A beautiful female doctor of Caucasian ethnicity smiles at her young female patient at her medical office. She is wearing a white lab coat. Are you interested in advancing your nursing career? Earning a Master’s in Nursing is your first step.
What is a Master’s in Nursing?
A Master’s in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level degree program that provides advanced education and training in the nursing field. The program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an equivalent degree and want to further their education and career opportunities.
Beyond clinical skills, the MSN degree is designed to provide nurses with advanced knowledge and skills in various areas of nursing practice, leadership, education, and research.
An MSN degree can open up various career opportunities in healthcare, offering advanced clinical skills, leadership abilities, and the potential for higher levels of responsibility and autonomy in nursing practice.
What are some advantages of getting an MSN?
Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can offer various advantages in terms of professional development and personal growth. Here are some potential advantages:
- Career Advancement: An MSN degree can open up opportunities for career advancement. Nurses with an MSN are often eligible for leadership roles, managerial positions, and roles in healthcare administration.
- Advanced Clinical Skills: MSN programs often provide advanced training in clinical skills, allowing nurses to deepen their expertise in areas such as diagnostics, patient care, and treatment planning.
- Higher Earning Potential: Advanced degrees are often associated with higher earning potential. With an MSN, nurses may qualify for higher-paying positions, particularly in specialized areas or leadership roles.
- Preparation for Specialized Roles: Many MSN programs offer specialized tracks or concentrations, enabling nurses to focus on a specific area of nursing practice, such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse administrator, or clinical nurse specialist.
It’s important to note that the advantages of obtaining an MSN can vary based on individual career goals, interests, and the specific focus of the MSN program. Additionally, the healthcare landscape and requirements may evolve, impacting the value of advanced degrees in nursing.
What makes Concordia’s Master of Nursing program unique?
At Concordia, we offer two concentrations for students in the MSN program:
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Our exceptional instructors contribute to a personalized learning experience for our students. Furthermore, these committed educators provide customized attention and incorporate current real-life examples and research into the classroom.
How is Concordia University unique?
Concordia is a Lutheran Christian school that integrates those Christian values with our programs. In this model, students acquire knowledge and skills in liberal arts disciplines that prepare them to serve Christ in the Church and the world. We bring a holistic approach to every class we offer our students.
We challenge our students academically and allow them to grow spiritually with us in ways they may not find at other universities. Concordia is a community whose calling is to ensure student success and well-being.
How long does it typically take to complete the degree?
CUW’s flexible MSN practitioner program offers individualized online learning options and progression plans. These plans may be completed over 3 to 4 years.
What format is offered? How long are the classes?
Our program is fully online, and courses are done in an 8 or 16-week format.
How much does the program cost?
This program is $840 per credit hour and is a 41-credit program.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes! We have Uncommon Scholarships available for many qualified students. Our available scholarships include:
- Business Community Scholarship: If you are an employee of one of our corporate partners, you may qualify for this scholarship.
- Academic Community Scholarship: If you are an employee of one of our Preferred Education Partner schools or districts, you may qualify for this scholarship.
- Christian Community Scholarship: If you are an employee of any qualifying Christian church or Christian K-12 school, you may qualify for this scholarship.
- Alumni Scholarship: If you graduate from one of Concordia University System school programs, you may qualify for this scholarship.
- Veterans and Dependents Scholarship: If you are a veteran, the spouse of a veteran, or a child of a veteran(age 17-26), you may qualify for this veteran scholarship when federal veteran education benefits are exhausted or unavailable to you.
When funding your education, talk with your employer to see if they will be willing to pay a portion of your tuition. There may be funds, scholarships, or benefits their companies may offer.
Entrance Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing school
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the USA, current CPR certification, and actively working in practice
- Completing a three-credit undergraduate statistics course within five years before admission to the MSN program. You must complete the statistics prerequisite before registering for NURS 540 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice if accepted to the program.
- A certified background check with Castle Branch required upon acceptance
- GRE exams are not required
Admissions Requirements
- Apply Online
- All official transcripts leading to your undergraduate degree (and any applicable graduate courses)
- Unencumbered RN License
- A current resume of your education and professional experience
- A formal essay addressing the following areas:
- Your rationale for choosing a career as a nurse practitioner
- Your personal compatibility with the CUW mission
- Your plan for success in the program, including time management, stress management, and professional communication
- Upon completion of your degree, where do you envision yourself practicing, and with what populations
- Two references: one must be from a professional and/or academic with a current MSN or higher, and one must be from an individual who has worked professionally with the applicant.
Interested?
Contact our admissions team to learn more about earning a Master’s in Nursing degree.