A bachelor’s degree is not necessarily the end of the line in nursing education. Nurses interested in increased autonomy and more granular knowledge can find these in specialized fields such as nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist. The journey to nursing specialization begins with enrolling in a master of science in nursing (MSN) program.
The benefits of an MSN degree
The master of science in nursing is a graduate-level qualification which opens the door for nurses to further their careers in a range of advanced fields. Michigan boasts over 45 MSN programs in a variety of specializations including geriatric nursing and nursing administration. Some of the top schools that offer MSN programs include the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor and Flint campuses) and Wayne State University.
A master of science in nursing program can position nurses to re-enter the workforce as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in well-compensated specializations. For example, Michigan’s nurse anesthetists earn a median annual salary of $169,700, while the state’s nurse midwives earn $98,850 per year and its nurse practitioners take home $88,760 annually. Top performers across all three professions can earn well into six figures, and this holds true for a range of other prominent MSN specializations.
To assist nurses interested in pursuing a master of science in nursing degree, we have put together a list of the best MSN programs in Michigan.