A master's degree in nursing can open up a variety of new directions beyond the routine daily tasks. Clinical systems management, nursing education, nursing informatics, health care administration and advanced practice nursing specialties require at least a master's degree.

Clinical Systems Management

Nurses obtaining a master's degree with an emphasis in Clinical Systems Management are equipped to fill the growing numbers of leadership and administrative positions in all phases of the field of health care.

Nursing Education

Nursing programs are lacking in the number of trained educators they have in relation to the number of applicants they receive for their programs. A master's degree, with an emphasis in nursing education, will prepare nurses for teaching nursing in educational settings as well as medical settings.

Nursing Informatics

As never before, there is a need for administrators that have skills in information technology.Master's programs with an emphasis in nursing informatics provides students with computer, information and nursing sciences to help in the management and administration of nursing data, and information in a variety of settings.

Health Care Administration

A master's degree in health care administration will prepare nurses to become a consultant, teacher or researcher at many levels in a variety of settings, including positions in hospitals and nursing homes.

Master's Needed for Advanced Specialties

Many advance specialties such as nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, clinical nurse specialist and certified registered nurse anesthetist require at least a master's degree.

Increased Salaries

Advanced degrees in nursing fields lead to better salaries. The demand is great for specialties. Opportunities expand with a master's degree in nursing.

Source:

Excelsior: MS in Nursing Degree

Resource:

Nursing Link: Advanced Degree: To Be or Not?

Nuring Link: Top Specialties for Nurses with an MSN