A master of science in a nursing (MSN) program will offer you comprehensive knowledge with regard to examining many different illnesses and healthcare-related services. The MSN is among the best-known courses among international students, but it is not the only master's in nursing program available worldwide. Let's look at some of the other types of master's degrees in nursing, the best schools for the qualification, university admission requirements, and more.
Let’s dive right in…
- Types of Master's Degrees in Business Administration
- Requirements for a Master's in Nursing
- Benefits of Getting a Master's in Nursing Abroad
- The Best Universities for a Master's in Nursing
- Masters in Nursing Tuition Fee
- Job Opportunities for Master's in Nursing Graduates
- Kickstart Your Study Abroad Journey Now!
Types of Master's Degrees in Nursing
The master of science in nursing is an advanced qualification for anyone who wants to seek higher-level opportunities in fields such as primary healthcare, research, and education. Professionals with various backgrounds can pursue different types of master's degrees in nursing, including an MSN. As someone interested in nursing, you can usually pursue an advanced degree in this field through any of the following options:
- ELM: Also known as entry-level master's in nursing, this qualification is for a professional with at least a bachelor's in another discipline who wants to be a nurse. An ELM program makes students ready to enter the nursing field and take up advanced nursing practice.
- BSN to MSN: This is a conventional option that leads to a master of science in nursing (MSN) for someone with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). It allows nursing professionals to choose specialisations that build on their prior coursework.
Requirements for a Master's in Nursing
It usually takes two years to complete a master of science in nursing, and the entry requirements for it may differ depending on the school, the specific program, or both. For example, clinical experience is one of the master's in nursing requirements at some universities but not at others. Almost every university has its own entrance examination for the advanced degree in nursing, but here are a few basic criteria:
On a related note, a licensure exam is necessary to be a registered nurse (RN) abroad, and you can also attend it after your bachelor's in nursing (eligibility applies). The exam is the NCLEX for the USA, OSCE for the UK, and OBA for Australia.
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Nursing Abroad
Studying nursing overseas allows you to pick from an array of quality nursing programs and tap into great career opportunities post graduation. There are many other advantages that make studying nursing abroad a worthwhile option. If you want to pursue an MSc in nursing abroad, here are a few reasons why it's a good idea:
More Career Opportunities and Greater Pay
Nursing is an evolving profession, and the same applies to the career options available to international nurses. As per the latest data from the World Health Organization, 9 million more midwives and nurses will be required around the world by the end of this decade. A master's in nursing abroad offers a greater number of opportunities than what may be available to you domestically, in addition to higher income. The starting salary for an MSN degree holder is about $70,000 a year in the USA, a figure that can go up with some years of work experience. Conversely, the average salary of registered nurses in the Philippines is around 395,000 pesos a year.
Gain Insights into International Nursing
Participating in a top nursing program abroad allows you to gain a thorough understanding of international nursing. It can be an enlightening and enriching experience, as it exposes you to the ways in which a foreign country approaches nursing and educates you on how it is practised there. Many employers value this international outlook, as they recognise that different perspectives in the healthcare field can make all the difference.
Other Academic Benefits
With an overseas internship in nursing, you can understand how the public health system in that country works and gain valuable experience in many different aspects of nursing. On-campus activities will also allow you to experiment with new styles of learning and experience areas of study you may not have at home. Further, though you might not realise this immediately, volunteering in nursing overseas will drastically improve your career prospects. With hands-on work abroad—whether by taking part in the local community or a related internship program—you can strengthen your resume and develop more confidence as a nurse.
The Best Universities for a Master's in Nursing
If you wish to attend a top nursing school, you could consider one in the UK, Australia, Canada, or the USA. Some of the best nursing schools are available in these countries, and they have a healthy demand for nursing professionals, guaranteeing strong career opportunities if you decide to stay back and work. Here is a list of the best universities for a master of science in nursing.
Western University
Western University offers Canada's longest-standing postgraduate program in nursing, which will help you be a leader and offer a strong foundation for a PhD in this profession. In the thesis-based course, you can gain real-world work experience in nursing while pursuing the degree. The master's course will also allow you to accelerate your progress into a PhD program in nursing after the initial year of study on a full-time basis. The shortest pathway to an MSN degree at Western University is the full-time course, which takes two years to complete.
Coventry University
Coventry University designed its Nursing MSc program to offer domestic and international nurses 'continuing professional development' opportunities. The program looks to develop nursing professionals who can contribute to nursing practise in various contexts, to the advantage of the international healthcare economy. If you successfully complete the program, you can analyse different approaches to supporting leadership, service and quality enhancement, as well as project management in the professional and policy frameworks of nursing. It only takes one year of full-time study to complete the program.
Monash University
Monash University offers a master's program that allows you to become a nurse in Australia with just two years of education. The entry-level program leads to a professional nursing degree if you already have an undergraduate qualification in a field other than nursing. The course prepares you for professional nursing practise through theory on contemporary nursing and hands-on experience. During the program, it is possible to gain this experience by participating in clinical placement arrangements at some of Victoria's leading healthcare service providers. The international connections, clinical experience, and expertise of the teachers at Monash University make the program even more enriching.
Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University's master of nursing allows registered nurses to gain not only comprehensive knowledge of modern healthcare practice but also the skills they need to apply the knowledge to work within domestic and international contexts. The core units of Edith Cowan University's master of nursing are related to healthcare practice evaluation, clinical education, clinical leadership and management, chronic disease management, international health issues, and evidence-based practice. The program has such a diverse range of subjects that help enhance the employment prospects of graduates in national and global markets.
Northeastern University
Are you an international student with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field? If so, Northeastern University has an entry-level master of science in nursing program. You will continue your education to become an advanced practise nurse, prepared with a master's degree in nursing in a specific area of specialisation. The program takes two years to complete. You can choose to specialise in any of the following areas of study:
- Neonatal nursing
- Adult-gerontology acute care
- Primary care nursing
- Nursing leadership in healthcare delivery and informatics
- Psychiatric-mental health nursing
- Paediatric primary care nursing
- Adult-gerontology primary care nursing
Nursing Tuition Fee
|
University |
Program duration |
Approximate fees |
|
Western University |
2 Years |
$10,500 |
|
Coventry University |
1 Year |
£18,600 |
|
Monash University |
2 Years |
$41,000 |
|
Edith Cowan University |
2 Years |
$37,350 |
|
Northeastern University |
2 Years |
$84,100 |
Job Opportunities for Master's in Nursing Graduates
If you earn a degree in nursing, you will most likely want to be a registered nurse abroad. A bachelor of science in nursing is the common qualification to be a registered nurse overseas. It is common to pursue a master's degree in nursing after the undergraduate qualification, even though the career options for both qualifications are similar. You can also pursue a role other than that of a registered nurse after earning an MSN degree, including one of the following options:
- Learning disability nurse
- Mental health nurse
- Paediatric nurse
- Care worker
- Paramedic
- Midwife
How Many Years Does a Master's Degree in Nursing Take to Complete?
It depends on the country where you want to study and the specific school you want to attend. For instance, Coventry University in the UK has a 1-year Nursing MSc program, which incidentally is the shortest postgraduate program on our list of universities for higher education in this discipline.
Do You Need Work Experience to Get a Master's in Nursing?
A vast majority of master's programs in nursing require at least a year of professional work experience, ideally as an international registered nurse. This means some programs do not require the said experience. That said, it is good to have work experience, as it usually results in a better idea of what you have to do as an RN and what postgraduate specialisation you may wish to pursue.
Does GPA Matter for Nursing Masters?
It depends on your school or university. Not every university or nursing school requires applicants to prove their academic performance with grade point averages. For instance, Western University requires a GPA of at least 78% for admission to its MS in nursing program, but Monash University does not.
Why Do Registered Nurses Pursue Master's in Nursing Degrees?
Registered nurses seek a master's in nursing for reasons similar to those for which other bachelor's degree holders pursue postgraduate qualifications. The reasons include more challenging roles in nursing, higher salaries, as well as more specialised skills and knowledge.
Contact us if you want more in-depth information about master's in nursing requirements, the best universities for the qualification, admission deadlines, and so forth.
