MSN Programs and Specialties: How to Choose the Right Path for Your Nursing Career

by | Jan 21, 2025 | Professional Development for Nurses | 0 comments

If you’re a nurse exploring MSN programs, you’ve probably realized just how many paths are available—and it can feel overwhelming. As an MSN-prepared registered nurse myself, I’ve been where you are. I know the challenge of figuring out which program is right for you, what specialties align with your goals, and how to navigate the ever-evolving world of nursing education.

To help you confidently move forward, I’m breaking down the key components of MSN programs, the program types, and the specialties available to you. Whether you’re just starting your search or refining your focus, this post has got you covered!

msn programs

What Is an MSN Program?

An MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) is a graduate-level nursing degree that prepares you for advanced practice, leadership, education, or specialized roles within healthcare. It’s one of the most versatile degrees for nurses because it can open doors to both clinical and non-clinical careers.

There are several pathways to earn an MSN, depending on your current level of education and nursing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the three most common ones.

Traditional BSN-to-MSN Programs

Who it’s for: Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

What to expect: These programs are designed to build on your undergraduate education and take you directly into advanced nursing practice or leadership roles. They typically take 1.5–2 years of full-time study or 3+ years part-time.

RN-to-MSN Programs

Who it’s for: Registered nurses who hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma in nursing.

What to expect: RN-to-MSN programs allow you to bypass earning a BSN first, combining BSN and MSN coursework into one streamlined program. These typically take 2.5–4 years, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.

(Some will opt to complete an RN-to-BSN program first, then a traditional MSN program.)

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Who it’s for: Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field who want to become a nurse and advance to an MSN.

What to expect: These accelerated programs include foundational nursing coursework (to prepare for the NCLEX and RN licensure) before diving into master’s-level education.

These pathways ensure there’s an MSN option for nurses at every stage of their careers—or even for career changers with no prior nursing experience.

Explore possible popular MSN programs here 👇

Types of MSN Programs

Once you’ve chosen your pathway, the next step is figuring out which type of MSN program fits your lifestyle, career goals, and learning preferences. Here are some options:

Online MSN Programs

Online MSN programs are perfect for working nurses who need flexibility.

MSN programs that are completely online can be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous learning happens in real-time, like with live Zoom calls, discussions, or activities. Asynchronous learning incorporates pre-recorded lectures or content with discussion boards, which students contribute to on their own time, and other assignments.

Regardless of the synchronous or asynchronous schedule, these MSN programs offer coursework online, paired with in-person clinicals, practicums, or practice immersion experiences.

Keep in mind: Online programs require excellent time management, as you’ll often need to balance work, school, and clinical hours.

Competency-Based MSN Programs

For highly motivated self-directed learners, these programs allow you to progress at your own pace by demonstrating mastery of specific competencies rather than completing traditional coursework.

This can be a faster, more affordable route for motivated nurses, but it’s not ideal if you prefer structured timelines and instructor-led learning.

I had the opportunity through my employer to earn my MSN online while working. So I completed my MSN in Nursing Education through Capella University in 2021. I’m passionate about learning and I believe there’s a gap in our profession when it comes to education and how the nursing process is taught. So the MSN-Ed specialty was a great fit for me. Capella University offers a Flex-Path which is a self-paced, online degree option that works around my schedule – perfect for a busy working nurse like me. In choosing a degree, it’s important to consider what excites you about your profession and where you want to see yourself in the future. All in all, I am happy with my choice, and it has served me well in my current role as an independent educator.
– Nicholas McGowan, MSN, RN, CCRN of CCRN Academy (learn more about Nick here)

Programs with APRN Tracks

If you’re pursuing an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role (like Nurse Practitioner, CNS, or CNM), you’ll enroll in a program with a specific APRN track.

These programs typically include specialized coursework and 500+ clinical hours focused on your chosen specialty (more on that next).

MSN Program Specialties

The most exciting part of pursuing an MSN is choosing your specialty! Specialties can be divided into clinical roles (focused on direct patient care) and non-clinical roles (focused on leadership, education, or systems improvement).

I pursued a non-clinical MSN with a focus on nursing education.

Clinical Specialties

Nurse Practitioner (NP): Diagnose, treat, and prescribe in various specialties (listed below)

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Primary care for patients of all ages.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP): Primary care for adolescents, adults, and older adults.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): Acute and critical care for adults and older adults.

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC): Primary care for infants, children, and adolescents.

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC): Acute and critical care for pediatric patients.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): Care for high-risk newborns, often in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Mental health care across the lifespan.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): Comprehensive care for women, including reproductive and gynecologic health.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Focus on improving patient outcomes and serving as a clinical expert in specific areas (e.g., critical care or oncology).

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Administer anesthesia and manage perioperative care.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Provide women’s health care, including pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum support.

Non-Clinical Specialties

Nurse Educator: Teach and mentor the next generation of nurses in academic or clinical settings. (This is my degree!)

Nurse Administrator: Lead healthcare teams, manage budgets, and oversee operations in nursing units or healthcare organizations.

Nurse Informaticist: Bridge nursing and technology to optimize healthcare systems and patient care.

Public Health Nurse: Focus on improving population health through education, prevention, and community programs.

These specialties allow you to align your career with your passions—whether that’s working directly with patients or impacting healthcare at a systems level.

⬇️ MSN programs by specialty are listed below ⬇️

Special Notes About MSN Speciality Programs

There are a few key trends and updates in advanced practice nursing education that you should be aware of:

CRNA Programs Now Require a Doctorate

As of January 1, 2025, new CRNAs must graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). If you’re already practicing or enrolled in an MSN-level CRNA program before this date, you’re still eligible to practice. However, future CRNAs will need to pursue a doctorate. Due to the clinically complex nature of these programs, they cannot be completed completely online.

The NP Field Is Moving Toward DNPs

While most NP programs still accept MSN-prepared nurses, there’s a growing trend toward preferring DNPs as the entry-level degree for Nurse Practitioners. If you’re planning for long-term career growth, it’s worth considering whether a DNP aligns better with your goals. That said, MSN programs remain a strong and widely accepted option for entering the NP field today.

If you want to check out the specifics of different DNP programs, check out these popular options 👇

MSN Programs: Final Thoughts

Earning your MSN is an exciting way to grow your career and expand your impact on healthcare. Whether you’re drawn to clinical roles like NP or CRNA or non-clinical roles like Nurse Educator or Administrator, there’s an MSN program and specialty to match your goals.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into MSN program requirements, pathways, and how to choose the best fit for you, be sure to check out my other post on MSN program requirements.

More Resources

Picture of Kati Kleber, founder of FRESHRN

Hi, I’m Kati.

I'm a nurse educator, author, national speaker, and host of the FreshRN® Podcast. I created FreshRN® – an online platform meant to educate, encourage, and motivate newly licensed nurses in innovative ways.

Connect with me on YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and sign-up for my free email newsletter for new nurses.

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