South Carolina Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Are you considering earning your Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, but would like more information on how it will be of benefit to you? With a MSN degree in hand, you have a chance to further your career and a possibility to increase your earnings. South Carolina has many opportunities available for you to take part in and utilize your MSN degree.
Contact the nursing schools in South Carolina listed below that offer master’s in nursing programs that interest you to begin. There are several different graduate nursing programs available, so we encourage you to contact multiple schools as you begin to request information.
SC Career Options for MSN Degree Holders
A Master’s of Science in Nursing degree offers a wide range of occupational options. The MSN degree allows you to specialize in the area of your choice. A few examples of specializations would include: oncology, critical care/trauma, advanced public health nursing, and pediatrics. Since there is a wide range of specializations available, specific ones may not be offered at every school. When choosing a program, it is important to make sure that they offer the area of specialization you are interested in, as well as the route you need.
For example, you may look into RN to MSN programs if you don’t have your bachelor’s degree yet, or you may want to find a Direct Entry MSN program if you are just entering the profession. If you are looking for an online MSN, nursing schools across the county now offer this option, along with hybrid programs that combine campus based learning with distance education.
Some of the most common occupations associated with the MSN degree are nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse leaders, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse educators. With the new healthcare reform making changes to the standard of healthcare, the need for nurses with MSN degrees in SC is expected to grow. Advanced Practice Nurses can help fill in the gap where primary care is stretched thin, improving healthcare across the board.
Another important area that is affected by the healthcare reform is nursing education. With the rise of the healthcare industry, there are not enough nursing teachers to provide the proper education. NBC news indicates that many schools are forced to turn students away due to the lack of educators, so getting your MSN in Nursing Education can be a great help to the profession as a whole.
South Carolina Salary Expectations for Nurses with a Master’s
In South Carolina, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Nurse Anesthetists earned an annual mean wage of $159,430 in 2013. Another statistic shows that only 570 were employed in the entire state. In fact, many of the advanced nursing occupations had similar employment levels, which can help explain why there is such a demand for nurses with advanced degrees.
How Can I Earn a Master of Science in Nursing Degree?
A Master’s of Science in Nursing degree in South Carolina is earned by completing a graduate nursing program. South Carolina has many schools that offer MSN graduate programs with different options. Finding the one that works for you is the biggest challenge, but with the proper research you can make an informed choice.
A popular option trending among nurses is the online Master’s of Science in Nursing program, which is becoming the standard among many schools. Online programs offer the flexibility, affordability, and convenience that nurses are looking for. This allows most nurses to continue their present job while being able to manage taking classes at the same time.
The programs offered are tailored to fit your educational background. You don’t necessarily have to have graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing to earn your MSN degree. If you earned your bachelor’s degree in another field of study, you may be interested in the Direct Entry MSN program, which allows you to first gain your RN licensure before focusing on your graduate nursing courses.
Another program available is the RN to MSN, which is for registered nurses who do not have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, but want to continue their nursing skills at an advanced level. Of course, there is also the traditional BSN to MSN program as well. The programs offered are so versatile, it makes it possible for almost anyone to back to school to earn their MSN degree!
MSN Curriculum in South Carolina
Graduate level courses in a MSN degree may vary from program to program. Depending on what you decide to specialize in can also be a determining factor when considering what courses you will be taking. A few sample courses may include:
- Research Methods
- Research and Statistics
- Advanced Nursing Theory
- Evidence-Based Practice I
- Improving Patient Care and Nursing Practice through Information Systems and Technology
With healthcare legislation forming the future of the nursing industry, there is no better time to earn you master’s of science degree than now. Employment is looking up for advanced practice nurses in South Carolina, and now it’s up to you to take advantage of this opportunity. Contact the nursing schools in SC that you are interested in to learn more.
