Whether you are just starting out in your career, or you have been a medical professional for some time, you may be considering getting a master’s in nursing. Taking your education to the next level can be a daunting decision to make, no matter what stage of your life you are in. Yet, nursing is one of the most popular fields in the medical industry, and there are around 2.9 million nurses registered in the US today, which gives you an idea of just how popular of a career choice it is. A master’s in nursing (also often referred to as MSN) helps nurses to advance their skills, and often specialize their knowledge in a specific area of nursing. There are many benefits to getting a master’s degree in nursing, which explains why it is a popular career move for nurses that already have a bachelor’s degree in the nursing field. However, if you are still a bit unsure, then here is a guide of everything you need to know about a nursing master’s and eight great reasons why you should get one!

Career Progression

One of the most obvious reasons why you should get a master’s in nursing is because of the positive effect it can have on your career progression. If you are already in a medical profession job and you want to take your career to the next level, then a master’s is the most obvious step you can take. Not only does a master’s give you the skills that will make you a better candidate for a promotion, but it will also show your employer that you are dedicated and invested in your career and are ready for the next chapter in your professional life. Once you have a master’s in nursing on your resume, you can apply for those jobs that you would have previously been considered underqualified for.

Increase in Salary

With career progression comes an increase in salary, which is a good reason why you should go and get that master’s in nursing. By studying for and completing an MSN degree, you can boost your wage considerably. While the average pay for a nurse with an associate’s degree being around $67,000 a year, and a nurse with a bachelor’s degree earning around $80,000 a year, you can boost this up to a staggering $90,000 a year with an MSN. Therefore, any time or money you spend on obtaining your master’s in nursing is going to be worth it in the long term. It is important that you see the development of your education as an investment in your career’s future.

More Respect

Just like in any other industry, the medical field has a hierarchy of importance, generally with doctors being at the top, and nurses below them. However, you can earn more respect in the nursing community and amongst your colleagues by taking your education and skills to the next level through getting a master’s in nursing. You may find that this makes other medical staff value your professional opinion more and may even result in you being trusted with more complex cases because of your master’s in nursing.

Stepping Stone to a Doctorate

Once you have successfully obtained your master’s in nursing, not only can you explore different paths in your medical career, but it also equips you with the skills needed to take your education even further by studying for a PhD. If you do decide that you want to go on to do a doctorate, then you may find that you need a master’s in nursing in order to get accepted onto a PhD program. This would then give you the opportunity to advance your career, salary, and advance into higher up positions.

You Can Study Online

While the thought of studying for a master’s in nursing might be daunting and anxiety provoking, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you must give up your current job and go back to college entirely. There are many different options available to individuals who want to develop their education, but have professional and personal commitments that they must stick to. For example, you can study for a masters of nursing education online while working within your current role. This online program available at Spring Arbor allows you to continue working full time while learning alongside your job.

Opens More Doors to Your Nursing Career

Once you have completed a master’s in nursing, not only can you go for promotions in your current field, but you may also be surprised to learn that you can explore completely new avenues in the medical profession. If you have spent your career so far as a registered nurse working on the front line dealing with difficult patients, long shifts, and high-stress environments, then you may decide to get your master’s so that you can take on more administrative roles.

Job Security

Another great reason why you should get a master’s in nursing is because it can provide you with much needed job security in today’s uncertain climate. By developing your skills and branching out into different areas of medicine, you can make yourself a member of staff that your employer can’t do without.

Networking Opportunities

Going back to education can be a great way to broaden your horizons not only with opportunities but with the people you meet. Studying involves a wide range of different people from various backgrounds, all that can offer you a different perspective on what you are studying. Doing a master’s is often a great opportunity to do some networking, as you never know what the connections you make while studying could lead to.

While you may be worried or anxious about studying for a master’s degree in nursing, with all these reasons why it will have a positive impact on both your professional and personal life, it really is a no-brainer. The benefits discussed above outline only a handful of the reasons that you should head back to education and enroll on a master’s in nursing program today!