Like all healthcare careers in the 21st century, the field of nursing is continually growing and evolving. Developments in health technology, increased specializations within nursing roles and a renewed focus on patient education and relationships mean that there is a higher demand for specialized and advanced nursing roles than ever.
Graduate education is one of the most effective ways to meet these challenges. But how long does it take to get a master’s in nursing, and is advancing your nursing career worth the investment of time and money?
Learn how advanced nursing degrees, like the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at Northern Kentucky University, provide a flexible, accessible pathway to career advancement. With a curriculum focused on leadership readiness, evidence-based practice and high-quality patient care, NKU’s graduate nursing programs equip you to move forward in your career and deliver exceptional care.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Nursing?
At NKU, you can complete an MSN degree in as little as 12-26 months, depending on the specific program. This flexibility allows you to tailor your degree timeline to your career goals and personal schedule.
Nursing students working full-time can extend their studies to balance coursework, while those who would like to earn their degree as quickly as possible can follow an accelerated path. Either way, NKU’s MSN programs make it possible to gain new skills and prepare for new opportunities in the workplace without putting your nursing career on pause.
What Are Options for Career Advancement in Nursing?
Nursing offers dynamic, long-term opportunities for growth, especially as demand rises for advanced and specialized roles. With an MSN, professionals can pursue leadership, education and advanced practice positions that expand their impact and earning potential. Below are some of the most common career paths for MSN-prepared nurses:
Nurse Manager and Administrator
Nurse managers and administrators are RNs who have earned a master’s degree in nursing, typically an MSN, that focuses on nurse leadership, healthcare administration, patient safety and strategic planning. They have strong communication and collaboration skills, enabling them to work with nursing teams and physicians, patients, technicians and patient families. They also manage budgets and set departmental goals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical and health services administrators, including nursing administrators, earned $117,960 in 2024, a 20% increase from the median RN salary of $93,600 from the same year.
Nurse Educator
Nurses with advanced degrees and experience can become nurse educators, who develop curriculum for nursing programs, supervise nursing students in clinical practice, mentor program candidates as they earn their degrees and lead lectures and workshops to enhance student skills.
Nursing instructors and teachers typically hold an MSN or another graduate degree in nursing. In 2024, they earned salaries up to $130,320, making it an impactful and financially rewarding pathway.
Nurse Practitioner
Many RNs pursue an MSN degree to embrace leadership positions and become nurse practitioners. These advanced clinicians work with doctors and other medical team members to provide individualized patient care. They prescribe and administer medications, diagnose and treat illnesses and coordinate patient follow-up care.
Nurse practitioners work in various departments within hospital settings, retirement homes, private practice or emergency clinics. In 2024, nurse practitioners earned salaries as high as $165,240, more than 50% above the median RN salary.
Educational Pathways That Support Growth
How do you earn these career advancements in nursing? Find out more about NKU’s nursing degree options and how they align with your career goals and aspirations.
Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Earning a Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree allows you to transition your RN experience into a role that supports adolescent to elderly populations. With gerontological knowledge and clinical training, graduates are prepared to work in retirement homes, intensive care units and hospice centers.
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
A Master of Science in Nursing—Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration program trains nurses to deliver high-quality, comprehensive care in family practice. From infant needs to elderly care, these highly skilled nurse practitioners learn to analyze symptoms, compile data, consider differentials and work with a medical team to facilitate the best possible support for their patients. Aside from family practice settings in private practices and family health clinics, FNPs work in urgent care clinics, schools, pediatric departments and correctional facilities.
Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Executive Leadership
Nurses interested in management and administration can earn a Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Executive Leadership degree. This MSN concentration emphasizes management and organizational skills, as well as an an understanding of healthcare policy and data analysis. Nurse leaders often become nurse managers and nurse administrators in hospitals, private clinics and nursing homes.
Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education
If you’re interested in nursing education or teaching in a nursing school, consider earning a Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education. This concentration combines medical education and nursing practice to prepare graduates to teach and mentor the next generation of nurses. Graduates often teach in nursing schools, healthcare training programs and clinical supervision roles.
Master of Science in Nursing – Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
A Master of Science in Nursing – Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program equips nurses to address acute and chronic psychiatric needs through neuroscience, therapeutic methods and patient-centered care. Graduates may work in rehabilitation centers, correctional facilities or psychiatric hospitals, supporting both patients and their families.
How to Choose the Right Path for You
The right graduate nursing program is the one that meets your needs and career aspirations. Before you decide where to enroll and how to specialize, consider these questions:
- What are your goals for your nursing career?
- What nursing degrees have you already earned?
- What is your budget for a master’s degree in nursing?
- Are you planning to work full-time while completing your degree?
- Would you need a flexible coursework schedule, or can you complete your credits on a full-time schedule?
- What nursing degree concentrations are you most interested in?
- Will the salary you anticipate earning provide a return on investment (ROI) for your degree?
Inside the Online Nursing Experience at NKU
Advancing your nursing career starts with a clear goal and the right support. That’s what you’ll find at NKU, where the MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) to ensure the highest quality nursing education for its students.
With a flexible online schedule, competitive tuition, knowledgeable support staff and experienced faculty, NKU makes it possible to earn your MSN while working your regular nursing hours. Each program offers a curriculum that exposes students to state-of-the-art medical education and versatile leadership skills that they’ll need in any number of nursing roles.
Students benefit from engaging with faculty who bring clinical and academic expertise into the online classroom, while practicum experience provides the opportunity to apply new knowledge to real-world settings, helping you build confidence and competence as you transition into advanced practice, leadership or education. These elements create a dynamic learning environment that supports your success throughout the program and beyond.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career Today
If you’re ready to learn more about how to advance your nursing career, explore NKU’s online Master of Science in Nursing programs today. Connect with the admissions team to learn more about program options and how long it may take to earn your degree.
With flexible schedules and affordable tuition, NKU makes it possible to complete your graduate degree while building the advanced nursing skills to enhance your practice. Every course is designed to help you grow as a leader and deliver the highest level of care to your patients. Start your journey today.
