A Master of Science in Nursing is graduate education for registered nurses. It prepares nurses for advanced roles in clinical practice, leadership, education, and research.
The best-known track is the nurse practitioner, which trains nurses to diagnose, prescribe, and manage patient care. Other tracks include nurse educator, nurse administrator, clinical nurse specialist, and nursing informatics.
Programs combine advanced coursework in assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology with supervised clinical practice. Admission usually requires a BSN and an active RN license.
Online MSN programs suit working nurses, but check that clinical placements are available in your area and that graduates qualify for certification in your state. See master’s degree as a nurse practitioner, types of master’s degrees in nursing, and accredited nursing programs.

