OnlineNursingClasses.netNursing Graduate Degrees
Graduate degrees are one way for nurses to advance in their jobs or open up new career options. Master’s degrees and PhDs in nursing can pave the way for RNs to become nurse leaders, nurse practitioners, or academic researchers.
Master’s Degrees
There are several distinct types of master’s degrees that RNs with a BSN can choose to pursue. These degrees are completed through a combination of online course work and hands-on experience. They take two to four years to complete (BLS).
- Education Master’s: In this program, nurses learn the teaching fundamentals to become nurse educators, in post-secondary institutions or in clinical practices. Courses in instructional methods, assessment, and curriculum development are common; these degrees also require an on-site teaching practicum.
- Executive Master’s: This is the nursing master’s degree that is aimed at nurses who would like to become managers, administrators, or supervisors in healthcare settings. Students take courses in topics like organizational communication, managerial decision making, and healthcare policy. Some programs also require students to do an internship under an experienced nurse administrator, to get hands-on training in the field.
- Nurse Practitioner Master's: Nurse practitioners are a special type of nurse that has advanced training in a certain area of clinical practice. Nurse practitioners are able to diagnose illnesses and administer therapies beyond the realm of a regular RN. Nurse practitioner master’s degrees allow students to specialize in a certain area of nursing practice, such as mental health, pediatrics, family practice, or adult care. In these programs, students complete courses in subjects like pharmacology, health assessment, and health policy, along with several clinical requirements.
Nursing PhDs
Nursing doctoral programs are aimed at nurses who are interested in a career in academia or nursing research. These programs last three to five years, depending on if the applicant has a BSN or MSN degree. Students take courses in advanced nursing topics, and consider the area in which they would like to write their dissertation. With the help of a faculty mentor, students write and design the research project that will lead to this long-form paper.
In nursing doctorate programs, students learn the basics of social science research and formulate ways to improve health in different particular areas, such as in geriatric or vulnerable populations. They also get advanced knowledge in health policy and develop the skills to lead research teams. In online nursing PhD programs, students may be required to come to campus for on-site sessions, a few times a year.