What is the most versatile/useful non-clinical MSN while on active duty

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Specializes in U.S. Army Reserve 1LT 66S - ICU.

Any military nurses or prior service out there able to give me some advice or recommendations on what is the most versatile MSN that can be obtained while on active duty? I was debating on a non-clinical route between a masters in nurse admin or informatics. What do you guys think ? Basically my plan is to be able to accomplish this and have it as a backup just in case CRNA doesn't workout for me. I want to be able to obtain this degree on my first duty station and apply to army Crna school once I meet all the requirements. Thank you very much !

Respectfully

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

I think it would depend on what you want to do if CRNA doesn't work out: leadership or work on the the electronic medical record. If you aren't sure, informatics is a lot less common degree for people to have. I would go with that, since nursing leadership/management/admin is the most common MSN to have. Having only one more class to complete in my MSN (in admin), I would say it's not exactly earth-shattering knowledge.

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Specializes in U.S. Army Reserve 1LT 66S - ICU.

Wow congrats and thank you for the input Jfration. Honestly I'd be more interested in admin although it does seem saturated, bottom line it's a masters and if you bring that to civilian sector it's easily a six figure salary on top of your military experience.

What school did you choose if you don't mind me asking and also how long did it take for you. Were you able to do some work during deployments or they allowed you to take a break? Thanks again

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

Univ of Alaska is mine. I've just done one class at a time, so it's not been too bad. They've let me take it at my own pace and I've taken 2 semesters off; they just require you finish within 5 years I think.

Honestly, I'm making six figures right now if you account for the value of your tax advantage (your BAH and BAS isn't taxed).

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I did Nursing Informatics while on active duty. I even managed to do a course during the winter months in Afghanistan, though we were a bit internet-challenged quite often. :)

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Specializes in U.S. Army Reserve 1LT 66S - ICU.

Thank you Ma'am. What school and how long did it take? Also does military like informatics or admin more ? Or it doesn't matter? Thank you again

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Thank you Ma'am. What school and how long did it take? Also does military like informatics or admin more ? Or it doesn't matter? Thank you again

I took my time and also had a bit of a delay when my preceptor was stationed elsewhere and it took me a year to find another (my school helped with this). I think it was about 4 years, lol. 2011 through 2015. I did mine through Excelsior College, it's a very military-friendly, private non-profit college that is accredited. I think they might have just discontinued their NI MSN, though.

I don't know which the military prefers, I didn't ask - I did the one I wanted. :D

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Specializes in U.S. Army Reserve 1LT 66S - ICU.

Lol great answer and thank you

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Specializes in Case Manager/Administrator.

Most useful MS degree non clinical is Health Care Administration. If you are Military and plan on going GS you can take this and be a project manager, or even a Director of some type of medical topic i.e. Director of Managed Care Programs...this degree will take you far as long as your final internship is a good one.

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Specializes in U.S. Army Reserve 1LT 66S - ICU.

Thank you Neats. I'm actually looking into dual MSN/MBA programs if anyone has any recommendations or if it is worth doing that instead of just an MS in Administration.

I wanted to use TA as well if it is concurrent or is it added after my initial active duty contract is completed? Anyways thanks again everyone for all the feedback/advice

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Thank you Neats. I'm actually looking into dual MSN/MBA programs if anyone has any recommendations or if it is worth doing that instead of just an MS in Administration.

I wanted to use TA as well if it is concurrent or is it added after my initial active duty contract is completed? Anyways thanks again everyone for all the feedback/advice

I believe TA runs concurrent - it did for me. When you use it, you incur a two-year ADSO after the point at which your last class ends. I stopped using it at the point where I had two years left on my initial four-year contract so that I would not have a further obligation if I didn't want it.

GoArmyEd: Tuition Assistance (TA) Policies

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Specializes in U.S. Army Reserve 1LT 66S - ICU.

Roger that, thank you ma'am

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