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Despite common perceptions, RNs are not limited to bedside care. For those ready to explore alternatives, an advanced nursing degree may be a good next step.

Having an advanced nursing degree can prepare RNs with skills for a variety of specialized nursing roles, and can prepare nurses for careers beyond direct patient care in hospitals or clinics. from. Whether the goal is leadership and administration, research, education, influencing policy, or taking on a more autonomous role as an RN, an advanced nursing degree might makes sense.

When armed with specific skills and education and, if applicable, additional certification, nurses can work, for example, as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners, nurse administrators or nurse educators. Specializing in an area of nursing that aligns with a nurse’s interests can lead to improved job satisfaction and potentially build greater confidence and expertise. Nurses who prefer to work a traditional 9-to-5 schedule rather than a 12-hour hospital shift might also find these roles more attractive.

Career opportunities for RNs with advanced practice nursing qualifications can also offer autonomy and higher salaries. For example, as of May 2025, registered nurses earned , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For comparison, BLS reports that nurse practitioners earned between

One other reason for moving beyond beside care? Stress. No role can guarantee stress-free work, but the average , with telemetry, step-down and emergency nursing experiencing the highest turnover. That could suggest that many nurses are seeking a better balance in other roles, such as administration and informatics. Of course, to do this, many need to pursue additional education. 

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of �鶹��ý. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. �鶹��ý does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

The degree levels for an RN proceed like this: nursing diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Each level is a step forward in education and specialization, preparing nurses with skills for new roles and responsibilities in the nursing profession. All degrees after the bachelor’s level are considered advanced nursing degrees.

Nurses who wish to pursue further education after earning a BSN may consider an MSN, which can prepare them with skills for roles such as becoming a nurse practitioner. The MSN coursework focuses on research, advanced assessment, advanced pharmacology, prescribing, dispensing medications, advanced pathophysiology leading to diagnosis, and other specialized clinical skills.

Some concentrations in an MSN program track are:

• Nursing education: Prepares you for leadership roles working as a nurse educator in clinical and other educational settings. This degree is ideal for nurses who wish to teach in schools, universities and hospital settings.
• Nursing administration: Prepares you for a role as a hospital, health system or healthcare leader. This program includes key courses on nursing theory, research, applied statistics, and leadership roles and responsibilities.

The DNP is a terminal degree in nursing, meaning it is the most advanced nursing degree available. An online program is ideal for working nurses who want to be experts in their field, expand their leadership skills and drive improvements in patient care, policy and healthcare systems. 

Careful consideration is important when choosing a university for a degree. Prospective students should obtain details about the school and its programs. Top considerations to research include:

• Is the school accredited? Ensuring the institution you’re interested in is accredited can potentially determine various factors, such as eligibility for transfer of credits from prior institutions.
• Is the program accredited? Attending a program that is not accredited may prevent graduates from being able to sit for an advanced practice nursing licensure examination.
• What are the admissions requirements? Admissions requirements may influence which degree program is most appropriate.
• Is the prospective student ready for an advanced degree? Admissions criteria vary by program, but all require an active, unrestricted RN license. Most advanced degree programs also have degree requirements. For example, a bachelor’s degree is required before pursuing a master’s degree.

As mentioned, furthering nursing education prepares nurses with skills for a range of career opportunities, from leadership roles to nursing informatics. An advanced nursing degree also allows nurses to specialize in a particular field or expand their skill sets. For instance, a nurse practitioner could work in an addiction center, focusing on behavioral and mental health. Some notable advanced practice nursing roles include:

• School of nursing director
• Nursing instructor
• Clinical nurse specialist
• Director of nursing
• Nurse practitioner

With an MSN, nurses could work as nurse managers or nursing directors. Nurses with a DNP can work as nursing professors at universities, become health, practice or program managers, and more.