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How Nurses With an MSN Degree Change Specialties

Nurses who want to expand their horizons have several options for upgrading their expertise and career possibilities.

Whether you're relatively new to nursing or have years of expertise in the field, you might be looking for a change. Perhaps you want to expand your professional horizons, acquire a new nursing specialization, increase your earning potential, or all three. Maybe you're returning to nursing school after a hiatus, or you want to get into a leadership or teaching position where you'll provide nurse mentoring and help other nurses develop their skills.

Whatever your motivation for considering a master’s in nursing program, the career outlook is encouraging. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for nurses is healthy. Employment for nurses with a master’s degree is projected to grow 26% from 2018 to 2028 for several reasons, including rising rates of chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, demand for better healthcare services from baby boomers who are living longer and more active lives, and a greater emphasis on preventive care.1

How Nurses With an MSN Degree Change Specialties

If you're considering next steps in nursing careers, here are two avenues to explore:

  • Pursuing an MSN degree
  • Earning a post-master's certificate in an area of specialization

An MSN online program is a convenient way to prepare for the next step in your career while you're working in your current position. Walden's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) has eight specializations to choose from:

If you've already earned your Master of Science in Nursing, or are returning to the field and want to refresh your skills, you might consider a post-master's certificate. Walden offers online Post-Master's Certificates in Nursing in critical areas of specialization:

A career in nursing offers a wide range of opportunities, and the best way to position yourself for new career options as a nurse is through education. Online learning makes earning an MSN degree or completing a post-master’s certificate program achievable for working professionals who balance work and family obligations.

Explore Walden University’s programs and begin preparing for your next career move. Walden is the leader in graduate nursing education,2 offering a variety of specializations to complement your passion as a nursing professional.


1Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
2Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS database. Retrieved July 2017, using CIP codes 51.3801 (Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse); 51.3808 (Nursing Science); 51.3818 (Nursing Practice). Includes 2016 preliminary data.

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