Online Master of Science in Nursing: Career Outlook
Five specialties. Infinite opportunities.
Increase the impact and reach of your nursing expertise with the online, CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Sacred Heart University.
- $123,780 median annual salary for Advanced Practice Nurses in 20212
- 40% growth (much faster than the average of all occupations) for Advanced Practice Nursing positions between 2021 and 20312
- Overall, 300,000 new jobs projected for Registered Nurses between 2021 and 20313
Stand out to employers by specializing in Clinical Nurse Leadership, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, or Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner which are among the most sought-after skill sets today.1
As more hospitals pursue Magnet Recognition® — the nation’s gold standard for nursing excellence — they need better-educated nurses.
You’ll meet this demand with your MSN and advance to a higher salary, longer-lasting career and more opportunities to shape the future of health care.
In 2017, SHU grads had a bright nursing occupational outlook, employed by Bridgeport Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and more.
Director of Patient Care Services:
$103,407/YEAR
As a Director of Patient Care Services, you’d ensure patients across your hospital’s departments receive the highest-quality care. You’d work with department leaders, ensure operations run smoothly, and speak with patients and their families about health care needs and care plans.4
Prepare for this position with the Nursing Management and Executive Leadership specialization.
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL):
$101,431/YEAR
As a Clinical Nurse Leader, your responsibilities would include leading collaborative patient care, as well as mentoring other nurses, educating patients and their families, and analyzing data and assessing patient risks and outcomes. This role requires the CNL certification from the AACN.5
Prepare for this position with the Clinical Nurse Leader specialization.
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner:
$108,488/YEAR
As a primary care FNP, you could work with patients of all ages, performing assessments, analyzing information, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing treatments, and helping individuals make lifestyle changes that impact their long-term health.6
Prepare for this position with the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization.
Nurse Educator:
$104,662/YEAR
As a Nurse Educator, you’d work within a hospital or other health services organization to train nurses or other health care practitioners. You would create educational curricula and resources, determine educational gaps and needs, lecture large groups and more.7
Prepare for this position with the Nursing Education specialization.
Clinical Director:
$149,198/YEAR
As a Clinical Director, you’d oversee your organization’s clinical departments. Your responsibilities might include hiring and evaluating new employees, creating and monitoring budgets, and reviewing programs to ensure they meet patient needs.8
Prepare for this position with the Clinical Nurse Leader specialization or the Nursing Management and Executive Leadership specialization.
Additional roles for MSN graduates:
- Clinical research nurse
- Relief charge nurse
- Practice administrator RN
- Nutrition services manager
- Mental health program manager
- Nursing informatics
- Director of nursing
- Clinical director
- Program manager
- Nurse manager
- Health and social services manager
Succeed in Diverse Settings with Your MSN-PMHNP
Graduates who become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can expect an average salary between $120,0001 and $129,0002, and can position themselves for employment in a range of settings, including:
- Community mental health clinics
- Inpatient psychiatric units
- Private psychiatric practices
- Substance abuse treatment centers
Request More Information
Fill out the form below and a skilled and knowledgeable Admissions Representative will get in touch to answer your questions and help with the application process.
Find Your Nursing Specialty
Set yourself apart from other nurses with an MSN specialization. Whether you want to advance your bedside skills, educate the next generation or become a leader of other nurses, we have a specialization that suits you.
Guidance Beyond Graduation
More than 98 percent of Sacred Heart alumni are employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school within a year of graduation.
Our Center for Career & Professional Development provides support to help you find your next opportunity and continue to grow outside of class.
Sources:
- Nurse Journal (n.d.). The 20 Best Nursing Career Specialties. Retrieved October 3, 2019, from https://nursejournal.org/community/20-best-nursing-career-specialties-for-the-future/.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019 September 4). Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 3, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019 September 4). Registered Nurses. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 3, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.
- Payscale (2019 August 24). Average Director of Patient Care Services Salary. Retrieved October 3, 2019, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director_of_Patient_Care_Services/Salary.
- Salary.com (2022 June). Average Clinical Nurse Leader Salary. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/clinical-nurse-leader-salary.
- Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight™. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
- Ziprecruiter.com (2022 November). Clinical Nurse Leader Salary. Retrieved November 10, 2022, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Clinical-Nurse-Leader-Salary-in-Chicago,IL#:~:text=As%20of%20Oct%2027%2C%202022,Chicago%20is%20%2495%2C739%20a%20year.
- Salary.com (2022 June). Average Clinical Director Salary. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/clinical-nurse-director-salary.