i agree with soxfan and iris56 regarding the msned vs np. however, another important aspect is whether you want to be an np. at the university i attend you can receive your np and certificate in nursing education. this is a great option if you want to be an np and nurse educator. the np program and responsiblities for clinical practice hours (as an np) after completing the program did not interest me; i don't want to be an np. what is it that you want to do? if you want to teach, the msned program may be the best suit for you. if you want to teach and be an active np then consider the np with the nurse educator certificate. good luck.