes. Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are designed with flexible scheduling that allows working nurses to complete coursework on their own timeline. Many students continue working full time while earning their MSN degree through an online program.
What is the difference between an RN to MSN and a BSN to MSN program?
A BSN to MSN program is for nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and want to earn a master’s degree. An RN to MSN program allows registered nurses who do not yet hold a BSN to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a single streamlined path, which may reduce the total time or coursework required compared with pursuing separate degree programs.
How do you choose the right MSN specialization?
Choosing the right MSN specialization depends on professional goals and areas of interest within nursing. Nurse practitioner tracks focus on direct patient care, while specializations such as nursing education, nursing informatics, and nurse executive focus on leadership, teaching, and systems-level roles.
Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program online with nine specializations. Earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Walden University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to provide the academic degree required to apply for national certifications. Because no graduate program can guarantee that graduates will achieve national certification, we encourage students to consult the appropriate credentialing center for the specific requirements. It is an individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information about certification programs, students should contact the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.nursingworld.org/ancc, or other certification websites.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
