The Master of Science in Nursing is a widely recognized degree in healthcare, offering various tracks that can open doors to specialized roles and career opportunities, leadership positions, and increased earning potential. But which MSN track is right for you? This guide will explore key specialization options, highlight roles within each, and provide tips and insights to help you make an informed decision.
What Is an MSN Degree?
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level degree for registered nurses (RNs) that allows them to specialize in various areas of nursing practice, advance their careers, and potentially pursue advanced practice roles. An MSN enables nurses to develop expertise in areas such as leadership, education, informatics, and scientific inquiry while deepening their knowledge and skills through clinical practice and instructional courses.
An MSN is also typically the stepping stone for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a PhD in Nursing degree.
Job Outlook for MSN Tracks
In general, the job outlook for nurses seeking career advancement is extremely positive, though some roles are in higher demand than others. Nurse practitioners, for example, are among the fastest-growing occupations with a 46% growth rate. The role even tops U.S. News & World Report’s list of 100 Best Jobs. Nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives also made the list, with employment for both roles projected to grow 40% between 2023 and 2033.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical and health services managers — which can include nurse managers and directors — is projected to grow 29% from 2023 to 2033 — which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Nurse educators are in high demand due to the growing need for qualified faculty to train and mentor the next generation of nurses. The nursing shortage itself is partly driven by a lack of educators, making their role even more critical.
For those who are considering nursing careers in informatics, the growing integration of data and technology presents exciting opportunities. Experienced professionals are in high demand to help bridge the gap between clinical care and health technology.
12 Common MSN Tracks and Career Opportunities
Earning an MSN opens the door to a variety of career paths. Below, you’ll find an overview of common tracks, the careers it can lead to, a description of each role, and the average salary. Keep in mind that salary figures may fluctuate based on available data and can vary widely depending on factors such as employer, specific job responsibilities, experience, and location.
MSN – Nursing Leadership and Administration
If you aspire to a management or senior-level nursing role, or if you’re already in a management position and aiming for higher leadership, consider a track in nursing leadership and administration. This track prepares students to take on greater influence and responsibility in healthcare. With an MSN in Nursing Leadership, you can pursue roles such as:
- Nurse manager/director — Oversees nursing staff and ensures efficient and effective patient care. Average salary: $123,000
- Chief nursing officer — Leads nursing at the executive level, with strategic, financial, and operational responsibilities to ensure quality patient care and department efficiency. Average salary: $155,833
- Healthcare administrator — Manages operations in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities with a focus on improving efficiency, budgeting, and enhancing the quality of patient care. Average salary: $94,295
MSN – Nurse Education
This track equips you to teach in academic, clinical, and professional development settings. Career opportunities include:
- Nurse educator — Teaches at colleges, universities, or technical schools. Average salary: $86,530.
- Clinical nurse educator — Trains and mentors nurses in hospitals or healthcare facilities. Average salary: $94,727
- Staff development specialist — Develops and delivers training programs for nurses and healthcare staff. Average salary: $91,000
MSN – Nursing Informatics
If you’re interested in the numbers and analytics side of healthcare, this track offers the opportunity to combine nursing expertise with the latest advancements in data and evolving information technology.
- Informatics nurse specialist — Utilizes information technology solutions and data analytics to improve healthcare policies, enhance patient outcomes, increase operational efficiencies, and address challenges. Average salary: $98,409
- Clinical systems analyst — Works on the implementation and support of computer systems and technology applications to improve efficiency and deliver high-quality patient care. They may also train clinical staff, handle data analysis, and generate reports. Average salary: $93,820
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
As the name suggests, this degree prepares you to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP), which is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides primary and specialty healthcare services to patients of all ages, ranging from infants to older adults.
- Family nurse practitioner — Has more authority than registered nurses (RNs) and can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, develop treatment plans, and order diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays. Average salary: $126,260
MSN – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
If you’re interested in working with patients and administering anesthesia, this track is a great option. While a master’s degree was once sufficient to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, a doctoral degree — DNP or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) — is required as of 2025. However, this MSN track can help you get there.
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist — Specializes in anesthesia and provides pain management to patients before, during, and after medical procedures. Average salary: $214,200
MSN – Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
A MSN – CNS track enables you to become an APRN with advanced practice experience, while offering the opportunity to specialize in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, or geriatrics. Common career options with this track include:
- Clinical nurse specialist — Trained in advanced physiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment, CNSs not only diagnose and manage complex patient conditions, but also lead evidence-based practice improvements, support bedside nurses, and help enhance healthcare delivery across a variety of settings. The APRN Consensus Model, which standardizes APRN practice, requires that clinical nurse specialists practicing in most states obtain certification based on a specific population focus: adult/gerontology, pediatrics, or neonatal. Average salary: $94,545
- Healthcare consultant — Advises hospitals and healthcare organizations on clinical practice improvement, policy development, and training and education. Those with a specialized focus may offer insight for ways to improve care to specific populations. Average salary: $74,081
MSN – Nurse Midwifery
A track in nurse-midwifery combines advanced nursing practice with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver comprehensive medical care for women’s reproductive health. A nurse midwife typically provides more holistic care than an obstetrician.
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM) — Provides prenatal care, supports labor and delivery, assists with postpartum care, and educates patients on all aspects of women’s health. They may also conduct gynecological exams and screenings, offer childbirth education counseling, and manage family planning and contraceptive use. Average salary: $131,570
MSN – Public Health Nursing
A public health nursing track prepares you to work with government or global agencies, school systems, and public or private healthcare organizations to educate communities and address public health challenges.
- Public health nurse — Educates the community on specific health issues, trends, or risks; responds to public health crises; and connects people to community programs and resources. They may provide direct patient care, especially in underserved communities. Average salary: $78,437
- Epidemiologist nurse — Works to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in certain environments and communities. They also analyze data to identify trends, conduct research, and help develop strategies to control outbreaks. Average salary: $94,280
- Health policy advocate — Promotes initiatives, policies, and programs aimed at addressing public health needs or risks. They work to improve health outcomes, which may include lobbying for better healthcare access, improved patient safety, or more equitable policies. Average salary: $60,627
MSN – Forensic Nursing
A track in forensic nursing combines nursing with the law, providing specialized training in forensics to prepare you to work with and support victims, collaborate with law enforcement agencies, or assist at correctional facilities.
- Forensic nurse examiner — Specializes in providing care to patients who have been victims of crimes or are associated with a crime. In addition to patient care, they may serve as consultants and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. Average salary: $65,466
- Legal nurse consultant — Analyzes the medical aspects of legal cases, providing expert advice and guidance as needed, often serving as an expert witness in court to explain complex medical issues or findings. Average salary: $87,681
- Forensic nurse investigator — Works alongside medical examiners or coroners to investigate the cause and manner of death, collecting and preserving evidence. They may also assist at the scene of death, ensuring proper documentation and handling of forensic evidence. Average salary: $77,448
MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
A track in pediatric nursing prepares you to provide comprehensive care to children, from newborns to young adults.
- Pediatric nurse practitioner — Conducts routine wellness exams and developmental screenings, diagnoses and treats common childhood illnesses and injuries, and provides education and guidance to patients and their families. Average salary: $135,161
- Pediatric nurse practitioner (acute care) — Provides care to children who are experiencing acute or serious health conditions, often working in emergency clinics, hospitals, or intensive care units. Average salary: $135,161
MSN – Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
If you’re interested in working with older adults, consider this track, which equips you with the skills and knowledge to care for and support senior patients.
- Geriatric nurse practitioner — Specializes in providing wellness exams and acute care for senior citizens, including managing prescriptions, coordinating treatments, and addressing age-related health concerns. Average salary: $118,644
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
This degree track prepares you to provide advanced care and support for patients experiencing mental health issues.
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) — Specializes in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including diagnosing and prescribing medication. They also help develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to the individual’s needs. Average salary: $141,112
- Mental health consultant — Provides emotional and behavioral support services, often through therapy, counseling, or consultation services. They work with individuals, groups, or organizations to address mental health concerns, offer coping strategies, and promote overall wellness. Average salary: $64,781
How to Choose the Right MSN Track
There are a lot of options, but here are some helpful points to consider as you explore different MSN tracks.
Career goals and interests
The first step is to reflect on your interests, passions, and career goals. Understanding what excites you about nursing can help guide you toward a path that aligns with your strengths and aspirations.
Do you want to provide direct patient care? If so, consider a track that prepares you to become a nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, or a clinical nurse specialist.
Perhaps you enjoy patient care but are looking to step into a leadership role such as director of nursing or chief nursing officer. In that case, explore nursing leadership and healthcare administration tracks.
If you’re passionate about teaching and you want to help shape the future of nursing, consider a program that prepares you to become a nurse educator.
And if you’re interested in technology and data, look into nursing informatics, which is ideal for nurses who have an interest in technology and data analysis and want to improve healthcare efficiency and patient care through digital innovation.
Work environment and lifestyle preferences
Do you prefer a more predictable schedule? Hospital-based careers often involve fast-paced environments and shift work, while roles in primary care or outpatient facilities typically offer a less intense pace and more consistent hours. Careers in research and policy also tend to have more structured, regular schedules.
Additional education and certification requirements
Some roles may require additional education or certifications. For example, nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical nurse midwives must pass national board certification exams. Nurse educators may need a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential and Informatics may need an Informatics Nursing Certification (NI-BC).
Take Your Career to the Next Level With a Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership
Pursuing an MSN degree is a valuable investment in your future. Whether you’re drawn to healthcare leadership, education, or another specialty, there’s an MSN track that aligns with your passion and professional goals. If you’re ready to take the next step, consider the MSN in Nursing Leadership (MSN-NL) — a fully online program offered by the University of San Diego, designed for nurses at all levels. This degree is ideal for those with strong leadership and critical-thinking skills who aim to advance into higher administrative or executive roles within healthcare.
The MSN-NL program consists of 36 units of coursework spread over five semesters, with the option to incorporate additional coursework in nursing education or informatics. The curriculum also includes four clinical practicums, where USD’s faculty will collaborate with you to identify specialized experiences that align with your career goals and interests.