Getting an online master’s in nursing education requires dedication, especially for nurses juggling work and family responsibilities while taking classes. But it can be well worth the investment in personal fulfillment and higher salary opportunities. In addition to higher entry-level salaries, a graduate degree in nursing also offers the following benefits.
Increased Self-Discipline
When students enroll in an online masters in nursing education program, they commit to a rigorous curriculum. They must have the time and resources to dedicate themselves to their studies. Otherwise, they will be wasting their tuition money on an incomplete education. When studying online, it can be easy to get distracted by social media, work tasks, or other personal activities. However, this distraction can derail a student’s progress and lead to failure. Therefore, students should commit to a rigid academic schedule to ensure they succeed in their program.
The right mindset is also crucial for the success of an online nursing degree program. This is especially true for nurses who must care for vulnerable patients. Working in this field can be emotionally exhausting, and nurses must be able to classify their work to remain mentally healthy. This will help them deliver the best care possible to their patients.
Enhanced Technological Proficiency
Many online nursing programs use technology in teaching and learning. Some examples include PowerPoint presentations, didactic lectures, case-based learning, video-based learning, prerecorded lecture videos, quizzes, and interactive online whiteboards. Using these mediums helps facilitate learning and enhances the quality of nursing education. However, challenges are associated with using technology in classroom nursing education, such as poor connectivity and interrupted sessions.
Whether you’re already working in a hospital or healthcare organization, the added skills you gain from earning your master’s will help you advance your career and grow professionally. Often, hospitals will see the value in your advanced degree and be more willing to promote you or offer you more opportunities. Your additional knowledge makes you more valuable to patients as a care provider. This sense of personal fulfillment can be a massive reward for hard work and dedication. It can also help you feel more accomplished and confident when entering the workforce as an educated nurse.
Increased Job Opportunities
The number of positions that require a master’s degree is rapidly growing, and the demand for nurses with an advanced degree is higher than ever. In addition, many online programs allow students to study full or part-time and can accommodate a student’s current job and family responsibilities. Many RN-to-MSN programs offer accelerated courses that enable graduates to enter the workforce sooner.
Those who pursue an MSN can earn higher entry-level salaries and may be able to choose from various specializations. Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and educators are in high demand and pay well.
A master’s in nursing can also provide the foundation for a nurse to earn a doctorate and enter the academic world. An MSN is a way for those who prefer a more research-based career or a management role at a healthcare facility. These roles can provide a more sedentary, less stressful lifestyle and increase a nurse’s earning potential.
Flexibility
A top benefit of earning a master’s in nursing education online is the flexibility that comes with it. Many colleges, like William Paterson University, allow students to choose a schedule that fits their needs; some even offer accelerated options for those who want to complete the program in less time. The flexible nature of a master’s in nursing education also makes incorporating the new skills you learn into your existing job duties easier. This lets you immediately see the impact of your graduate studies on your professional life and gives you confidence when you bring your work experience into class discussions with faculty members. Some schools may require that you attend seminars or lab simulations in person, but they usually give advance notice so that you can make arrangements to attend when necessary. These in-person requirements are often limited to weekend sessions and may be confined to specific areas of the country, which can help with scheduling.