Is a Masters Worth it? Help!

[eesmith3]

So I am a registered nurse with my BSN for 5+ years. My main exp has been in the Emergency room. I recently took a job with a medical device company as a Clinical Specialist and have been debating continuing my education. I know for a fact I do not want to be an NP and I feel that a masters in Nursing education will not get me very far unless I continue on for my DNP which I'm not interested in either. I see that Walden University has a degree for a Masters in Clinical Research Administration, that I was looking into. What are your guys' thoughts on obtaining a Masters in this? Is it worth the $30,000 of debt I will be in when I graduate? I know I most likely not be making any more money then I currently do, but research does interest me and there is room in the medical device industry to work as a researcher. Does research offer a decent work/life balance? Is the pay at least decent? I've heard you will take a huge paycut and work 60+ hours/week... but then I've seen threads that say pay is comparable and its typically M-F 9-5. Thoughts?

[prose1]

Clinical Research changes constantly. It's very dry right now generally w/ changes at federal level and in pharma-world, and they are trying to figure out ways to not pay nurses' salaries. This ebbs and flows, but its a low point now.

If you work for industry they will work you till you're skin & bones--I wouldn't recommend it.

If you work for an academic center, your hours will be more sensible, and your benefits good. You'll have colleagues if you're good at networking. You will be expected to play a zillion roles at one time, which many nurses are very good at. (it wore me out).

if you want more schooling, I'd recommend a general "leadership" type general MSN (rather than a research-specific one).

You can always learn research on the side, or get a research certificate if you really really want it.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I think a focus on education helped me learn how to learn. I agree that your degree could be more generic, as you might want to change jobs in the future, or teach part time, etc. As for cost, I would see if the employer has an assistance program. If you are doing research and have a graduate degree you will be eligible to write grants to increase the revenue of your company, which could pay for your education if your employer sees this as a plus

[ResearchNurseRNCCRC, MSN]

I hold a general MSN. I will say that I agree with the previous posts. With that being said, I do feel my MSN helped me land a good position in an academic medical center in oncology trials. Perhaps it set me apart, I don't know. It may make more sense to research available positions and see what is "required" or "preferred." At my University, a masters is often "preferred" but not required. I don't regret getting the MSN, but the student loan payments are tough for my family of 4. A 30K student loan equates to about $400 a month. I personally don't feel my salary is as high as it should be with a masters degree.

[kimbalotz]

I came across your post and I had to comment. You and I practically share the same nursing background. I do have approx 7 years exp in the OR and now currently in the ER. I have had multiple interviews for a clinical specialist role for a large med device company. I would love your feedback on this role! I am very excited but scared and a bit confused! I think I definitely would be great at this role!