An MSN degree broadens your career choice and will help you further your existing career. As aforementioned, an MSN can qualify you to become a nurse practitioner, a nurse educator or a healthcare administrator. It’s not uncommon for one to switch careers and eventually work in all three concentrations throughout the span of their profession.
Making the investment in an MSN program at FNU is going to be a decision that you won’t regret. Contact a Florida National University advisor today to get the admissions process started. You’re just one click away from earning your advanced nursing practice degree.
Here are 7 reasons you might want to invest in an MSN program with a nurse practitioner concentration:
Nurse Practitioners vs. Physicians
First, you might be wondering what the difference is between a physician and a Nurse Practitioner. Before we touch on the differences, it’s important to first understand the similarities between the two. Both nurse practitioners and physicians can perform a physical exam, diagnose, prescribe medications, review and interpret test results, consult patients after treatments, and conduct research.
So, if you’re in the hands of either a physician or a nurse practitioner, you can rest easy knowing that you are in good care of professionals who know what they’re doing. The difference between the two professions is education and the scope of work they are allowed to do according to state and hospital regulations.
Physicians require approximately 11 years of education while nurse practitioners need roughly 7 years. Depending on where you work in the US as a nurse practitioner, you may be able to work to the full scope of your training and capabilities.
1. The Demand is There!
According to a 2012 survey conducted by a team of researchers that included the Mongan Institute for Health Policy at Massachusetts General Hospital and Mathematica Policy Research, studies showed that healthcare educators recommended that students pursuing an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) career instead of a physician.
The survey included 467 APRNs and 505 physicians who were randomly selected across the United States. The survey findings also showed that “having more nurse practitioners would result in improved timeliness of care and improved access to health services.”
Interestingly enough, 72.5% of physicians vs. 90.5% of nurse practitioners agreed with this statement in regards to improved timeless care while fewer physicians and APRNs agreed to the improved access to health services, specifically 52.2% of physicians vs. 80.7% of nurse practitioners.
At any rate, the demand for nurse practitioners is increasing because students are learning that while nurse practitioners and physicians’ salaries differ, the work hours of nurse practitioners are not the same as physicians. Since nurse practitioners aren’t expected to work such demanding hours as physicians, the need for more nurse practitioners’ positions is becoming ever-present.
Highly-skilled nurses are being placed in leadership positions causing nursing shortages including new technological advancements such as robotics, that are also replacing nurses in some areas. Life expectancy is increasing and developing countries are currently experiencing the fastest population growth of any country.
In the coming years, environmental influences in treating illnesses will require new nurses to expand and grow their skillsets and to regularly keep up with advancements. Nurses are becoming one of the most in-demand professions for the decade. If you are looking to make a positive impact, the nursing profession is not only a noble profession that will really make a difference in the world.
2. Possible Increase in Pay
The more education you have, the more knowledge and experience you’ll gain. In the healthcare industry, such accolades are highly appreciated and compensated. The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics states that nurse practitioners earn a median salary of $100,910.
The number isn’t guaranteed for every single nurse practitioner’s position in the country, but the median salary will give you a general idea of the potential income of the nurse practitioner.
3. Specialize in a Particular Field in Healthcare
While the undergraduate program will teach students the basic fundamentals of nursing, the MSN degree program offered at Florida National University (FNU) offers students and even professionals the opportunity to specialize in a certain area within the healthcare industry outside of a practitioner.
Nurses are needed in almost every specialty. At FNU, you will receive training that is fresh and up-to-date with developing technologies and management methods that are becoming steadily more and more valuable.
With FNU’s MSN program, you have the option to become a family nurse practitioner, pursue a career in healthcare administration or as an educator.
4. Become an Educator!
Many people overlook the profession of an educator. After all, in order to become the best possible Registered Nurse or APRN, you need to learn the basic fundamentals and principles. It takes a well-taught educator with real-life experience.
Being an educator is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. You learn abundantly and equip future generations with the knowledge necessary to treat and cure thousands of patients. In order to be a successful nurse, one needs to acquire the proficiency, intelligence and ingenuity required.
FNU is a regionally accredited university by the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The MSN program that our university offers to meet the strict standards required for accreditation. Through this concentration, you’ll learn the teaching and learning strategies for the classroom and clinical setting.
You’ll also learn how to develop an academic curriculum for nursing and more. This degree can be earned in as little as 2 years on a full-time basis.
5. It’s a Little Easier for Foreign Physicians
Foreign physicians who are looking to further their career and seeking another level of education, FNU has a master’s degree program tailored especially for them. They can enroll in the RN to MSN track to build upon their professional medical experiences in the healthcare profession.
Learn more about our program for Foreign Physicians here.
6. Online Programs are Available
One reason that many RNs choose not to further their education is because of the hourly demands. RNs don’t typically have a 9 to 5 work schedule unless they work for private practices. Even then, they must be ready to answer the call to any emergencies that might arise at any given moment.
FNU’s distance learning programs provide busy professionals with the flexibility to take online courses when it’s convenient for them. Students can earn their MSN degree online and on-campus with FNU.
Get A Masters of Science in Nursing At FNU!
At Florida National University, we are proud to be known for opening doors to the future. Our goal is to equip our students with the skillset necessary to be superlative nurses so that they can help the world in their own powerful ways and make this world a more wholesome place.
If you have questions or would like to know more about the program, contact us and we will assist you with anything you need.
