As with most other specialized jobs, most of today’s nursing jobs require a specialized nursing degree. A variety of schools offer these specialized degrees including many online colleges. Both standard brick-and-mortar as well as Online Nursing Master Programs tends to focus on a specialty area of nursing so that an individual can develop a strong skill set.
Online nursing degree Master programs are offered at many accredited colleges throughout the United States. These degrees are a way to continue your education and can help you get into the exact branch of nursing you seek.
Requirements for Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing Education
Online masters in nursing education require a bachelor’s degree before application. Common bachelor’s degrees held prior to pursuing an online master in nursing education include:
- Bachelor of Science, Nursing
- Bachelor of Science, Nursing Education
- Bachelor of Science, Health Care Administration
A background in clinical nursing, teaching, and public policy are often desired for online masters’ degree programs in nursing education. Many students have prior experience in these areas, and concurrently work and participate in a degree program.
Online Nursing Education Master’s Degree
Good online master’s degree programs in nursing education typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of nursing education degrees offered by the best master’s programs online include:
What Masters Degrees are offered?
The most common masters degrees in the field of nursing are:
- MN: Master of Nursing
- MAN: Master of Arts in Nursing
- MSN: Master of Science in Nursing
- RN to MSN: Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing
There are also variations on these basic degrees. Specializations and types are listed under degree differences. The most common ones are:
- MSN/MPH: Master of Science in Nursing with Master of Public Health
- MSN/MBA: Master of Science in Nursing with Master of Business Administration
- MSN/MPA: Master of Science in Nursing with Master of Public Administration
- MSN/MSIS: Master of Science in Nursing with Master of Science in Information Science
- MSN/MHSA: Master of Science in Nursing with Master of Health Services Administration
- MSN/MA: Master of Science in Nursing with a Masters in Pastoral Ministry
- MSN/MDiv: Master of Science in Nursing with a Master of Divinity
Can I specialize after my Nursing Degree?
Nursing education is comprised of four general areas of study: curriculum development, assessment, program development and professional competency. Every one of these areas of study is equally important in the development of quality nursing professionals that have both theoretical and practical knowledge while in the field.
Developing a specialization offers students an opportunity to focus on a particular area of nursing education. Students are generally advised to choose their specializations based on subject area that they feel comfortable / competent with. This is crucial because through these specializations, the students can learn advanced skills and can also focus their Master’s thesis or project on this subject area. For online nursing education masters’ degree students, specializations include:
- Nursing Research
- Nursing Theory
- Health Care Organization
- Health Care Leadership
- Health Care Finance
- Health Care Public Policy
- Health Care Informatics
Careers in Nursing Education
An online master’s degree in nursing education provides applicants a strong advantage during the employment process.
Graduates of top online master’s programs in nursing education may choose to pursue the following career opportunities:
- Clinical Nurse Educator
- Public Health Nurse Educator
- Nurse Educator, Public Policy
- Nurse Educator, Organizational Leadership
- Nurse Education Coordinator
Nursing education has potential for a variety of career opportunities and has a direct impact on the quality of future nurses. As the demand for quality nurses’ increase and the standards of the healthcare industry rise, so will the need for quality nursing education.
