Prerequisites for Masters in Nursing

Pursuing a Master's degree is not an easy task. Yes, loads of students enroll for postgraduate masters programs, but the important thing to consider here is how many of those end up finishing it and getting themselves in a good position. However, that comes even later. Before that what is even more important to know is what all does it take to do a master's in a subject. The level of depth of knowledge and the like about the subject and all that matters. Take for instance any medical sub division, every where the core qualifications are the same, with the specific specialization related requirements. What could be some requirements regarding master's in nursing, now that we are looking at the field of medicine? Let's find out.

Course Options for Masters in Nursing

There are bit of permutations and combination as far as courses in nursing are concerned. Depending on the type of course you want to pursue, their requirements may change slightly, as mentioned. Although the core qualifications remain the same. There are basically a couple of degrees which are pursued by students. One is Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN), which is opted for after BSN. Another option people can opt for is RN MS program. The MSN program is a traditional master's of science in nursing program. On the other hand the RN MS program is an accelerated master's degree program for registered nurses who want to venture in nursing leadership and advanced practice. However, the hindrance for them is that they lack a bachelor of science degree to do the same. Such individuals go for this course and automatically the prerequisites for nursing will be a tad different.

Requirements for Masters in Nursing

Fundamental Requirements
The basic requirements for a postgraduate nursing course MSN, is a bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The degree has to be one obtained from an accredited college or university. An active RN license is also required. With regards to RN MS, the requirements include a diploma in nursing, associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and an undergraduate degree in a non-nursing field or both, as well as an active RN license. Courses like chemistry, anatomy and physiology and microbiology, could be asked for. You might also want to look up some online accelerated nursing programs.

Other Requirements
There are around 300 accredited master's degrees in nursing programs in the United States as per official records of nursing colleges. Therefore, as per the specific college and the nursing course you opt for, the prerequisites for masters in nursing will change. Most of the colleges have their own set admission standards and ask for documents depending on that. Some colleges and nursing schools also need an exemplary academic record with a minimum of 3.0 GPA. Apart from that schools require students to take up the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) prior to enrolling in any graduate program. In a few colleges they also ask for Miller Analogy Test (MAT); or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Students having majored in non-nursing fields as undergraduates take up introductory courses in nursing theory and practice before or along with their first semester of graduate school. Eventually, completion of the master's degree prepares them to take the RN licensing exam.

In addition to all this, the application process requires the applicant to send undergraduate transcripts, letters of reference and an essay to the graduate school. This along with the earlier requirements applies to requirements for masters in public health as well.

You need to pick up the course which you think suits you the best and then be prepared with documents and other course qualifications. That's all for now. All the best!