Master's degree

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Does anyone have their master's degree? I would get a pretty sizable pay increase if I got my master's, but I would want to get it in school nursing and it is difficult to find such a program.

This applies to me as well. I got my MSN-Education last year. I got it through WGU, all online, for just over $7K. The pay raise I got will make up for that in just two years. I felt like it was worth it due to that factor, as well as it opening up doors otherwise if I decide to get out of school nursing at some point. Not that I think that's very likely, but I figure it's always good to have options!

I am doing the WGU RN-BSN program! It's so cost effective!

scrubsrn24- WGU charges by the 6 month term, so the faster you do your classes, the less you pay. They are what's called "competency based" so they don't have a traditional grading system. You earn "competency units" as opposed to "credits". I have a total of 40 competency units (13 classes) to complete for my BSN. I started on November 1 and I have completed 4 classes so far (12 units). It's completely self paced and 100% online-- both of which I need

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Specializes in School nurse.

We have two in college and one coming up in a few years. One got a full scholarship, the other is doing county. I'm working on my masters one class at a time online. I'm certified and on the teachers scale so the MSN will be a bump. Since I'm old already I'm really getting it for me though so that I can teach or consult part time later on.

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Specializes in School nursing.
What school is this? I am young in the school nurse world, and don't have kids of my own yet, so I figure if I'm going to do it, now is the best time. I am on the same pay scale as the teachers, so the added degree gives a nice pay bump - with many years ahead of me, it would be worth it. There is a program in Boston (I am in the Northeast) which is partially online, but also partially on campus during the summer. I work in the summer to supplement my SN salary, so if I can find an online program it would be ideal for me.

The program in Boston you are talking about (Masters in Education, specifically school nursing) would be about $16K cost wise. I've considered it. One of my former nursing instructors is dead set against it, but I've also talked with a colleague that completed the program and loved it.

I go back and forth - would not really equal much of a bump in pay for me now as I've mentioned upthread. I'm going to get my certification first, in school nursing and as a health instructor.

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:up:

Wish they would recognize and pay for more education!

EXACTLY! I would love to get my master's degree, but my district doesn't offer any extra $$, not even for my BSN. We also make very little money to begin with..last year was my first year and I made just over $20,000. If it wasn't for the schedule, health care benefits, and the fact that I like being with the kiddos..I'd be out! I am jealous for those on the teacher salary schedule and/or those that get (well deserved) additional compensation for the extra education!

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EXACTLY! I would love to get my master's degree, but my district doesn't offer any extra $$, not even for my BSN. We also make very little money to begin with..last year was my first year and I made just over $20,000. If it wasn't for the schedule, health care benefits, and the fact that I like being with the kiddos..I'd be out! I am jealous for those on the teacher salary schedule and/or those that get (well deserved) additional compensation for the extra education!

That's low even for NY.

:(

I make more than double that.

Nothing extra for an advanced degree though.

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Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse.
EXACTLY! I would love to get my master's degree, but my district doesn't offer any extra $$, not even for my BSN. We also make very little money to begin with..last year was my first year and I made just over $20,000. If it wasn't for the schedule, health care benefits, and the fact that I like being with the kiddos..I'd be out! I am jealous for those on the teacher salary schedule and/or those that get (well deserved) additional compensation for the extra education!

Me too! I will make just under $24,000 this year, although I think COL is a bit lower here than NY. I wouldn't get any extra for getting my BSN either. Kinda sucks, but like you said, can't pass up the hours and perks!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Truthfully, it was personal goal more than a professional goal.
Same here.....I do not need a master's degree, but it is something I want. I currently pay $230 per credit for an online MSN-nursing education program and have been plugging away at it part-time.
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Specializes in Rehabilitation,Critical Care.

I'm seriously considering it since I'm still fairly young and has been a nurse for more than a year. Some of the replies here are funny though. For those who pursue masters and are done with it. Please give me an advice thanks!

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Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

Went back to school for my Masters last year and graduated with a MSN/CNL this year. Very glad I did it, because I like having options for the last 20 years of my career.

After 25+ years as the primary nurse, I'm ready to step back a little farther from the bedside.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.
Same here.....I do not need a master's degree, but it is something I want. I currently pay $230 per credit for an online MSN-nursing education program and have been plugging away at it part-time.

That's affordable :) where are you taking classes, Commuter?

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Specializes in L&D, school nursing.
Now 7k i can swallow and it would be work my while!! Tell me more! did that include any scholarships or tuition reimbursement? You've piqued my interest

Western Governors University is an all online program. It has flat rate semester tuition ($3250 for MSN programs) where you have the opportunity to get as much done as you wish and progress at your own rate, rather than only taking 6-10 hrs at a time. For me, this made it a much more affordable option. I basically busted a$$ and got 2/3 of the course work done in one semester and saved the rest, including a capstone project, for the second semester (my program was 36 hrs). Now, I'm not saying this approach would work for everyone but to have a masters in hand for such a small investment was quite the motivator for me. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have. Here's the link:

Online Health Master's Degree | Health Care Degree Online | WGU College of Health Online

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Specializes in Pedi.

Kayakqueen -

This almost seems too good to be true! What state are you in? Did you have any trouble having the degree recognized by your job or state's Board of Education?

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