5 Popular Master of Science (MSN) Degree Programs

Getting a degree in Master of Science (MSN) is a fulfilling experience, especially when the program is what you really want. Many participants enroll due to their interests in specific fields while others are still exploring and discovering their options.

If you’re still on the lookout for MSN programs, here are five of the most popular programs.

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Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

FNPs specialize in providing primary and specialty care for patients of all age ranges. Generally, the services provided by FNPs are preventative care, long-term health monitoring, and physician assistance.

Generally, FNPs are expected to perform the following activities:

Conduct routine physical exams to assess patient health, as well as diagnose and treat various patient health problems.
Develop care plans for patient treatment programs and provide proper health education and counseling for patients and their families.
Prescribe medications where applicable since most states allow FNPs to do so.
Monitor prescribed medications for patients in order to help determine the best course of treatment.
Consult with other healthcare professionals in a care coordination team program to develop or contribute to existing patient treatment plans.
Order and perform diagnostic tests to evaluate the patient’s condition to determine the effectiveness of the current care plan.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)

AGPCNPs care for older adults in hospital settings, private practices, and long-term healthcare facilities. The aging population in the United States indicates the tremendous need for more AGPCNPs.

The work requires compassion with a focus on underlying causes, treatments, and outcomes of aging-related health conditions. AGPCNPs are expected to provide the following roles:

Perform scheduled physical assessments for diagnosing and treating various health conditions that may include young adults to older patients.
Create care plans and health education programs while providing patient support as health advocates.
Coordinate with specialty physicians and corresponding healthcare providers as required.
Offer routine examinations, assessments, and immunization.
Conduct one-on-one health education and counseling especially when it comes to diet, exercise, and physical therapy as well as involve the patient’s family for support.

Nurse Midwifery

A nurse midwife works closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure that women receive quality care and support during their pregnancy period. Most of the time, a nurse midwife coordinates with OB/GYNs, dietitians, physical therapists, and other nurses.

Since they deal with female health, nurse midwives can provide care to women from their adolescent stages right through the menopausal stage. Generally, nurse midwives focus on natural childbirth techniques and reproductive care.

A nurse midwife’s scope requires them to do the following responsibilities:

Perform health screenings and tests.
Diagnose and treat gynecological concerns, which may include sexually transmitted illnesses and infertility.
Confirm and make notes of the date of pregnancy.
Offer pre-natal and post-partum care for both mother and child.
Prepare pregnant women about the expectations of the birthing process.
Provide care for women during childbirth, which may start from the labor process until the delivery of the child.
Educating the new parents on the proper care for their infant.
Advocate breastfeeding for new mothers through education and training.

Nurse Administrator

While the work of a nurse administrator comes with greater responsibilities, it also can provide more perks. Nurse administrators tend to work more predictable hours, usually requiring minimal evening or weekend hours.

Most programs target the operational facets of nursing, communication skills, and professional management. Usually, MSN nursing administration programs can be designated by the focus of their curricula, such as but not limited to:

MSN – Executive Nurse Leader.
MSN – Nursing Leadership.
MSN – Healthcare Leadership.
MSN – Health Systems Management.
MSN – Nursing Administration.
MSN – Nursing Administration Management.
MSN – Nursing Administration and Leadership.

There is no formal designation, as nursing administrators can have several titles which ultimately may have similar job responsibilities. However, it should be noted that nursing administrators start at supervisory levels and may end up as executive directors.

Nursing administrators also have the following work responsibilities, which are to:

Develop a strategic vision for the department that aligns with the hospital’s goals.
Maintain the departmental budget and report on its financial matters.
Coordinate and collaborate with nurses, hospital employees, and administrative officers through effective and motivational leadership.
Establish policies and procedures while implementing staff compliance.

Nurse Anesthesiology

Nurse anesthetists play important roles in health procedures, which can range from complex surgeries to less-complicated operations. It should be noted that starting in 2025, a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) will be needed instead of an MSN degree.

If this is an appealing choice for you, then you should start looking into this program before the new requirements set in. As an advanced nurse focusing on anesthesia, you will be expected to provide the following activities:

Prepare patients for anesthesia procedures, which can include physical assessments and pre-operative education.
Administer anesthesia to patients.
Monitor and maintain anesthesia dosage during the operation.
Manage the patient’s anesthesia recovery.