What Can You Do With an MSN?

Pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a pivotal step toward accelerating your nursing career. Whether you’re seeking leadership roles, specialized clinical positions, or opportunities in education, a Master of Science in Nursing program provides the perfect pathway to your nursing career advancement. But what can you do with an MSN degree? With a variety of MSN pathways to choose from, you can unlock fulfilling and impactful opportunities that allow you to make a lasting difference in the ever-evolving healthcare field.

What Is an MSN Degree?

A Master of Science in Nursing is an advanced nursing degree that prepares registered nurses for higher-level roles in clinical practice, administration, education, and specialized fields. Many MSN programs offer concentrations that allow you to align your education with your interests and career goals by focusing on a particular area of nursing. For working nurses, distanced-based MSN programs provide added flexibility for nursing career advancement.

Types of MSN Degrees

When asking, “What can you do with an MSN degree?” it’s important to consider the many types of MSN degrees, which can vary widely depending on your career aspirations. Whether you’re interested in clinical practice, leadership, or education, Master of Science in Nursing programs provide diverse paths to reach your career goals. Nurses can specialize in providing advanced care to specific patient populations, leading healthcare teams, or teaching the next generation of nurses. Below are some common MSN pathways to consider.

Clinical Master of Science in Nursing Programs

Many nurses choose to become nurse practitioners through a clinical MSN program. Nurse practitioners often serve as primary care providers, offering advanced patient care across various settings. Clinical MSN programs allow you to focus on a particular patient population or practice area, gaining valuable direct patient care experience while earning your degree. Popular clinical MSN pathways include:

• Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP): This MSN program prepares nurse practitioners to provide care for adult and elderly populations. Acute care AGNPs typically work in hospital settings, managing critically ill or complex patients, while primary care AGNPs focus on long-term health needs in outpatient settings.
• Family nurse practitioner (FNP): This program equips family nurse practitioners to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of health conditions. FNPs work in diverse settings, including outpatient clinics, primary care offices, and community health centers.
• Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP): Neonatal nurse practitioners work with low- and high-risk neonates and infants, often in neonatal intensive care units or special care nurseries. This MSN program is essential for those passionate about improving outcomes for newborns.
• Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP): Acute care pediatric nurse practitioners work in hospital settings, managing critically ill children and those with complex conditions. Primary care PNPs focus on providing preventive care and managing chronic conditions in children in outpatient settings.
• Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP): This MSN pathway prepares psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners to provide care to individuals with mental health disorders, substance abuse issues, and other psychiatric conditions. PMHNPs work in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and telehealth.
• Women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP): Women’s health nurse practitioners focus on reproductive and sexual health care for women across their lifespans, addressing issues like prenatal care, family planning, and gynecological services. WHNPs also play a crucial role in addressing maternal health disparities.

Nonclinical Master of Science in Nursing Programs

For those interested in roles beyond direct patient care, nonclinical Master of Science in Nursing programs offer opportunities to influence healthcare through leadership, education, or technology. These MSN pathways are ideal for nurses who want to shape policies, manage teams, or teach future healthcare professionals:

• Health informatics: A Master of Science in Nursing program in health informatics prepares nurses to improve health outcomes by managing healthcare data and technology. Nurses in this area often serve as the link between patient care and data analysis in settings like hospitals and clinics.
• Nursing and healthcare leadership: For nurses aspiring to leadership roles, the nursing and healthcare leadership MSN pathway prepares them to oversee teams, influence policy, and improve patient care at an organizational level. Graduates can lead nursing teams in hospitals, manage healthcare facilities, or work in executive roles.
• Nursing education: If teaching is your passion, an MSN program in nursing education prepares you to educate future nurses. Nurse educators can work in academic institutions or hospitals, developing curricula, teaching students, and guiding the professional development of healthcare providers.

How Can an MSN Program Advance Your Nursing Career?

Earning an MSN degree can significantly enhance your nursing career, providing opportunities to specialize in areas of advanced clinical practice or step into leadership and management roles. With an MSN, you’re not just expanding your clinical skills — you’re positioning yourself to shape the future of healthcare, whether through direct patient care or by leading teams, improving systems, and influencing policy.

Furthermore, the demand for MSN-prepared nurses is growing rapidly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 38% increase in job opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses over the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing career fields. For those interested in pursuing leadership roles, such as nurse managers or healthcare administrators, job growth is also strong, with a projected increase of 28%.

Which MSN Program Should You Choose?

When deciding which Master of Science in Nursing program to pursue, you should consider factors like curriculum, flexibility, and areas of study. Duke University School of Nursing offers several MSN pathways with distance-based learning and clinical experiences close to home, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments.

Whether you’re passionate about providing direct patient care as a nurse practitioner, educating the next generation of nurses, or driving systemic change in healthcare leadership, Duke’s MSN programs provide a strong foundation for your nursing career advancement. Additionally, we also offer several graduate certificate programs, allowing you to further specialize in high-demand areas of nursing.

Explore Duke University School of Nursing’s MSN programs to find the right path for your professional journey.