Need Help Choosing MSN Specialty

[LeLeeFNP]

I will be starting an MSN program and wanted advice on choosing a specialty. I am interested in administration and education. I am wondering if I obtain an MSN in administration could I still teach down the line? I guess I am wondering which specialty would give me the most flexibility to move into different areas. Thanks!

[llg, PhD, RN]

The "most flexibility" will come with a focus on something like "adult health." That way, you could get your foot in the door teaching a wide variety of clinicals. That's where most faculty jobs start. Then you could add certifications in either administration or teaching (depending on your job experiences) that would support you teaching those types of classes, too. You might also be able to add a 2nd major or a role focus area (administration or education) to your MSN program by simply taking a few extra courses.

[LeLeeFNP]

i'm really not all that interested in teaching clinicals. I would prefer theory, either classroom or online instruction or having a role as a nurse educator in a hospital. the school that i am attending does not have an "adult health specialty." the two specialties i have to choose from are education and administration. I am asking which of the two would provide me with the most flexibility if i wanted to perform either role?

[llg, PhD, RN]

If your only choices are admin and education ... and you want to teach for a living ... then I'd go for education.

However, be forewarned, it's not always possible to begin a teaching career by teaching classroom courses only. A lot of schools (unless they are online schools) start faculty off teaching clinicals. That's how people get their foot in the educational door. Classroom courses are often the most popular ones to teach and those assignments are often given to those faculty members with seniority and/or with PhD's.

There are exceptions, of course. But the majority of faculty members with only MSN's start out by teaching at least a few clinical courses. That's where the faculty shortage exists and that's where most new positions requiring only an MSN are created.

[nursetaylor]

I am also in an MSN program. I am focusing on a speciality in education. I work in long term care which is the type of population that I prefer to work with. I am planning on taking the national exam in geriatrics which will provide me with credentials in the area I want to focus in.