Both MSN and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are viable pathways for nurses looking to reach the next level in their career. Depending on your desired career path, you may prefer to earn one or the other (or both!).

Registered nurses who want to continue to deliver directing patient care or move into a leadership role directing patient care may prefer to first choose an MSN program. Herzing offers nurses with an RN license direct pathways to earn their MSN in the RN to MSN program.

Nurses more interested in the business side of healthcare management (and perhaps transition away from direct patient care) may prefer to pursue an MBA.

Learn more about why an MBA may be right for nurses looking to evolve into a role focused more on the business of nursing and/or healthcare in general.

Earning an MSN with Herzing University can take anywhere from 16-32 months. Program length can vary depending on your current education, your chosen degree pathway, whether you enroll part or full time, and MSN concentration.

Typical full-time program lengths:

• Nurse Practitioner program options (AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, PNP, PMHNP, WHNP): 24-32 months
• Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership and Administration, and Public Health programs: 16-28 months
• MSN Direct Entry program: 20 months

Earning an MSN can open several doors to take your nursing career to the next level.

You might choose to become a nurse practitioner. There are many types of nurse practitioners with unique specialties you can consider pursuing. Herzing University offers multiple concentrations for current RNs seeking the next step up to nurse practitioner. View all of our online nurse practitioner programs.

Career opportunities in nursing also exist in nursing leadership, administration and education. By earning an MSN in Nursing Education you may qualify to teach nursing in clinical and/or academic settings. An MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration helps you develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a decision maker, potentially qualifying for roles as a manager, director or executive.

There are many paths to reaching upper-level roles in nursing, and we exist to help you become qualified for them.

Earning potential can vary widely depending on your career path. Pay will depend on your depth of experience, degree level earned, your state of employment and the specific roles and responsibilities in the position.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)*:

• Nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $128,490 per year (BLS)
• Nursing instructors earn an average salary of $86,530 per year (BLS)
• Medical and health service managers (including “nurse administrators”) earn an average salary of $134,440 per year (BLS)

After earning a master’s degree you may pursue further nursing credentials in a post-master’s certificate in nursing program. Herzing offers multiple certificate options with specializations in:

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP/AGPCNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Nursing Education (Nurse Educator - NE)
• Nursing Leadership & Administration (NLA)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Public Health (PH)
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

After earning master's-level preparation in the specialty of your choosing, you can then advance to the doctorate level by enrolling in our online Post Master's DNP program.

Earning an MSN or DNP represents a huge step forward in your education, but there is always more to learn. We are your lifelong partner in learning, dedicated to helping you earn the education needed to reach your highest career goals.

Yes, we offer pathways for both non-nurses and current RNs who hold an associate degree.

I am not a nurse and have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. You may be eligible to enroll in our online Direct Entry MSN program, which you can potentially complete in as few as 20 months.

I am an RN with an ADN/ASN. We offer a “bridge” style RN to MSN program for current ADN nurses with an RN license looking for a direct path to earning an MSN.

You may choose an accelerated RN to MSN degree pathway or earn your BSN on the way (RN to BSN to MSN).

There are several potential advantages to earning a master’s degree:

• Your role in patient care. Earning an MSN can help you specialize in the type of patient care you are most passionate about – or transition away from primarily patient care as an RN into roles in leadership, administration or education.
• Earning potential. Moving up the career ladder beyond registered nurse can open up opportunities to specialize your expertise, get better at what you do and increase your pay.
• Qualifications for more jobs. You never know when that dream job opens up and starts taking applicants. With an MSN, you’ll have an even stronger resume to bring to the table for your next big job interview.
• Open doors to further advanced education. By earning your MSN you may potentially consider a Doctorate in Nursing (DNP) or post-master’s certificate programs in other concentrations to continue expanding your education and nursing credentials.