I'd like to know what "Nurses" (any and all!) would get their master's degree in and why? There are SO many choices out there, so many routes to go, it is mind boggling. This group of nurses (you) have so much experience and expertise...fill me in on what route you would take if you could...and why. How would it advance your career or your personal aspirations? What's your dream degree? Thanks!
I'll start first:
I'm (as my name might suggest) a BSN student right now. I am a LPN with experience in long term care, hospice and home health. I love geriatrics but don't think I want to work in LTC anymore, unless it is at the corporate level, maybe. I've done most of what I am interested in LTC (not that I'm not interested in it rather it doesn't challenge me as much anymore). If I got a Master's degree I would want a MSN NP in Gerontology or a MSN in Nursing Administration I think. I know that in my future I would really like to teach nursing, but not for a long time yet. But for some reason I am not interested in a MSN in nursing education. I'm not sure what I would do with either of these degrees if I did get it but those are my dream degrees.
First off, just to reiterate what others have said. One does not need a PhD to be a licensed psychotherapist. In fact, in some ways with today's reduced insurance reimbursements for psychotherapy, it is harder for PhDs who command higher rates. In most states, clinical social workers with the M.S.W. degree are eligible for licensure to practice as psycho-therapists. The title of the license varies from state to state and the most common are: L.C.S.W., L.I.S.W., or L.M.S.W. as well as a variety of others. Also, psychiatric nurse practitioners with MSNs are able to practice as psychotherapist and have the added bonus of being able to prescribe meds. Finally, in many, but not all states, folks with Master's degrees in counseling are now eligible for professional licensure. Sometimes they will have the credential L.P.C. and other times I've seen M.F.C.
Question: Clearly, if one wants to advance his/her clinical skills, the M.S.N. is the way to go. But if an RN is interested in Nursing Administration, would an M.B.A. be more valuable? I was thinking that an RN, BSN, MBA combo could enable one to get management level positions both inside and outside of health care whereas an MSN in Nursing Administration could be more limiting. Just a question.....would like to hear from others.
I was wondering this also but I know that eventually (much later) I want to teach so I thought I'd have to have a MSN for that. I'd love to hear more insight on this!
As someone who has recently completed an MSN degree -- I find that it isn't really limiting, but if I did it over again would consider an MS in general or an MBA. The program I completed was big on organizational theories etc -- could have used a finance course instead of some of the more obscure, theoretical courses -- I did go for the dual emphasis -- so the MSN has both administrative and educational emphasis --which was very appealing to the facility at which I am currently working. I am hoping to teach at the University level at some point in the future and the university where I plan to teach is thriled with the MSN I have -- they will of course be encouraging me to get a doctorate and get published etc. once I am there -- for now, I am just happy not to have a thesis to work on or supporting papers to write!!!!!:)
I did my Master's in Nursing Leadership. I have found it very well received by employers and other managers. I am currently employed as a Director of Nursing, and I believe I owe my position to my Masters degree.
Joanne :)
A Master's in Nursing Leadership...that sounds very interesting!
First off, just to reiterate what others have said. One does not need a PhD to be a licensed psychotherapist. In fact, in some ways with today's reduced insurance reimbursements for psychotherapy, it is harder for PhDs who command higher rates. In most states, clinical social workers with the M.S.W. degree are eligible for licensure to practice as psycho-therapists. The title of the license varies from state to state and the most common are: L.C.S.W., L.I.S.W., or L.M.S.W. as well as a variety of others. Also, psychiatric nurse practitioners with MSNs are able to practice as psychotherapist and have the added bonus of being able to prescribe meds. Finally, in many, but not all states, folks with Master's degrees in counseling are now eligible for professional licensure. Sometimes they will have the credential L.P.C. and other times I've seen M.F.C.
Really? Well my apologizes for my ignorance; I was basing it on when I was in undergrad and my husband was looking to become a pyschotherapist; his advisor in the Psychology Department told him he wouldn't be able to counsel without a Ph.D. Perhaps things have changed...? (this WAS almost 10 years ago...)
Really? Well my apologizes for my ignorance; I was basing it on when I was in undergrad and my husband was looking to become a pyschotherapist; his advisor in the Psychology Department told him he wouldn't be able to counsel without a Ph.D. Perhaps things have changed...? (this WAS almost 10 years ago...)
It depends on the state you live in and a lot has changed 10 years ago. I've lived in PA, MD, CA, CT, and NY. In all 5 states, clinical social workers with the M.S.W. degree can be licensed as psycho-therapists and at least in CA, folks with M. A.s in counseling can be licensed as well, though as counselors not as clinical social workers.
Back in Maryland, when I was working on my MSW from 1989-1991, MSWs were the only Master's level mental health professional that could be licensed. In fact, we even had a few folks in our program that already had MAs in counseling psychology but were going back to get MSWs for the sole reason of obtaining a license to practice (since they didn't want to go for their PhD or PsyDs which was required for the psyhcology profession). I have no idea what the law is today in Maryland.
I did my Master's in Nursing Leadership. I have found it very well received by employers and other managers. I am currently employed as a Director of Nursing, and I believe I owe my position to my Masters degree.
Joanne :)
I like the sounds of that!! Where did you attend? What were course requirements like? Am wondering how similar it is to the dual track I did -- sure do think that title is very appealing and appropriate!!!
LPNtoBSNstudent, BSN, RN
147 Posts
I was wondering this also but I know that eventually (much later) I want to teach so I thought I'd have to have a MSN for that. I'd love to hear more insight on this!