Should I Get My Master's in Nursing? A Guide to the MSN Degree

More nurses than ever are considering an MSN, and it's easy to see why. Demand for nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses is projected to grow 40% between 2023 and 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But it's a serious investment of time and money, so here's what to know before you apply.

What Is an MSN Degree?

An MSN, or Master of Science in Nursing, is an advanced degree that opens the door to advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) roles, like nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), or certified nurse midwife (CNM). Depending on your starting point and pace, it typically takes two to five years to complete.

The Different Paths to an MSN

Direct-Entry MSN — for those with a bachelor's in a non-nursing field and no nursing experience; starts with entry-level nursing coursework before graduate study.

BSN-MSN — the most traditional route: earn your BSN, then enroll in an MSN program. Typically about two years full-time, with part-time options available.

RN-MSN — for RNs with an associate degree or diploma but no bachelor's, this bridge path moves straight into a master's. Usually takes a bit longer, since there's more ground to cover.

Bridge RN-to-MSN — for RNs who hold both a two-year nursing degree and a four-year bachelor's in an unrelated field.

Every path combines core coursework (anatomy, pharmacology) with specialization training and required clinical hours. If you're targeting a specific certification, confirm the program qualifies you to sit for the relevant licensing exam.

The Case For Getting Your MSN

• It opens doors. Roles like NP, nurse educator, CNS, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife require an MSN, and many top hospitals prefer it even for other positions.

• Higher earning potential. NPs earned a median $129,210/year as of May 2024 BLS data, versus $93,600/year for RNs.

• More flexibility than ever. Full-time, part-time, accelerated, and online formats make it easier to fit around work and family.

• Deeper specialization. Choose a track — cardiac, neonatal, forensic nursing, and more — and build real expertise.

  
  

The Case for Waiting

• Cost. Online MSNs typically run $35,000–$70,000, sometimes up to $100,000, depending on the program and track.

• Academic demands. Graduate coursework is challenging, especially alongside full-time work or family responsibilities.

• Time commitment. Even flexible formats require substantial weekly hours for coursework and clinicals.

• Prerequisites. Some programs require a recent statistics course or a minimum of bedside experience — worth confirming early.

How Long Does an MSN Take?

• Overall full-time: 15–36 months, depending on program

• Direct-Entry MSN: 24–36 months

• ADN-to-MSN: 24–36 months full-time (up to 5 years allowed)

• BSN-to-MSN: as little as 16 months; NP tracks often run 24–30 months

Is an MSN Right for You?

An MSN is generally a strong move if you're aiming for advanced practice roles (NP, CNS, CNM), nursing leadership, postsecondary education, research, legal consulting, or any path with meaningfully higher earning potential. Common specializations include pediatric primary care, psychiatric-mental health, nursing informatics, public health nursing, and nurse executive leadership.

Making the Decision

The best path depends on your goals, finances, timeline, and life circumstances...not on which program looks most impressive on paper. If you'd like help thinking through which path or specialization fits your goals, that's exactly what Gradfit can help with. Reach out and let's map out a plan together.