Which Masters Degree is Best?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hi Nurse Beth,

I'm undecided what path to take. I am enrolled in a RN-BSN program and start nursing classes at the end of this month with all my pre-reqs out of the way. I want to get a masters degree after this. What is the best, most economical and most paying master's degree? I ask because I am 52 years old and can't go to school forever and the ROI needs to be good!

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Hi Undecided,

The best masters degree is the one which matches your passion and focus. The question is not "Which is best?' but "Which is best for me?"

Do you want to manage the care of patients and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP)? That may be best for you.

Do you want to eventually teach other nurses? Then a Masters in Nursing Education may be best. For you.

Do you see yourself as a nurse administrator? Then a Masters in Nursing Administration may be best for you.

What is your reason for wanting to get a masters degree? Because your answer lies therein. It's not an equation of "Which advanced degree=the highest ROI" It's professional development and personal passion.

You have plenty of time and it's best to take it one step at a time. You have to complete your nursing program, land a nursing job, and consider your next step. There's no pressure to decide on your advanced degree track at this point. You need more experience and exposure to discover what floats your boat.

The path to take now is the one directly in front of you. Enjoy the journey and follow the signs.

Best,

Nurse Beth

[RegularNurse]

The best ROI would be CRNA. However, you need ICU experience etc.

Nursing administration also has a nice ROI, but I think an MBA is most appropriate if you want to shorten the time needed for upward mobility.

Nursing education does not pay well.

[mbarthold]

And once you decide what specialty you want - consider changing from a RN to BSN program to a RN to MSN program. The RN to BSN program is a total of about 122 credit hours, with about 60 of those credits transferred from an ADN program.

The RN to MSN - if you have an ADN - is 60 to 70 additional credit hours but keep in mind that the cost per credit hour for graduate courses is higher.

So-----you spend close to the same amount of time to get a Masters as you would to get a BSN. I promise you - the Masters' will change what you do.

Think about it!!

[middymids]

To all who are undecided, you must take the path that is right for you. Since graduating with my BSN in the 80's, I have always wanted to educate. Today, more than ever I realize how much my services are needed, as how do we promote advancing nurses and education without quality educators.