Minnesota MSN Degree Programs
Like much of the nation, Minnesota needs more master’s-prepared nurses to help meet the ever increasing needs of a complex patient population. Several counties in the state have been designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (2013), meaning the primary care providers are lacking in these areas.
Minnesota nurses who advance their education with a specialized MSN degree are needed to meet the state’s high demand for primary care practitioners. Like in many states, Minnesota residents, especially those in rural areas, often find it difficult to access primary care on a regular basis. Master’s-educated nurse practitioners can help fill in the gaps, but more are needed to meet the strong demand for healthcare.
If you are currently thinking of going back to school for your MSN, Minnesota nursing may be strengthened by your efforts. There are several nursing schools in Minnesota that offer a Master’s degree in Nursing, and we have compiled them here on our page. Take some time to look over your options, then request information about the MSN programs in MN you’re interested in directly from our site to learn more.
Your education can make a significant difference in your career path, especially if you plan to earn your Master’s in Nursing. MN offers several routes to earning your MSN. If you are an RN and already have your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree (BSN), you know first-hand how education can enhance your skills and nursing knowledge base. Going for your Master’s Degree in Nursing can advance your skills and open up the door for several new professional nursing possibilities.
There are also RN-MSN degree programs that allow you to earn your MSN degree while rapidly completing your Bachelor’s degree. Whichever method, there are different options you can take. Most programs have high-quality online courses available that allow you to continue working as an RN while advancing your education at the same time. Utilizing an online nursing program makes it convenient for RNs to access classes and listen to lectures at their own leisure, rather than being required to conform to a strict on-campus schedule.
It’s always best to explore all of your options before making a decision about which program you will enroll in. A program that’s right for someone else will not always be the program that’s going to best accommodate you and your personal needs. Whatever route you choose, a MSN degree can help you expand your career options and improve the quality of healthcare in MN at the same time.
Nursing Careers in Minnesota Master’s Graduates
In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone a massive transformation, and employers are restructuring their organizations to better accommodate the new changes. Nurses with advanced degrees will be needed to fill in positions requiring advanced knowledge as more patients flood the system. You can work towards a position of leadership by studying for your master’s degree today, eventually stepping up as an advanced practice nurse, and educator, or a policy leader in nursing.
If you have a passion for sharing your knowledge with others, you may want to expand your education and help develop the next generation of nurses through teaching. You may want to look into a Master’s of Science in Nursing Education degree, which is another MSN route. Clinical experience puts you at an advantage as a teacher, because not only do you have the knowledge, but you can also teach from a practical perspective. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), there is a shortage of faculty among nursing schools causing them to turn applicants away. This can be a great opportunity for you to both improve the field of nursing education and help to shape the next generation of nurses.
A Master’s Degree in Nursing can help you move into a specialized administrative position as well. Master’s nursing courses are designed to prepare RNs for assuming management positions and to overall improve the quality of healthcare.
The need for qualified RNs with advanced skills, specialized knowledge and the ability to think strategically and analytically is on the rise. Learning the skills you need to excel in the industry is available through MSN programs. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, there is a shortage of primary doctor care, especially in the rural areas of Minnesota. The future is looking toward community-based nurse managed healthcare clinics. Advanced Practice Nurses are stepping up and filling in the primary care gap.
Earning your degree can help prepare you for advanced expertise in patient care. If you are planning on becoming a nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist or certified registered nurse anesthetist, the Minnesota Board of Nursing requires that you have completed your MSN degree.
Benefits of Earning a Master’s in Nursing in MN
Not only can an MSN degree help you gain more autonomy and potentially increase your earnings, but it can also bring about personal satisfaction in your work. Among the many benefits that come with having an advanced practice degree are:
- Opportunities to attain a higher-paying position
- Satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives
- Improving the quality of healthcare
- Building upon your skills in a specialized field
Take some time to request information about the programs that interest you from the schools on our site to start. You can also check out professional organizations for Minnesota advanced practice nurses include the Association of Southeastern Minnesota Nurse Practitioners, Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Minnesota Nurses Association and Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing.
Selected MSN Programs for Minnesota Nurses
- Minneapolis School of Anesthesia. Minneapolis School of Anesthesia offers a 27-month MSN nurse anesthetist program in conjunction with local hospitals and health systems, which serve as clinical sites for nurse anesthesia students. Prospective students should already have completed a BSN degree and at least a year of employment in a critical care setting.
- Winona State University. Located near the Mississippi River, Winona State offers a wide range of MSN programs, with concentrations in nursing and organizational leadership, nurse education, primary care (nurse practitioner) and acute care (clinical nurse specialist). The school also offers an RN-to-MS program for nurses who lack a Bachelor’s degree.
