The demand for nurses has remained consistently strong throughout the years, and experts predict that the field will only continue to grow as people continue to live for longer. When you get a master’s in nursing, you can choose to go in a number of different specialist directions with your career. However, why settle for just a single option, when you can make the most of a multi-directional career path with a master’s in nursing education degree? Most people in the healthcare path believe that a masters in nursing education is only for those who want to teach nursing in a classroom. However, the truth is that teaching is just one of the opportunities this particular degree can provide.
The skill set and knowledge that people acquire through a masters in nursing education make them a marketable expert for a range of different job markets, including consultancy, specialist nursing, and more. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best, and most high-paying jobs that you can consider when you have a masters in nursing education degree.
#1 Nurse Consultant
You don’t have to be in a classroom within a school or university to teach other people. Sometimes, professionals in the nursing field also need additional assistance understanding areas that are beyond their specialty. Ideal for those with a background in both nursing and education, nurse consultants are professionals who work in a variety of fields, offering advice to other health care professionals.
There are a range of fields of specialty that consultants can choose to work in, including pediatric and cardiovascular care. Management consultants in nursing will work to improve things like cost and communication, and reduce risks within a facility. On the other hand, legal consultants work beyond the hospital setting with insurance companies and attorneys to help manage legal issues involved with the health field. Other specialty areas include condition consultants, occupational consultants, and community consultants.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes healthcare consultants in the area of “medical and health service managers”. These professionals had a median salary of $96,540 per year as of May 2016. The job growth rate is predicted to be 17% from 2014 to 2024, which is much higher than average.
#2 Research Nurse
If you love both nursing and education, then a career as a research nurse could be a great way to get the most out of your masters in nursing education degree. These experts are clinical nurses that place a specific focus on learning about specific areas in healthcare. Usually, these nurses will have various duties including the gathering and evaluation of data, the examination of statistics, and the documentation of findings.
Usually, research nurses work best with teams of other scientific and healthcare professionals. Though they can work in a wide range of environments, they are often in office spaces attempting to help make important changes to medical procedures and policies. Some specializations are also available for people who choose to continue their education and go on to the doctorate stage.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes research nurses within the “registered nurses” category. These had a median salary of $68,450 per year as of May 206. However, research nurses can typically earn more than this.
#3 Nurse Educator
The most obvious career choice for someone with a master’s degree in nursing education is that of a nurse educator. These professionals are responsible for giving instruction and teaching the next generation of nurses. These individuals can work in a range of different institutions, including community colleges, business schools, and major universities. In some cases, certain medical centers and hospitals will also hire nurse educators to offer higher levels of instruction to new nurses and students.
Nursing educators work with a wide range of different people and often offer lessons in both practical and classroom settings to help equip budding nurses with the skills that they need. A nurse educator will need to spend at least two years obtaining the required education before going on to get employment in many different settings.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2016, the median salary for a nursing educator was $75,030 per year. This particular career has a consistent level of growth and stability, as educators are always necessary in the health sector.
#4 Nurse Administrator
If you’re good with education and nursing, and you know how to take charge in a stressful situation, then you may be suited for a job as a nurse administrator. These professionals oversee the nursing facilities or teams within a hospital or specific department. Often, their duties range from hiring new members of staff, to scheduling, and managing the running of a facility.
People with a master’s degree in nursing education can be very effective as a nurse administrator, because they already know how to teach other professionals in their industry, and they should have some experience in a hospital setting. Nurse administrators often earn a high level of pay, although the actual salary will depend on the facility.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics classes nurse administrators as “health service managers”. These professionals had a median salary of $96,540 per year as of May 2016.
#5 Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Finally, if you want to take your master’s degree in nursing education to the next level, then you could consider the position of an advanced nurse practitioner. You will have to get your registration as a nurse practitioner in your chosen area, but you will be able to work in a wide variety of different fields, including family care, maternity, pediatrics, and so much more. During your training, and after you have finished your master’s degree, you will be able to choose your specialty.
Sometimes, becoming a nurse practitioner after you obtain your master’s degree in nursing education will require further study in a specific area, or it may simply mean that you help others with their education. Most advanced nurse practitioners will work as the primary care provider for the patients that they watch over. Though nurse practitioners work under the supervision of a physician, they are still some of the highly paid and well respected professionals in their industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of advanced nurse practitioners as of May 2016 was $107,460 per year. The predicted growth of jobs for nurse practitioners from 2014 to 2024 is 31%, which is much higher than average.
References
- Medical and Health Services Managers. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
- Registered Nurses. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary. (2017, Mar. 31). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes251072.htm
- Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
