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Nursing Program (BSN to MSN)

24 Months Training*
bachelor degree icon Master’s Degree (M.S.)

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Key Dates
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Application Deadline Mar 30, 2026
Start Date May 4, 2026
Program Highlights
  • Asynchronous Courses Online
  • BSNs: Earn Your Master’s Degree
  • Job Placement Assistance
  • Veteran & Military Benefits Eligible

*90 Approved Instructional Weeks

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is to prepare nursing professionals to excel as educators, leaders, and innovators in healthcare. We provide a rigorous, evidence-based education that enhances clinical expertise, promotes ethical decision-making, and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our graduates are equipped to advance nursing practice, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the health and well-being of diverse communities through leadership, research, and education.

Program Description

The Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN) program prepares students at an advanced level, with a focus on nursing scholarship. Students will study healthcare policy, advanced research, healthcare informatics, leadership and management, financial resource management, curriculum development, teaching and learning process, assessment and evaluation of learning, and practicum capstone courses.

Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based practice, professional development, and scholarly practice, preparing nursing professionals with advanced theoretical skills and applied research methods.

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Goals and Objectives

Develop Advanced Clinical Competence: Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver advanced nursing care, utilizing the latest evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes across diverse populations.

Foster Leadership and Advocacy: Prepare students to assume leadership roles in healthcare settings, advocating for policy changes, improving healthcare systems, and driving innovations in nursing practice.

Promote Interprofessional Collaboration: Encourage effective collaboration among healthcare professionals by fostering communication, teamwork, and shared decision-making to enhance patient care and healthcare delivery.

Enhance Ethical and Legal Practice: Instill a deep understanding of ethical principles, legal standards, and cultural sensitivity in students, ensuring they practice with integrity and uphold the highest standards of nursing care.

Support Research and Scholarly Inquiry: Cultivate a commitment to research and scholarly inquiry, encouraging students to contribute to the body of nursing knowledge and engage in practices that are informed by the latest research findings.

Commit to Lifelong Learning and Professional Growth: Encourage continuous professional development and lifelong learning, preparing graduates to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare environment and advance the nursing profession throughout their careers.

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Educational Outcomes

  1. Advanced Clinical Expertise: Graduates will demonstrate advanced clinical skills and critical thinking abilities, enabling them to provide high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse populations and healthcare settings.
  2. Leadership and Management: Graduates will exhibit leadership and management skills that enable them to effectively guide healthcare teams, influence healthcare policy, and promote positive change within healthcare organizations.
  3. Evidence-Based Practice: Graduates will integrate evidence-based knowledge and research into nursing academia and clinical practice to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.
  4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Graduates will effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to enhance patient care, promote health equity, and address complex healthcare challenges.
  5. Ethical and Legal Competence: Graduates will apply ethical principles and a thorough understanding of healthcare laws and regulations to guide their practice, ensuring the delivery of safe, ethical, and culturally competent care.
  6. Lifelong Learning and Professional Development: Graduates will commit to lifelong learning and continuous professional development, staying current with emerging trends in healthcare and continually advancing their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.

Length and Schedule

Program Length, Months
24*
Total Clock Hours
540
Semester Credit Hours
36

*90 Approved Instructional Weeks

The Master of Science in Nursing program (BSN to MSN) admission track is a six (6) semester distance education program for RNs to complete their Master of Science Degree in Nursing in two years. Each semester is 15 weeks long and covers two (2) courses. Course instructors will open a new lecture each weekday, and assignments must be submitted by the deadlines specified in the course syllabus. 

At Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, students receive 540 hours of didactic instruction. The two (2) practicum courses require the student to do five to six (5 – 6) hours with a preceptor for eight (8) weeks each. Students must obtain their local preceptor based on their work or residence. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts has agreements with multiple healthcare facilities in the Bay Area, California, where students can complete their practicum in an alternative setting.

The expected program completion time is 90 weeks, excluding holidays and vacations. The Instructor-to-Student ratio is 1:25 during lectures and 1:1 during clinical externships.

At Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts (professional courses only), students receive 540 hours of didactic instruction.

Program Delivery

The instructional delivery for Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts programs is either a blended format or full-distance education.

For blended programs (A.S. in MRI, A.S. in PTA, A.S. in Nursing, A.S. in VN, A.S. in RT, A.O.S. in UT, A.O.S. in RT, A.S. in NMT, B.S. in Nursing, Dental Assistant, X-Ray Technician with Medical Assistant Skills, Medical Assistant, Vocational Nurse), clinical/practicum hours are completed at an assigned clinical site(s). At the same time, the lectures and labs may be held in a distance education format or on campus through direct classroom instruction.

The A.S. in NM, B.S. in RS, B.S. in RT, and BSN to MSN programs are full-distance education. Limited online and hybrid courses are available for prerequisite courses.

Requirements

  • Please review the following General Admission Requirements for all programs.

    Applicants must:

    • Meet the following admission policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts: immunization, health screening, background check, and CPR Certification (See Policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts in the School Catalog and “Admissions”).
    • Submit a completed application for the program. It is recommended that interested applicants meet with the admission advisor to complete the application.
    • Submit proof of current RN license.
    • Submit official transcripts from an accredited institution showing the obtained BSN degree and the graduation date. Copies are not accepted.
    • Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4-point scale) or higher in all college coursework. 
    • Submit a 3-page typed Statement of Purpose or Letter of Intent.
    • Submit three (3) letters of recommendation to the nursing program. These may come from employers, immediate work supervisors, health-related facilities where the applicant has volunteered, or faculty from previous college/university coursework. These letters or recommendations must be submitted using formal organizational stationery.
    • Submit proof of health-related or community work, e.g., volunteering at health fairs, hospitals, clinics, working with the homeless, mentoring or tutoring other students, Big Brother or Big Sister. These experiences must be substantiated with a document or letter of verification on formal organizational stationery.
    • Applicants will be asked to participate in an interview with the Nursing Program Director or Associate Program Director, either in person or via Google Meet, if necessary.
    • Applicants will be rank-ordered based on the following score, which includes:
      • GPA in Prerequisite Courses.
      • Personal Letters of Recommendation.
      • Community Work.
      • Health-Related Experience.

    Get more Info

  • Each program has physical and non-physical requirements to ensure our students’ and patients’ safety and welfare. Almost all of our students (check with an admission advisor if applicable) must be able to:

    • Handle stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards, as well as patient care situations.
    • Respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies using the English language.
    • Communicate effectively with patients and staff in clear, concise English, both verbally and in written form.
    • Read and interpret (or learn how to) patient charts.
    • Tolerate strong, unpleasant odors.
    • Provide physical and emotional support to the patients during procedures.
    • Report progress notes clearly and legibly in patient charts.
    • Meet class standards for successful course completion.
    • Collect, interpret, and integrate data about patients.
    • Recognize and respond appropriately to individuals of all ages, genders, and races and from all socioeconomic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
    • Cope with heavy workloads, demanding patients, and life-threatening clinical situations.
    • Recognize and respond appropriately to potentially hazardous situations.
    • Behave in an ethical, sound, competent, compassionate, and professional manner in the classroom and the clinic.
    • Utilize the sense of hearing to communicate effectively with the patients and the healthcare team.
    • Utilize the sense of vision in all hospital lighting levels, varying from low illumination levels to bright light levels.
    • Devote up to fifteen to twenty (15 – 20) hours per week toward studies.
    • Palpate anatomical structures and handle injured body parts without causing injury to the patient.
    • Walk and balance well enough to assist patients in walking and transferring with or without equipment, while preventing injury to both patients and oneself.
    • Use visual, auditory, and tactile senses to observe patients and collect and interpret data.
    • Respond to warning sounds, machine alarms, and calls for help.

    Get more Info

  • The following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the BSN to MSN program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:

    • The successful completion of all program courses and hours.
    • All financial obligations, including tuition and textbook charges, have been met.
    • The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate from the program.

    Get more Info

Admissions Point System

Applicants are deemed qualified on a point system. The highest-ranked candidates (above a minimum threshold) will be offered seats in the program. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts uses the following point system to evaluate each applicant, showing the maximum achievable score.

BSN to MSN Program - Admissions Point SystemPoints Possible
I. Academic Achievement: Undergrad Level Courses20
GPA
➢ GPA 3.00-3.5910
➢ GPA of 3.60-4.0020
II. Post-secondary Education20
➢ Bachelor's Degree10
➢ Master's Degree20
III. Application Essay to Nursing Program - APA Format10
The essay will include:
➢ Statement of Purpose for Enrolling into the MSN Program2
➢ The Essential Functions and Role of a Graduate Degree Nurse2
➢ Preparation to Become Successful in the MSN Program2
➢ Accountability and Integrity in the Nursing Profession2
➢ Grammar
2
IV. Health Care Background5
➢ One to Three (1 – 3) Years3
➢ More Than Three (3) Years5
V. Personal Interview20
➢ Professionalism4
➢ Appearance and Demeanor4
➢ Communication Skills4
➢ Answering Skills4
➢ Overall Impression4
Total Points Possible75

Career Services

We help to create a resume and portfolio
Creating a portfolio resume is a powerful way to showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers. At Gurnick Academy, we help you create a professional and polished resume to set you apart from the competition.
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews are a valuable tool to prepare you for the real thing. Gurnick Academy offers mock interviews to help you build confidence and practice your interviewing skills before meeting with potential employers.
Support you after graduation
Your success doesn't end at graduation, that's why we offer support for our graduates even after they leave our institution. From career counseling to networking opportunities, we're here to help you take the next step in your career journey.
Gurnick Edge
Gurnick Edge is a website geared to professionally enhancing nurses. There are multiple professional building segments with easy to use tutorials. Along with the professional development, Gurnick Edge offers professional profiles that the student creates while in their respective programs.
Professional Development Workshops
Continuous learning is key to professional growth and success, that's why we offer professional development workshops to help our students and alumni stay current in their field. From soft skills to industry-specific training, our workshops provide valuable insights and skills to advance your career.
One-on-One and Interview Coaching
Achieving your career goals can be challenging, but with our one-on-one and interview coaching services you'll have the support you need to succeed. Our expert coaches will work with you to develop your skills, confidence and prepare you for success in job interviews.

Program Outline

Course NumberCourse TitleClock HoursSemester Credit Hours
MSN 506Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice45.03.0
MSN 508Future of Nursing & Healthcare Policy45.03.0
MSN 510Advanced Research Methodologies and Analysis-Evidence Based Practice45.03.0
MSN 512Financial Resource Management45.03.0
MSN 514Leadership and Management in Nursing and Healthcare45.03.0
MSN 516Advanced Healthcare Technology & Informatics45.03.0
MSN 600Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology45.03.0
MSN 602Curriculum Development45.03.0
MSN 604Teaching and Learning Process and Strategies45.03.0
MSN 605Nursing Practicum A - Clinical Nurse Educator45.03.0
MSN 606Assessment and Evaluation of Learning45.03.0
MSN 607Nursing Practicum B - Academic Nurse Educator45.03.0
Total540.036.0

Read the BSN to MSN Program Course Descriptions.

Job Outlook and Salary

View the O*Net Online 29-1141.00 Registered Nurses, O*Net Online 29-1151.00 Nurse Anesthetists, O*Net Online 29-1161.00 Nurse Midwives, and O*Net Online 29-1171.00 Nurse Practitioners job profiles for general information about the professions. Find information about salary data for California.


State Authorization
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts provides information on whether its programs meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in each state. Students are encouraged to review the Curriculum and Licensure Requirements by State available on the Academy’s website here to determine if a specific program fulfills the requirements in their intended state of residence or employment.

Distance Education

Minimum Student Skills

Students are expected to have at least the following skills before taking distance education courses:

  • Basic Keyboarding competence.
  • Elementary knowledge of their computer operating system.
  • Basic knowledge of:
    • Word processing.
    • Sending and receiving emails with attachments.
    • Using an internet browser and a search engine.

 

Minimum Hardware Requirements

  • Access to modern Windows 11, macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer. For other operating systems, please get in touch with IT support with your questions.
  • Internet access with a high-speed broadband connection.
  • Internet service provider for home access or work access (required before starting the course).
  • Access to the distance education environment for at least ten (10) hours per week.
  • Students must be able to participate in real-time video conferences. Appropriate equipment may include:
    • Camera (could be built into the laptop).
    • Microphone (could be built into the laptop).

 

Minimum Software Requirements

Accreditation and Approval

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.

ABHES Mailing Address:
6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852

ABHES Phone: 301-291-7550
ABHES Email: Info
ABHES Website: abhes.org

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions in making informed decisions, understanding their rights, and navigating available services and relief options. The office may be reached by calling (888) 370- 7589, option #5, or by visiting osar.bppe.ca.gov.

BPPE Mailing Address:
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225
Sacramento, CA 95834

BPPE Phone: 888-370-7589
BPPE Email: General
BPPE Website: bppe.ca.gov

Tuition and Fees

The tables below reflect the upcoming start dates only.

BSN to MSN PROGRAM TUITION & FEESCOST
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (Non-Refundable)$0.00
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable)$100.00
Books (Non-Refundable, if accessed)$400.00
Tuition Fees$14,400.00
TOTAL PROGRAM COST$14,900.00

➢ Students must obtain several books independently, and the cost of these books is not included in the “Books Fee.” Please refer to the school catalog’s BSN to BSN Program Textbook Distribution Disclosure. 
➢ Tuition fees are subject to change.

Alumni Grant (for Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts BSN and LVN to BSN Graduates): $1,800.00.

Don’t hesitate to contact your Admissions Advisor for more details on how you can qualify for this grant.

Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant Sallie Mae Loans Campus Door Loans Cal Grant FSEOG Direct PLUS Loans Veteran Benefits Explore All Options

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to help every student obtain Financial Aid* to attend their chosen program. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

The financial aid programs are designed to assist students with inadequate financial resources to meet their education’s total cost. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor who can help students with any financial aid questions.

For more information, please visit our Financial Aid page.

*for those who qualify

Contact Admissions Department

Catalog and Addendum
2024-2025
Download

Frequently Asked Questions

Please choose from the dropdown to review a category of FAQs

  • According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), a regulating body, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are Registered Nurses with additional training.

    APRNs have gone beyond baccalaureate degrees and have been educated at master’s levels or higher. Additionally, they are trained within specific roles in patient populations (niche areas).

    APRNs are certified to assess, diagnose, manage patient problems, order tests, and prescribe medication.”1  

    Citations
    1 NCSBN. “APRNS in the US|NCSBN.” NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc., 2019. (Accessed September 20, 2022).

  • According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners,Ⓡ “Nurse Practitioners [NPs] practice autonomously and in coordination with healthcare professionals and other individuals. NPs provide a range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and managing acute, chronic, and complex health issues.

    They are also most often involved in health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and counseling to individuals, families, groups, and communities. They may also serve as healthcare researchers, interdisciplinary consultants, and patient advocates.”1

    Citations
    1 American Association of Nurse Practitioners. “Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners.” American Association of Nurse Practitioners, AANP Website, 2019. (Accessed Sept.22, 2022).

  • Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ Nursing School offers the following paths to completion: 

    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program = 24 months.*
    • General or Full Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program = 32 months.†
    • Licensed Vocational Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Advanced Placement = 15 months.‡
    • Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Advanced Placement Program = 12 months.§

    *90 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks
    †120 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks
    ‡63 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks
    §45 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks

    • A Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing = (BSN) 
    • A Registered Nurse (RN) with a Master of Science in Nursing = (MSN)

    According to NursingProcess.org, the primary difference between the two degrees is that a BSN program is only a bachelor’s program.

    By contrast, the MSN program combines baccalaureate education with graduate training, resulting in a master’s. Further, the MSN trains one for a specific nursing concentration.1

    Citations
    1 Monroe, BSN, RN, Julie. “RN to BSN vs. RN to MSN—Which Degree Is Better?” Www.nursingprocess.org, NursingProcess.org. (Accessed September 20, 2022).

  • Many pathways exist for the MSN pathway. There are also programs for entry into the MSN program, which don’t require a BSN.1

    According to the Nursing License Map, “You don’t need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or nursing background to become a Nurse Practitioner. However, you will need an advanced or graduate degree to become licensed as a Nurse Practitioner.

    There are Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs as well as direct-entry MSN programs that don’t require a BSN.”1

    Citations
    1^a, b “How to Become a Nurse Practitioner Without a BSN.” Nursing License Map, 2U, Inc., Aug. 2020. (Accessed September 20, 2022).

  • The BSN is a bachelor’s degree, while the MSN is a master’s. Training in a BSN program emphasizes bedside and patient care, whereas MSN education focuses on management and leadership.

    BSN programs represent baccalaureate-level training. In contrast, MSN programs are graduate-level education. 

    BSN programs provide overall well-rounded foundations in nursing. In contrast, MSN programs concentrate on specific populations and healthcare specialties.

  • To have information sent to you or a school representative, please get in touch with us using our online contact form.

  • The first step is to submit an online application.

  • Applicants should follow the general requirements for entry into Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. These can be found at the General Requirements for Admissions link. 

    Applicants must:

    1. Meet the following admission policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts: immunization, health screening, background check, and CPR Certification. (See Policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts in the School Catalog and “Admissions.”)
    2. Submit a completed application for the program. It is recommended that interested applicants complete the application with the assistance of an admissions advisor.
    3. Submit proof of current RN license.
    4. Submit official transcripts from an accredited institution that show the BSN degree obtained, including the graduation date. Copies are not accepted. 
    5. Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4-point scale) or higher in all college coursework. 
    6. Submit a three-page typed Statement of Purpose or Letter of Intent.
    7. Submit three (3) letters of recommendation to the nursing program. These may come from employers, immediate work supervisors, health-related facilities where the applicant has volunteered, or faculty from previous college/university coursework. These letters or recommendations must be submitted using formal organizational stationery.
    8. Submit proof of health-related and community work, e.g., volunteering at health fairs, hospitals, or clinics, working with the homeless, mentoring or tutoring other students, Big Brother or Big Sister. These experiences must be substantiated with a document or letter of verification on formal organizational stationery.
    9. Applicants will be asked to participate in an interview with the Nursing Program Director or Associate Program Director, either in person or via Google Meet, if necessary.
    10. Applicants will be rank-ordered based on the following score, which includes:
      • GPA in Prerequisite Courses;
      • Personal Letters of Recommendation;
      • Community Work;
      • Health Related Experience.

    Additionally, the following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the BSN to the MSN  at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:

    • The successful completion of all program courses and hours.
    • All financial obligations have been met, including tuition and textbook charges.
    • To graduate from the Master’s in Nursing Program, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  • Please find more info about the Foreign Transcript/Diploma Evaluation process here.

  • The application deadline is one week prior to the online orientation and one week before the semester’s official start date. Please see an advisor for the current academic calendar.

     

  • Please get in touch with our Admissions Team for more information. 

  • Our BSN to MSN program is 24 months long.*

    *90 Approved Instructional Weeks

  • Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

    Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.

    Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)

    Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution complies with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

  • This is a full-time program and requires a commitment to the profession.

  • No. We currently do not offer night classes for this program.

  • To review the scheduled breaks during the school year, please see Gurnick Academy’s Addendum.

  • Please find more info about remediation in our Catalog and Addendum.

  • There are two (2) practicums during the MSN program. Students are responsible for choosing and providing their preceptors and preceptor sites.

  • Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.*

    *Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

  • Students may be able to work during the program depending on individual needs or preferences. However, this depends on the type of work, each student’s needs, work-study balances, and life schedules and commitments. 

    There are guidelines for achieving a study-life balance. The Hechinger Report cites a 2018 study by Georgetown University regarding students working while enrolled in higher education.

    According to the report, “Students who worked had lower grades and were more likely to drop out” than those who did not work during their college tenure. The report states, “The risk was exceptionally high for low-income students.

    Other studies seem to concur with this report. The conventional advice to students is to work under 15 hours a week if they want to finish their degrees,” says the article.1

    Citations
    1 Barshay, Jill. “Working in College Interferes With Studies But Boosts Adult Earnings.” The Hechinger Report. June 17, 2019. (Accessed. June 21, 2022).

  • The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers graduate degrees to those who successfully complete the program and meet all school requirements. 

     

  • There is no licensure exam for MSN-level graduates.

     

  • We have a dedicated Career Services department that can assist students with job placements upon completion of the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

     

  • According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected employment growth for nurses with master’s degrees is expected to be upward of 40% between 2021 and 2031.1 

    Citations
    1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. (Accessed September 13, 2022).

  • “Certain specialty areas, such as critical care and emergency room work, may contribute to nursing burnout. The amount of patient interaction is also something to consider.

    RN positions involve extensive patient care, while master’s degree in nursing may open more doors to administrative, leadership, or research jobs.”1

    Citations
    1 Deshaies, Shrilekha. “BSN vs. MSN Degree: Which Is the Best? | NurseJournal.org.” NurseJournal. June 3, 2020. (Accessed September 20, 2022).

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for registered nurses totals $75,330 per year, while master’s degree-prepared advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn a median annual salary of $117,760.1

    “The BLS publishes projected job outlook statistics, which can also provide insight into your likelihood of getting hired. Nurses with master’s degrees can expect a 45 percent projected employment increase from 2020 to 2030.”1 

    Citations

    1^a, b Deshaies, Shrilekha. “BSN vs. MSN Degree: Which Is the Best? | NurseJournal.org.” NurseJournal. June 3, 2020. (Accessed September 20, 2022).

  • Overall, nursing is highly regarded as a vocation within multiple core employment areas. So much so, US News ranked the Nurse Practitioner #1 in Best Healthcare Jobs and #2 in 100 Best Jobs, with an overall job satisfaction scorecard of 8.4 out of 10.1 

    Rankings were determined using an elusive mix of factors, including median salaries, growth percentages, occupational stress levels, and work-life balance.1 Additionally, the job has a 1.2% unemployment rate.1

    Citations
    1 ^a, b, c News, US. “Nurse Practitioner Ranks Among Best Jobs of 2019.” Usnews.com, US News and World Report, L.P., 2016. (Accessed September 14, 2022).

  • Beyond helping, caring, and serving others, many Registered Nurses report general satisfaction within their profession.

    According to US News and World Report, RNs received an overall score of 7.4 in job satisfaction. Registered Nurses ranked #5 in Best Health Care Jobs. Best Health Care Jobs and #12 in 100 Best Jobs.1 

    Jobs are rated according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors, including stress, professional satisfaction, work-life balance, salary, and more. 

    Citations
    1 News Staff, “Registered Nurse Ranks Among Best Jobs of 2019.” Usnews.com, 2016. (Accessed May 25, 2022).

  • According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, “The role includes, but is not limited to, assessment; ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests; making diagnoses; initiating and managing treatment, including prescribing medication and non-pharmacologic treatments; coordinating care; counseling; and educating patients and their families and communities.”1

    Citations
    1 American Association of Nurse Practitioners. “Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners.” American Association of Nurse Practitioners, AANP Website, 2019. (Accessed Sept.22, 2022).

  • Yes.

  • According to Your Guide to Nursing and Healthcare Education, “There can be a lot of confusion about the scope of practice for different health care providers.

    When you see a Nurse Practitioner prescribing your medication, diagnosing you, and doing procedures, you may wonder, ‘Is a nurse practitioner a doctor?’ The short answer is ‘no.’”1

    Citations
    1 Jacobson, Lauren. “Is a Nurse Practitioner a Doctor? (Answered by an NP).” Nursingprocess.org, 2022. (Accessed September 22, 2022).

  • According to O*Net, the top tools Nurse Practitioners use include: 

    • Cardiac output CO monitoring units—Cardiac monitors, Hemodynamic monitors;
    • Cardiac pacemaker generators or cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers CRT-P—Pacemaker analyzers; Transcutaneous pacemakers;
    • Diagnostic or interventional vascular catheters for general use—Angiocaths, Pulmonary artery catheters;
    • Electrocardiography EKG units—Electrocardiography EKG machines; Portable electrocardiography EKG machines;
    • Electronic blood pressure units—Electronic blood pressure monitors; Pediatric blood pressure cuffs;
    • Eye charts or vision cards—Snellen eye charts, Visual acuity testing cards;
    • Intravenous or arterial catheter trays—Intravenous IV administration sets; Intravenous IV cutdown trays;
    • Medical or surgical suction or vacuum appliances—Nasal suctioning equipment; Oral suctioning equipment; Tracheal suctioning equipment;
    • Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets—Ophthalmoscopes; Otoscopes;
    • Surgical lasers—Argon lasers; Carbon dioxide CO2 lasers; Pulsed dye lasers.1

    Citations
    1 “29-1171.00—Nurse Practitioners.” O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development. (Accessed September 22, 2022).

  • According to O*Net, the top tasks nurse practitioners do include: 

    • Maintain complete and detailed records of patients’ healthcare plans and prognoses.
    • Develop treatment plans based on scientific rationale, standards of care, and professional practice guidelines.
    • Provide patients with information to promote health, reduce risk factors, or prevent disease or disability.
    • Analyze and interpret patients’ histories, symptoms, physical findings, or diagnostic information to develop appropriate diagnoses.
    • As necessary, diagnose and treat complex, unstable, comorbid, episodic, or emergency conditions in collaboration with other healthcare providers.1

    Citations
    1 “29-1171.00—Nurse Practitioners.” O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development. (Accessed September 22, 2022).

  • According to O*Net, the top work activities for nurse practitioners include: 

    • Documenting/Recording Information—Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
    • Making Decisions and Solving Problems—Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
    • Getting Information—Observing, receiving, and obtaining information from all relevant sources.
    • Assisting and Caring for Others—Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to coworkers, customers, or patients.
    • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge—Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.1

    Citations
    1 “29-1171.00—Nurse Practitioners.” O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development. (Accessed September 22, 2022).

  • Yes. According to NurseJournal, “Nurses who have already earned a master’s degree and are looking to pursue the next step in their education have two options: doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing.” 1

    “Both degrees offer nurses various professional opportunities, allowing them to utilize their expertise to benefit the nursing field.”1

    Citations
    1^a, b Clarke, Elizabeth. “Doctorates in Nursing–Ph.D. Degrees|NurseJournal.org.” NurseJournal, Red Ventures. December 1, 2021. (Accessed September 22, 2022).

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