10 MSN Specialties: How a Concentration Can Help You Focus Your Degree

The health care field is vast, offering career opportunities for individuals with different interests and passions. With its many specialties and areas of focus, nursing ranks high among health care professions that feature the most variety. There are more than 100 types of nursing specializations, from clinical care to administrative and leadership roles. For those pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, choosing a nursing concentration is a crucial step that allows them to focus their education on a particular area of medicine. In this article, we’ll examine what an MSN degree is and its value in the health care field; then, we’ll explore numerous MSN specialties and their career benefits to students.

What Is an MSN Degree?

An MSN degree is an advanced graduate credential that builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. While BSN programs provide a broad overview of nursing practice, including patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention, MSN programs delve deeper into specialized areas of nursing. The MSN curriculum is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles, leadership positions, and specialized fields that require a higher level of expertise and clinical knowledge. Nurse specialties can be clinical, nonclinical, administrative, academic, or leadership focused.

MSN Specialties Allow Students to Customize Their Learning Path

One of the key advantages of an MSN program is the ability to choose a specialty, enabling students to customize their learning experience to suit their personal interests and career aspirations. By selecting one of the many MSN specialties, students can focus on a particular area of nursing, gaining in-depth knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to their chosen field. This targeted approach not only enhances the educational experience but also positions graduates for success in their chosen field.

Exploring MSN Specialties

Choosing a nursing concentration in an MSN program allows students to tailor their education to a particular area of practice. Below, we explore the various MSN specialties, divided into advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specializations and non-APRN specializations.

APRN Specializations

APRNs are highly skilled nurses who’ve completed advanced clinical training and who are licensed to provide specialized care in various health care settings. APRN specializations within MSN programs include those listed below.

Certified Nurse Midwife

The certified nurse midwife (CNM) MSN specialty teaches clinicians to provide comprehensive care to women throughout their reproductive lives, including prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, and gynecological services. This specialization equips nurses to work in diverse settings, such as hospitals, birthing centers, and private practices, where they play a vital role in supporting women’s health and delivering babies. Career benefits include opportunities for autonomous practice, a high level of job satisfaction in supporting women’s health, and competitive salaries, especially in underserved areas where midwifery services are in high demand. The median annual salary for CNMs was approximately $129,650 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Nurse Practitioner

An MSN degree with a nurse practitioner (NP) specialty prepares nurses to provide advanced, comprehensive patient care, including diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing treatment plans. NPs often work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. What makes the role of an NP distinct is their expanded scope of practice in certain states, allowing them to practice medicine to the full extent of their education and training. Other career benefits include the ability to specialize in areas of medicine that align with personal passions and higher earning potential. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for NPs in May 2023 was approximately $126,260.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

An MSN degree with a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) concentration prepares nurses to administer anesthesia and manage patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. This highly specialized role allows nurses to work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and dental offices, where they’re integral to the surgical team. Career benefits include a high level of professional autonomy, long-term job security, and significant earning potential. The median annual salary for nurse anesthetists was $212,650 in May 2023, according to the BLS.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) concentration trains clinicians to provide expert clinical care, lead quality improvement initiatives, and influence health care outcomes in specialized areas, such as adult health, pediatrics, or critical care. CNSs work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and health care organizations, where they serve as leaders in evidence-based practice and patient care innovation. Career benefits include the ability to impact patient care at a systemic level, opportunities for leadership and teaching roles, and enhanced job satisfaction from driving improvements in clinical practice. The median annual salary for CNSs is approximately $101,230 as of August 2024, according to Payscale.

Non-APRN Specializations

For those interested in nonclinical or leadership roles, MSN programs also offer a range of non-APRN specializations that focus on areas such as leadership, education, research, and public health.

Clinical Nurse Leader

An MSN degree with a clinical nurse leader (CNL) specialty prepares nurses to oversee and coordinate patient care, leading quality improvement initiatives and integrating evidence-based practices across health care teams. CNLs work in various settings, including hospitals and clinics, where they focus on improving patient outcomes and enhancing the efficiency of care delivery. Career benefits include the opportunity for leadership roles, the ability to drive positive change in health care environments, and significant influence in managing and improving patient care processes. The median annual salary for CNLs was approximately $89,710 as of October 2023, according to Payscale.

Nursing Executive

MSN students who pursue a nursing executive concentration engage in coursework that prepares them for leadership roles in health care management, focusing on strategic planning, policy development, and the administration of nursing services. Nursing executives work in hospitals, health care systems, and government organizations, where they oversee nursing departments, manage budgets, and drive organizational change to improve patient care. Career benefits of becoming a nursing executive include high-level leadership opportunities, the ability to influence health care delivery on a large scale, and compensation packages that rank among the highest in health care. The median annual salary for board-certified nurse executives is approximately $149,000 as of August 2024, according to Payscale.

Nurse Educator

Considering that the country is still experiencing a nursing shortage, the nurse educator concentration is arguably one of the most relevant MSN specialties in terms of ensuring the long-term stability of our health care system. This degree path trains nurses to teach and mentor future generations of nurses, focusing on curriculum development, instructional strategies, and educational leadership. Career benefits include the opportunity to work in various academic settings, including universities, nursing schools, and health care organizations. Because there’s such high demand for nursing education, health care instructors enjoy the benefit of long-term job security and the personal satisfaction of contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession. The median annual salary for nurse educators is approximately $84,736 as of August 2024, according to Payscale.

Nurse Researcher

An MSN degree with a nurse researcher concentration equips nurses with the skills to design, conduct, and analyze research studies that advance nursing science and improve patient care. Nurse researchers work in academic institutions, health care organizations, and research centers, where they contribute to evidence-based practice and the development of new health care interventions. Career benefits include the opportunity to influence health care outcomes through their findings, the potential for academic and leadership roles, and the ability to shape the future of nursing and health care through scientific inquiry. The median annual salary for clinical research nurses was approximately $76,000 as of May 2024, according to Payscale.

Public Health Nurse

The public health nursing MSN specialty trains nurses to promote and protect community health by addressing public health issues, disease prevention, and health education. Public health nurses typically work in health departments, community organizations, and nonprofits, where they design and implement programs to improve population health and reduce health disparities. Career benefits include the opportunity to work in diverse and dynamic environments and the potential for leadership roles in public health initiatives. Public health nursing is also essential for managing critical large-scale situations, such as pandemics and global disease outbreaks. The median annual salary for public health nurses was approximately $73,040 as of August 2024, according to Payscale.

Nursing Informatics Specialist

An MSN degree program with a nursing informatics concentration prepares nurses to integrate nursing science with information technology (IT), focusing on managing health care data, optimizing electronic health records (EHRs), and improving health care delivery systems. Nursing informatics specialists typically work in hospitals, health care IT companies, and other health care organizations, where they play a crucial role in enhancing patient care through the effective use of technology and data management. Career benefits include high demand,  a high level of job security, and the opportunity to lead health care innovation. The median annual salary for nursing informatics specialists was approximately $84,730 as of August 2024, according to Payscale.

How to Choose an MSN Specialty

The decision to specialize in a specific area of nursing is deeply personal and can shape your long-term career satisfaction and professional growth. To navigate this choice, it’s helpful to reflect on your passions, strengths, and the realities of the profession you’re considering. Here are some important questions nurses should ask themselves as they consider MSN specialties.

Working in a Patient-Facing or Non-Patient-Facing Role

Nurses should consider whether they prefer direct patient interaction or a more behind-the-scenes role in health care. Those who want to work with patients may want to become an NP or clinical nurse leader. Conversely, those interested in health care technology, data, or education may prefer a nursing informatics or nurse education role.

Area of Passion

Passion is crucial when considering MSN specialties. Nurses passionate about keeping their communities healthy, for example, may want to become public health nurses. Those drawn to women’s health and maternity care may find a certified nurse midwife role to be a fulfilling path.

Daily Tasks

Day-to-day tasks can also help nurses choose specialties. For example, nurses in clinical roles may have responsibilities like diagnosing, treating, and managing patient care across the lifespan. On the other hand, those in nursing informatics will focus on health care technology and data management. Conversely, nurses may not pursue specialties with tasks that don’t interest them. For example, those not interested in direct patient care might want to pursue a non-clinical specialty in education or administration. Alternatively, those who prefer to avoid high-pressure situations and emergencies may choose a specialty like public health nursing or nurse research.

Level of Challenge

Nursing roles that are too easy or too difficult can be demotivating. Nurses should assess whether the role they are considering provides the right level of challenge for them and their skills. Some specialties involve managing complex, high-stakes situations, while others may offer a more moderate pace. Nurses should choose a specialty that will keep them engaged and motivated to grow professionally.

Patient Demographic

Different specialties focus on serving specific patient populations. For example, some specialties focus on children while others serve older adults. Nurses should think about which patient demographic they feel most passionate about helping, as this can greatly influence their job satisfaction.

Shift Length and Time

Many nursing roles involve long shifts or working at night, which can be physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing. Nurses should consider whether they can see themselves maintaining energy and enthusiasm for the work over extended shifts, especially in high-demand settings like surgery, labor and delivery, or emergency departments.

Work Environment

Work environment significantly affects job satisfaction. For nurses who enjoy fast-paced environments and interprofessional teamwork, an emergency room or operating room specialty might be a good fit. On the other hand, nurses who prefer a quieter, research-based environment may find a career in nursing education or research to be more appropriate.

Potential for Career Growth

Nurses should consider the long-term growth potential in their chosen MSN specialty. Some areas, such as nurse executives or nursing informatics, offer significant opportunities for leadership and advancement, while other specialties may provide more niche, clinical expertise. Nurses can look into whether their chosen field will continue to grow and remain in demand over time.

Salary Needs and Career Outlook

While passion and fulfillment are important, salary expectations are a practical consideration. Different specialties offer varying salary levels, with some roles commanding higher pay due to their advanced skills and responsibilities. Certain specialties may also have more significant career growth than others. Nurses should research salary expectations and make sure the specialty aligns with their financial goals.

Credentials and Certification

Many nursing specialties require additional certifications or credentials beyond an MSN degree. For example, CRNAs must complete a rigorous anesthesia training and certification process. Plus, CRNAs must recertify every four years, which entails meeting continuing education requirements. Nurses should be prepared for the extra time, effort, and expense needed for these certifications if their chosen specialty requires them.

Personal Strengths

Nurses should take stock of their strongest nursing qualities and how they align with the demands of the specialty. Those who excel at patient communication and building long-term relationships might be likely to thrive as primary care providers. On the other hand, for those who are more analytical and tech-savvy, nursing informatics could be a great fit.

Relocation and Travel

Some nursing specialties may require relocation or travel to find job opportunities, especially in rural or underserved areas. Nurses should consider whether they’re open to moving or frequently traveling as part of their job, as this can impact overall career and lifestyle satisfaction.

MSN Specialties Provide an Educational Path That’s Tailored to Your Interests

Choosing a nursing concentration within an MSN program is a pivotal decision that can shape your career trajectory and allows you to focus on the area of nursing that resonates with your passions and interests. Whether you’re drawn to direct patient care, leadership roles, education, or research, selecting an MSN specialty helps you tailor your education and skills to align with your professional aspirations. By focusing your degree on a particular area of nursing, you not only enhance your expertise but also position yourself for a fulfilling and impactful career. With a wide range of APRN and non-APRN specializations available, an MSN program offers the flexibility and depth needed to excel in your chosen field. Students who are interested in advancing their nursing skills and knowledge should consider programs that support their goals, such as the online MSN at The University of Tulsa . Led by accomplished instructors, the program is designed for career-oriented learners who are ready to take on higher level roles. Additionally, the program features four specialty tracks, enabling students to further customize their learning path