General MSN vs MSN with Education Focus

akellisrn · Jul 28, 2016

Hi there. I think it depends on the different programs you are looking at. I have an MSN Admin with a teaching certificate and that has qualified me to do anything really. I also know people that did the MSN Education focus because they knew they were going to teach and not return to the bedside. I also know a few nurses who got the basic MSN and then went for the EdD (doctorate in Education) so that it was not limited to just nursing. There are so many options, it will just depend on what you are looking for in the long run, but I think as long as you have the MSN... experience will count more than a piece of paper. That's been my experience.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 28, 2016

What school is offering a "general MSN" with no focus these days? Seriously, I know people looking for such a program that can't find one. Every graduate program I know of has some sort of focus area or role.

elkpark · Jul 28, 2016

What school is offering a "general MSN" with no focus these days? Seriously, I know people looking for such a program that can't find one. Every graduate program I know of has some sort of focus area or role.

Yes -- the only "general MSN" programs I'm aware of are the entry-level MSNs for nonnurses.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2016

What school is offering a "general MSN" with no focus these days?

Point Loma Nazarene University offers a general MSN with the following description:

Option 2: MSN General Track
For the RN who desires to further his/her nursing practice, but wants flexibility in career options. The general MSN does not require a specialty area, and there are no clinical hours required.

Master of Science in Nursing Degree | Point Loma Nazarene University | A Premier Southern California Christian University in San Diego

Nonetheless, the entire point of graduate-level nursing education is specialization.