Which Nursing Pathway is Best for You?

The profession of nursing offers a wide variety of nursing career paths for nearly any facet of health care, including administration, clinical practice, education, leadership and research. Depending on your unique goals, it’s important to select a certificate or degree program with the appropriate knowledge and skills. From an RN to BSN to an MSN, Sacred Heart University offers flexible, online nursing programs that can help you take the next step. Learn more about the programs and their career outcomes below.

RN to BSN

An RN to BSN program is a career path for nurses that can lead to a higher RN salary and career advancement. According to Payscale, nurses with an associate’s degree made an average base salary of $74,000¹ while nurses with their BSN made $97,000.² A BSN program is typically longer than an associate program, so nurses can receive one to two additional years of study to build their skills and hone their knowledge.

Career Outlook

In addition to a higher salary potential, a BSN is becoming a requirement for many nursing jobs. Employers seek BSN-prepared nurses because of their additional knowledge and skills. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) stated that bachelor’s-prepared nurses are essential to quality health care, because these nurses have demonstrated abilities in critical thinking, leadership, case management and health promotion, among others.³

Grounded in healing and humanity, Sacred Heart University’s RN to BSN is CCNE accredited and helps you meet minimum level education requirements for most entry-level positions. Complete the RN to BSN program in three years or take advantage of the accelerated pathway opportunity. Students with an associate degree in nursing and 90 credits can earn their RN to BSN degree in as few as 10 months.

RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Some education institutions, such as Sacred Heart University, offer the opportunity to create a nursing career pathway from a licensed RN to a BSN to an MSN, all in one program. Earning both your BSN and MSN unlocks top-tier positions such as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), family nurse practitioners, nurse educators and nurse leaders. An MSN is also a boost to your salary potential. According to NursingProcess.org, BSN-prepared nurses earn $90,620 in 2025, while MSN-prepared nurses earn $120,870 – a $30,000 difference.⁴ Earning two degrees in one is a great opportunity to reach these advanced practice careers.

Career Outlook

An MSN is one of the best credentials to have if you’re interested in advancement to several specialized roles. Some of the most desired positions are APRNs, made up of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, altogether, jobs for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners are projected to increase by an impressive 40% from 2023 to 2033, which will lead to 141,200 new positions.⁵ APRN salaries can also be impressive. Nurse anesthetists alone made $223,210 in May 2024.⁵ These professionals, also called Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), specialize in general, regional, local anesthesia and pain control.

With Sacred Heart University’s CCNE-accredited RN to MSN online program, you’ll graduate with the experience and credentials needed to meet the increased demand for APRNs. Complete the program in 3.5 years with your specialization of choice.

Available Nursing Specialties

• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Education
• Nursing Management & Executive Leadership
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

An MSN helps students gain cutting-edge expertise for more advanced roles, such as a nurse practitioner, nurse manager, nurse leader, nurse educator and more. Students interested in an MSN program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a BA/BS in a related field, as well as a current unencumbered RN license.

Career Outlook

In addition to qualifying for advancement opportunities, nurses with their MSN can earn a higher salary. NursingProcess.org reports that nurses with their MSN make $120,870 as of 2025, and nurses with their BSN make $90,620.⁴ Many MSN salaries are higher than average depending on specialty. Some of the most in-demand jobs for MSN-prepared nurses are nurse practitioners, a popular and rewarding nursing career path.

Develop specialized skills for the next phase of your nursing career by earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree online with Sacred Heart University. Online courses deliver the qualifications you need to educate the next generation of nurses, advance as a leader, become a nurse practitioner and more.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is a type of APRN who provides care to patients across the lifespan. Their scope of practice can depend on the state they live in, and some nurse practitioners work within the supervision of doctors. To become a nurse practitioner, nurses need deepened expertise from an MSN or DNP degree. American Nurse Enterprise provides the following steps for a nurse practitioner career path:⁶

1. Complete the education and training required to become a registered nurse (RN).
2. Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which is necessary for graduate school admission.
3. Choose a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), each of which often includes opportunities to specialize in a certain type of care.
4. Secure national accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or another specialty certification board, considering the state in which you’d like to practice.

Career Outlook

Nurse practitioners are some of the most in-demand nurses in the nation. According to workforce projections from the HRSA, demand for nurse practitioners will increase by 12% from 2025 to 2037, representing steady growth in the field.⁷ By 2037, about 405,150 nurse practitioners will be employed in the U.S.⁷

Nurse practitioner specialties within an MSN program allow students to dive into specific areas of practice. Sacred Heart University’s MSN program offers the following nursing specialties:

• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Education
• Nursing Management & Executive Leadership
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN –Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL^®)

The International Clinical Nurse Leader Association (CNLA) describes a CNL^® as an advanced generalist who can work with diverse patients in nearly any practice setting.⁸ A CNL^® can provide, oversee and evaluate care as they collaborate with physicians. Becoming a CNL^® requires certification.

Career Outlook

Clinical nurse leaders are essential to efficient, high-quality patient care. Because of their importance, they can draw an average base salary of up to $123,000, according to Payscale.⁹ Clinical nurse leaders can increase their salary potential by honing skills in leadership, critical care and auditing.

Learn how to lead a patient care team with Sacred Heart University’s MSN –Clinical Nurse Leader specialization. In addition to evidence-based tools and practices, you’ll explore ways to reshape policy, reduce costs and identify solutions to problems within your health care system. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll be ready to sit for the CNL^® exam provided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Prepare to build a career ensuring patients receive safe, high-quality care with the newest health care technologies and techniques.

MSN –Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Family nurse practitioners provide primary care to people of all ages. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) explained that FNPs work with diverse communities, focus on disease prevention and empower patients to take control of their own health.¹⁰ These nurse practitioners work in private practice, community health, college/university services, health care systems and more. Students interested in an FNP program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as a current unencumbered RN license.

Career Outlook

In addition to fast-paced demand for their services, family nurse practitioners have a high salary potential. Payscale reported that the average base salary for family nurse practitioners was $106,634 in 2025.¹¹

If you’re wondering how to become a nurse practitioner online, Sacred Heart is ready to help you through the process. In the online MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner program, you can learn how to deliver the highest level of patient care and prepare to help address modern health care challenges. Sacred Heart University also offers a Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate designed for RNs with a master’s degree who have an interest in advancing their nursing career.

MSN –Nursing Education

Nurse educators are vital to the field due to their responsibility to prepare future nurses. These professionals often teach at colleges or universities but may also work in hospitals, health care systems, public health, simulation labs and more. Nurse educators must stay up to date with the latest developments in the field so they can give their students leading-edge instruction and mentoring.

Career Outlook

Now is a critical time for nursing because a lack of nurse educators is contributing to a shortage of RNs. The AACN identified a 7.8% shortage of nurse educators across the country as of 2023.¹² Other causes of the nursing faculty shortage include a high average age of current nurse educators, predicted faculty retirement and a rising number of nursing school applicants.¹² Due to high demand, postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers made a median wage of $80,780 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹³ Salaries can vary depending on years of experience, industry and location, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a salary range of $49,120 (lowest 10% of earners) to $130,320 (top 10% of earners).¹³ Some of the top-paying industries for nurse educators are local government, (excluding schools and hospitals) and general medical and surgical hospitals.¹³

Become a well-respected mentor and begin preparing new nurses to care for the patient population with Sacred Heart University’s MSN in Nursing Education. Meet the need for nursing educators and apply your skills in a wide variety of settings, from online colleges and universities to community health agencies and hospital-based schools of education. Sacred Heart University also offers an online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education to help prepare for nurse educator roles.

MSN –Nursing Management and Executive Leadership

Nurse managers and nurse leaders are employed at a wide variety of locations, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient centers, community health organizations and more. As nursing administration experts, these professionals are responsible for budgeting, strategic planning, quality improvement, workforce development, research and ethics and partner relationships.

Career Outlook

Medical and health services managers, including nurse managers and directors, are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that job growth will be much faster than average from 2023 to 2033, resulting in about 61,400 openings each year throughout the decade.¹⁴ The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported that the increasing use of electronic health records requires that medical and health services managers become proficient in the organization and integration of related technologies.¹⁴

Sacred Heart University’s online MSN degree in Nursing Management and Executive Leadership develops the sought-after skills you need to become an effective nurse leader who can improve processes and ultimately affect patient outcomes. You can also choose a Nursing Management and Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate to supplement your education.

MSN –Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) care for a patient’s mental and emotional needs in various health care settings at all stages of life. These providers assess the mental health of their clients, diagnose mental health issues and work with clients to improve their quality of life. The ability for PMHNPs to prescribe medication varies by state.

Career Outlook

PMHNPs are urgently needed, especially in areas where access to mental health care is difficult. Advanced Practice Education Associates (APEA) stated that a shortage of psychiatric providers is “having a direct impact on our communities,” and that more PMHNPs are in demand across the country.¹⁵ In 2024, the APEA projected that 118,600 jobs will become available for PMHNPs over the next decade.¹⁵ This demand comes with a high salary potential. Paycale reported that psychiatric nurse practitioners earn an average base salary of $122,987 as of 2025.¹⁶

Sacred Heart University’s online MSN with a specialization in PMHNP teaches nurses how to assess, diagnose and treat patients at different life stages with a range of physical, mental and emotional health care needs. Upon completion, graduates will have the conceptual and practical knowledge to provide and promote equitable, high-quality care in their communities. An online Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate is also available.

Alternative Career Paths for Nurses

Educated, qualified nurses have a multitude of career paths available to them in addition to the ones named above. Some alternative career paths for nurses are:

• Ambulatory care services nurses are those who take care of patients in any outpatient setting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics identified that 19% of RNs worked in ambulatory care services—the second-highest sector of RN employment.18
• Holistic nurses often provide health care services alongside traditional Western medicine, such as acupuncture, massage, meditation and reflexology. Read more about holistic care in nursing.
• Public health nurses primarily focus on disease prevention and community education. The average salary for a public health nurse is $75,291 as of 2025, according to Payscale.¹⁹
• Research nurses work with teams of experts to develop and test leading-edge diagnostics, procedures and treatments. While a DNP is optional for research nurses, American Nurses Enterprise recommends at least an MSN for these roles.²⁰

Achieve your nursing career goals with Sacred Heart University. Offering nursing programs at several levels of study, Sacred Heart University has the resources, expertise and nursing career pathways that can propel you to continued career advancement and long-term success. Our degree programs are accredited by the CCNE, ensuring that you receive a high-quality nursing education delivered by experts.

Keep learning about some of the highest paying careers for MSN graduates and explore the opportunities available to you with a Sacred Heart University nursing degree. When you’re ready to take the next step, contact an Admissions Representative today by phone (877-791-7181) or request more information about any of our online nursing programs to get started.

Sources

1. Payscale. “Associate’s, Nursing Degree.” Mar 26, 2023. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate%27s%2C_Nursing/Salary.
2. Payscale. “Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree.” March 6, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_(BSN)/Salary.
3. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). “Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses are Essential to Quality Health Care.” March 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Publications/Benefits-of-the-BSN.pdf.
4. NursingProcess.Org. “Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Salary – 2025.” Retrieved April 30, 2025, from https://www.nursingprocess.org/msn-salary/.
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners.” April 18, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm.
6. American Nurses Enterprise. “What is a Nurse Practitioner?” February 9, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/becoming-a-nurse/what-is-nurse-practitioner/.
7. Health Resources & Services Administration. “Workforce Projections.” April 17, 2025. Retrieved April 17, 2025, from https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/workforce-projections.
8. International Clinical Nurse Leader Association (CNLA). “What is a CNL?” 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://cnlassociation.org/what-is-a-cnl/.
9. Payscale. “Average Clinical Nurse Leader Hourly Pay.” April 4, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Nurse_Leader/Salary.
10. American Association of Nurse Practitioners. “Are You Considering a Career as a Family Nurse Practitioner?” July 3, 2019. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you-considering-a-career-as-a-family-nurse-practitioner.
11. Payscale. “Average Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary.” April 8, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Family_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary.
12. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. “Fact Sheet: Nursing Faculty Shortage.” May 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Fact-Sheets/Faculty-Shortage-Factsheet.pdf.
13. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary.” April 8, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-1072.00.
14. O*NET OnLine. “Medical and Health Services Managers 11-9111.00.” April 8, 2025. Retrieved April 30, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9111.00.
15. Advanced Practice Education Associates (APEA). “2025 PMHNP Career Outlook: High Need, High Demand, Rising Salaries.” October 14, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.apea.com/blog/2025-PMHNP-career-outlook-65/.
16. Payscale. “Average Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary.” April 14, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychiatric_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary.
17. Indeed. “13 Doctorate in Nursing Practice Jobs You Can Pursue.” March 26, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/doctorate-in-nursing-practice-jobs.
18. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Registered Nurses.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. April 18, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.
19. Payscale. “Average Public Health Nurse Hourly Pay.” February 28, 2025. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Public_Health_Nurse/Hourly_Rate.
20. American Nurses Enterprise. “How to Become a Research Nurse.” April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 22, 2025, from https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-resources/how-to-become-a-research-nurse/.

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