Nurses have a wide array of opportunities to advance their careers through further education. Whether you are looking to specialize in a certain field of nursing, take on more responsibilities, or pursue administrative/leadership roles, there are many programs and degrees that can help you achieve your professional goals. Keep reading to explore some of the top options for nurses to expand their careers through additional schooling and training.
Earning an Advanced Degree
One of the best ways to open up new career prospects as a nurse is to earn an advanced degree. This shows your dedication to the profession and deepens your knowledge and skills. Here are some of the top advanced degrees to consider:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – An MSN allows RNs to take their practice to the next level. Common MSN specializations include nursing education, nursing administration, and advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) roles like nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist. An MSN equips nurses for leadership positions, higher salaries, and more autonomy. Coursework covers topics like advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, research methods, and physical assessment. Both online and campus programs are widely available.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – For nurses looking to reach the pinnacle of clinical nursing practice, the DNP is the terminal degree. It builds on an MSN foundation with doctoral-level training in evidence-based care, quality improvement, and systems thinking. DNP graduates are prepared for direct care roles with the most advanced expertise. The DNP also serves as the minimum credential for advanced practice nurses to practice.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing – Postgraduate nursing certificates provide focused training in a specific nursing field, like gerontology, oncology, or nurse education. These programs take 1-2 years and allow working nurses to gain expertise in their chosen specialty. Postgraduate certificates can also serve as a stepping stone toward a master’s degree. They are a flexible way to advance your skills without the time commitment of a full MSN program.
Expanding Your Scope of Practice
In addition to advanced degrees, nurses can complete additional training and certification exams to expand their clinical scope of practice. This allows you to provide more comprehensive, autonomous patient care. Here are some top options:
- Become a Nurse Practitioner – Nurse practitioners (NPs) can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication autonomously in most states. To become an NP, RNs must earn an MSN or DNP with a nurse practitioner concentration and pass a national certification exam. Common NP specialties include family, adult gerontology, pediatrics, women’s health, and more. This path leads to greater responsibility and higher salaries.
- Train as a Clinical Nurse Specialist – Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are APRNs who provide expert care and support in a nursing specialty like oncology, geriatrics, or mental health. CNSs complete a graduate degree, national certification, and state licensing. Their in-depth knowledge makes them assets for complex patient care and nurse leadership/education roles.
Pursuing Administrative Roles
Nurses looking to transition into administrative roles have several degree options to help them develop the necessary skills for management and leadership:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Administration – An MSN with a focus on nursing administration, management, or leadership provides graduate-level training to oversee nursing departments or facilities. Coursework covers personnel management, budgeting, policy, organizational behavior, and more. These programs prepare nurses to advance into director of nursing, nurse manager, or executive roles.
- Master of Health Administration (MHA) – For nurses seeking higher-level administrative positions, an MHA can be ideal preparation. This interdisciplinary degree focuses on healthcare operations, finance, policy, quality assurance, and strategic planning. With an MHA, nurses can qualify for VP of nursing, hospital administrator, or other C-suite healthcare executive roles.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) – For the highest level of managerial competence, nurses may pursue an MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration. This provides cutting-edge business training that can launch nurses into influential leadership positions. An MBA is a great preparation for a Chief Nursing Officer or higher roles managing large healthcare systems.
Expanding Knowledge Through Certifications
Certification is an additional way for nurses to demonstrate focused expertise. National nursing certifications are available in virtually every specialty and setting. Some common examples include pediatric nursing, hospice/palliative care, medical-surgical nursing, oncology, case management, and pain management. Certification exams assess nurses’ knowledge in their chosen specialty. Renewing certification through continued education also helps nurses stay current in their field. Many employers offer increased compensation for national certifications.
Pursuing further education can lead nurses toward exciting new opportunities spanning direct patient care, administration, research, policy, and education roles. From advanced degrees to certifications, there are many options depending on your professional interests. Investing in your ongoing learning and skill development is crucial for career advancement and providing the best possible care. With an abundance of programs and specialties, nursing offers diverse paths to keep growing throughout your career.
