MSN degree

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Specializes in LTC, Nursing Management, WCC.

Hello:

I don't know where to post this question. If it is in the wrong area, I apologize.

I really don't know how the MSN program works. What I mean is... do you just go for an MSN or do you always have an emphasis with it, e.g. NP, CNS, Education, etc...?

I was wondering because since I have a family... I was thinking if it is possible to do a MSN online and graduate then when I have a little more time, apply to a college to become a NP.

Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks for reading

~Psych

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As far as I know, you emphasize in an area-nurse educator, CNS or NP and then you emphasize also in one of those areas i.e med/surg, psych etc. So you would go to get your MSN for CNS, med surg or something like that.

Look on the website of a school you are interested in. The site will be able to explain it further, I'm sure.

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Specializes in LTC, Nursing Management, WCC.

Hi VegRN,

Thank you for the reply. Actually...some college websites are confusing me. Some list NP, CNS, etc... under "post masters" degree... while others don't list it that way.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I was graduated from Univ. of Texas with MSN in Education. They also offer NP, Administration and a MSN-MBA combo for the really insane. Some of the course work is identical for all tracks until you get into your major emphasis. A friend was in the NP track then decided to change her emphasis. She did not lose any time.

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Hi VegRN,

Thank you for the reply. Actually...some college websites are confusing me. Some list NP, CNS, etc... under "post masters" degree... while others don't list it that way.

Post masters degrees are usually used to expand or change specialties. Say I became a WHNP (women's health nurse practitioner) and then decide that the specialty is too constricting and I want to become an FNP to give myself more employment/practice options. Well, I would already have an MSN from the WHNP program, so I would need to do a post-master's FNP program. Make sense?

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Does this mean that typically one completes an MSN (generic), then does post masters work in order to specialize? So in order to become psych nurse practitioner, one needs to complete the masters program first, then post masters in psych nursing to become PMHNP?

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Does this mean that typically one completes an MSN (generic), then does post masters work in order to specialize? So in order to become psych nurse practitioner, one needs to complete the masters program first, then post masters in psych nursing to become PMHNP?

No. If you want to be a PMHNP, just go through a PMHNP program. But IF YOU ALREDY HAD an MSN, then a post masters program would be appropriate.

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