Difference between MN and MSN

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Hi everyone,

Is there any difference between MN (Master of Nursing) and

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)? If you could elaborate

on these degrees, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

I believe the difference is mainly semantic.

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Thank you; but could you please elaborate on the

word 'semantic' please?

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Semantics is the study of the meaning of words or how people assign meaning to words. In this case, it's the assignment of meaning that matters. Universities determine what they're going to call the programs they offer. Some universities call their graduate program in nursing a Master's of Science in Nursing and others simply call it a Master's of Nursing. There's not a huge world of difference in the content of the different programs, with both containing science, arts and humanities courses.

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Specializes in Psych - Mental Health.

Same applies to Bachelor programmes. You will see BN (Bachelor of Nursing) or BSN or BScN (both refer to Bachelor of Science in Nursing). It all depends on whihc University you graduate from.

Dalhousie University BN '86 :nurse:

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Actually, as a nursing student, we just discussed this in class today. A Masters in Nursing will essentially make you a Nurse Practitioner where your studies up to that point will be intense clinical work. A MSN will be more theory based and will allow you to join jobs such as an educator or an administration role.

hope that helps!

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Specializes in Psych - Mental Health.
Actually, as a nursing student, we just discussed this in class today. A Masters in Nursing will essentially make you a Nurse Practitioner where your studies up to that point will be intense clinical work. A MSN will be more theory based and will allow you to join jobs such as an educator or an administration role.

I'm not sure where you are located but in Ontario, Nurse Practitioner is a protected title that cannot be used unless you are qualified. These nurses receive extensive training and are registered differently with the college of nurses. They perform advanced skills and are able to diagnose and prescribe certain meds under specified conditions. Holding a Masters degree in Nursing regardless of the focus of study does not qualify you as a Nurse Practitioner.

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There was a post about this quite some time ago that explained the difference. It has to do with some classes being one type instead of another. Also, more of a distinction a long time ago. Not much distinction is made today. The MN is not seen much anymore.

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Specializes in med-surg, OR.

I have noticed at a couple local universities, the difference between the MN and an MScN, is that the MScN has a thesis component, while the MN is course based only.

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Specializes in SRNA.

I've been researching graduate programs here in WA state and it does appear to be mostly semantics. For example, if I wanted to be a FNP, I could go to WSU and get my MN or I could go to Gonzaga and get my MSN - both leading to a career as a FNP. It appears the coursework is very similar.

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I received the MN degree in 1975 (almost 35 years ago!) from a University that has always been considered one of the top Nursing Schools in the nation. Believe me, there was a strong research component and a written thesis...the research had to actually be carried out and had to be publishable. The course work was rigorous and demanding. I went on to teach Nursing and fulfill many diverse roles within Nursing. As for the difference between the MN and MSN...Yes, it is an "older" degree but a well recognized one, and the difference in the course work varied slightly from institution to institution. Some Nursing leaders, at the time, considered the MN a "clinically based" degree, while the MSN was considered a "theoretically based" degree...as for me, I believe the difference lies within the individual and what they do to advance and improve the care our patients receive! ;)

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Retirement Residence.
I have noticed at a couple local universities, the difference between the MN and an MScN, is that the MScN has a thesis component, while the MN is course based only.

Ryerson University, here in Toronto, Canada offers a MN, and you have a choice to do either a course based MN of a thesis based one.:uhoh3:

http://www.ryerson.ca/graduate/programs/nursing/admissions/

http://www.ryerson.ca/graduate/programs/nursing/forms/

I've heard that the main difference between MN and MSN as well as BN and BSN(BScN) is that the ones that have Science in their program title are nursing department that are part of the bigger science department in that uni. and the ones that don't have the science in the name are "free standing, or independent" (idk how to say it) nursing departments... that's what I've heard...:uhoh3:

MN = MSN and BN = BSN(BScN) there is no major difference :rolleyes: as far as I understand...

as for the confusion with NPs... NPs are required to have a MN/MSN but after they complete it I think they have to also complete some specific NP course/certificate(not totally sure about it though), and then write the NP exam to get their license... that's how it is in Ontario, Canada. Have a MN/MSN doesn't automatically make you a Np!

:rolleyes: I also know that me be able to go for NP you have to have 2 years of experience as a RN "Equivalence of 2 years of direct nursing (RN) experience in the last five years (> 3,640 hours"http://np-education.ca/np/index.cfm?main=faq.html# :rolleyes:

more info regarding NP and MN http://www.ryerson.ca/graduate/programs/nursing/documents/programoverview.html

:uhoh3:

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