What can you do with a Master of Science in Nursing degree?
You became a nurse because you want to help people. And you are. Every day, you’re making a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.
Now you’re ready to have an even greater impact in your career. Earning an online Master of Science in Nursing from Bradley University can get you one step closer to accomplishing this goal. Our program can help you develop the skills to:
- Expand the scope of care you provide
- Specialize your expertise in an area you’re passionate about
- Lead and mentor the next generation of nurses
Your master’s degree can also qualify you for a wide range of new roles. Bradley’s MSN program offers three tracks – Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – which means you can focus your studies in the area that aligns with your interests and desired career path.
Continue reading to learn more about the industry outlook and some of the opportunities you can pursue when you earn your Bradley degree.
Have questions about our curriculum?What’s your growth potential?
When you earn your online MSN from Bradley, you can position yourself for a rewarding career where skilled professionals like you are in high demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks nurse practitioner as the second-fastest growing occupation nationally, with more than 211,000 jobs expected to be added by 2029 — a 52% increase.
The BLS also anticipates significant growth in the nursing administration field, predicting a 32% increase (133,200 new jobs) in the medical and health services managers sector over the same time period.
Let’s take an in-depth look at a few of your career options:
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
Where can you work?
- Primary Care
- Private homes
- Community Clinics
- Health Departments
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Long Term and Short-term care facilities
- Urgent Cares
- Hospitals and medical clinics
Family Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $96,478*
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice nurses who perform many of the same functions as physicians. These practitioners can treat, diagnose, prescribe medicines, and serve as primary care providers. They can also be employed by insurance companies in roles that include reviewing claims and consulting with patients. Family nurse practitioners work with patients of all ages, from young children to older adults.
Nursing Faculty
Median Salary: $84,060**
Nursing faculty help college and university students gain the knowledge and skills to grow in their nursing education. They do this through teaching classes, leading seminars, and supervising laboratory work. Duties typically include counseling students, developing coursework, grading exams and papers, and conducting research.
Nurse Researcher
Median Salary: $80,140***
Nurse researchers work to help create, evaluate, and perfect new and old medications and treatments for various medical conditions. Nurse researchers work in a variety of areas related to pharmaceutical and medical research. The work of nurse researchers can help some patients live longer or enjoy a better quality of life.
Nursing Administrator (MSN-Nursing Administration)
Where can you work?
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Home health care agencies
- Nursing care facilities
- Pharmaceutical corporations
- Insurance agencies
- Acute care and emergency settings
- Outpatient care centers
- Private doctors’ offices
- Community health agencies
- Medical device companies
Nursing Director
Median Salary: $152,212****
Nursing directors are responsible for administering nursing programs in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. They help to maintain standards of patient care by implementing/overseeing policies, hiring and managing staff, maintaining compliance, overseeing budgets, and playing a role in strategic decision-making.
Nurse Supervisor
Median Salary: $96,687****
Nursing supervisors help to improve the quality and delivery of care for patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Typical responsibilities include managing nursing staff, ensuring a healthy work environment, establishing policies and procedures, interacting with patients and their families, and communicating with physicians regarding patient care.
Clinical Nurse Leader
Median Salary: $91,537****
These professionals are responsible for enhancing patient outcomes by focusing on care provided at the clinical, rather than the administrative level. This role may involve mentoring nursing staff, evaluating care plans and outcomes, coordinating direct care activities among nursing staff, and collaborating with physicians, pharmacists, social workers, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to ensure that patients are receiving optimal care.
Nurse Manager
Median Salary: $112;400****
Nurse managers oversee nursing teams in health care facilities, presiding over a wide range of resource management and administrative tasks. Responsibilities may include hiring and managing staff, monitoring budgets, administering patient care practices, ensuring compliance with regulations, developing protocols, and providing for professional development opportunities.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP)
Where can you work?
- Hospitals
- Private practice
- Psychiatric and behavioral treatment clinics
- Corporations
- Residential treatment facilities
- Public health agencies
- Correctional facilities
Substance Abuse Nurse
Median Salary: $92,665*
Substance abuse nurses, also called addiction nurses, specialize in working with patients who are struggling with addictive behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse. They can provide medication for pain management, offer emotional support, and educate patients and their families. Nursing professionals with an MSN or higher have the opportunity to become certified as an Advanced Practice Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN-AP).
Nurse Practitioner Specializing in Military and Veterans Affairs
Median Salary: $112,682****
These nurse practitioners specialize in working with military members or veterans who may be struggling with a range of issues including depression, traumatic stress, or substance abuse. They can work in local Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, or outpatient clinics.
Emergency Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $108,630****
Emergency psychiatric nurse practitioners work in mental health emergency departments. They perform intake evaluations, help determine patients’ risk and harm levels, and initiate treatment. Other responsibilities may include ordering tests, interpreting results, and prescribing medications.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $121,965****
Nurse practitioners who choose this specialization focus on assessing and treating behavioral disorders impacting children and adolescents. Responsibilities may include prescribing medication, conducting psychotherapy, and providing support to patients and their families. These professionals treat disorders including autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities.
*PayScale
**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
***Indeed.com
****Salary.com