I was wondering the same thing. I have a degree in a science field, but not nursing. I had debated doing nursing for my first undergraduate degree, but decided against it for some reason. Now when I look at interesting research position posts online there are many that require an RN, and I am regretting that I did not go into nursing to being with. Does having an RN or MSN lead to a better paying research position? aggiepack177, did you find out any more information about climbing that ladder ( :) ) or needing to go back to school?