{"id":3250,"date":"2019-10-21T12:47:16","date_gmt":"2019-10-21T12:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/?p=3250"},"modified":"2026-03-04T20:14:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T20:14:27","slug":"levelupyourcareerasatravelnurse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/levelupyourcareerasatravelnurse\/","title":{"rendered":"Level Up Your Career as a Travel Nurse"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are a travel nurse looking for better career opportunities, getting an advanced degree, such as an MSN (Master\u2019s in Nursing) can be your stepping stone towards your goal.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">In this article, we explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/top-5-highest-paying-rn-salaries\/\">RN<\/a> to MSN as your career advancement option, why you should consider it, and how to get started.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is MSN?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Similar to other fields, a Master\u2019s Degree in Nursing will equip you with advanced training and skills to provide high-quality nursing care. It is often a requirement for travel nurses who want to apply for specialized roles, such as a nurse practitioner or a healthcare administrator.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Apart from advanced nursing care, you will also\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/quonline.quinnipiac.edu\/blog\/leadership-in-nursing.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">learn about leadership<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, management, policies, and finances.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Perhaps the biggest obstacle attached to pursuing an MSN degree is the cost. Like other master\u2019s degree courses, MSN is expensive. According to the U.S. News &amp; World Report, tuition fees for MSN range anywhere from $35,000 to $65,000. Luckily, you can get financial aid from government-funded programs or you can\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loanstart.com\/personal-loans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">consider a personal loan online<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Long Does the Program Take?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:320,&quot;335559739&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Typically, a master\u2019s in nursing takes two years to complete. A major requirement to enroll in this program is a BSN degree. Most schools also require that you are a registered nurse and have clinical experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">An MSN program<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is intensive and challenging<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">. It takes dedication and commitment to complete the course with flying colors. If you are a travel nurse, it\u2019s basically going back to school again and experiencing another two years of sleepless nights preparing for exams, exhaustive classroom discussions, and rigorous practical tests and activities.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">But good things come to those who wait\u2026 and work hard.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A master\u2019s degree in nursing will open doors to so many opportunities, such as:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u25cf\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Expertise in a specific area.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can choose a specific area in healthcare that you can specialize in, from running healthcare facilities to practicing alternative therapy, conducting research, making policies, and so on. It is, therefore, an opportunity to achieve your personal dreams and matching them to the needs of the healthcare industry. Yes, it\u2019s basically achieving your career goals and being of greater help to your community.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u25cf\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">More career opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Currently, you only need to be a registered nurse to work at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. But once the shortage in nurse has been combated, it is predicted that the licensing requirements will become more stringent and eventually, an\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlineprograms.sacredheart.edu\/resource\/nursing\/highest-paying-career-paths-for-msn-graduates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">MSN certificate will be required for most nursing jobs.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your work, your terms.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0One of the best things about holding an MSN degree is the flexibility it provides. Whether you are a travel nurse or a resident nurse, you know how demanding your job can be. Most nurses work on a variety of shifts and it can be both mentally and physically taxing. An MSN degree provides you with some leverage when choosing your schedule. Additionally, you get more options when it comes to where you want to work. With your expertise and skills, there will be more job opportunities waiting for you from almost anywhere in the globe.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u25cf\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Higher salary.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Earning a master\u2019s degree can bring a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allnursingschools.com\/msn\/salary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">significant increase in your salary<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. MSN holders earn $92,000 on average per year while BSN holders and RNs earn $80,000 and $67,000 annually.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">RN to MSN &#8211; Quicker Way to a Master\u2019s Degree<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is an RN to MSN program?\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">An RN to MSN program is an accelerated course that allows you to earn two degrees (BSN and MSN) in a single program of study. Traditionally, you need a BSN degree before you can pursue a master\u2019s degree in nursing.\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthgrad.com\/nursing\/get-msn-without-bsn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The RN to MSN program<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0lets you skip the need for a bachelor\u2019s degree<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0as long as you are a registered nurse.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">While this entails an extra year in the MSN program, the effort is all worth it. This accelerated program is intensive but is no doubt the best way to earn your master\u2019s degree.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Speaking of the cost, choosing an\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/degree.lamar.edu\/articles\/nursing\/rn-to-msn-fast-track.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">RN to MSN program can save you a lot of time<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and money in the process. In some universities, RN students can take master-level classes at undergraduate tuition rates. Apart from this, you will also be saving a year&#8217;s worth of time (and hard work) and money because you\u2019re skipping another program.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Even though the RN to MSN programs are relatively new, they are intensive and research-based. They focus on leadership, management, and interpersonal skills to prepare you for higher or more specialized roles. Meanwhile, the RN to BSN program is more focused on clinical experience and front line delivery. If you already know what specific job in nursing and healthcare you want, attending an RN to MSN program is more suitable for you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Online RN to MSN &#8211; Solution for Travel Nursing<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">One of the biggest challenges that most travel nurses confront when it comes to advancing their degrees is the fact that they don\u2019t have a permanent location while working. Travel nurses fill short-term positions, working at hospitals and facilities anywhere from 8 to 13 weeks.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">This means that you won\u2019t be able to attend a regular school.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fortunately, an\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nursejournal.org\/msn-degree\/7-best-online-rn-to-msn-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">online RN to MSN programs<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0are available<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Taking an online course will greatly lower your stress and will make studying easier and better. You can attend lectures, complete your homework, and perform other tasks you can typically do at a regular school right from your personal computer. Plus, you can choose from any school in the country.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Putting it All Together<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are a travel nurse looking to advance your career, taking a master\u2019s degree could be your stepping stone. Having an MSN degree gives you so many opportunities, from developing expertise in your chosen field or area to a higher or a more specialized role, and an increase in your pay rate. An RN to MSN program is the quickest and least expensive way to earn a master\u2019s degree. It\u2019s an intensive education but it\u2019s all worth the effort. Luckily, online MSN courses are provided by many universities. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/bidens-student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses\/\">Student loans<\/a> and government-funded financial aid are also available if you are struggling with funds.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">Lidia Staron<br \/>\n<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">lidia.staron@tinybudgetlife.com\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\"><strong><br \/>\nIf you\u2019re new to Wanderly, welcome and thanks for stopping by our community. We offer a platform that helps travel healthcare professionals find their travel assignments in an empowered way. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/nurse\/jobs\/search?q=&amp;idx=the_rate_descending&amp;p=0&amp;nR%5Bprofession_id%5D%5B%3D%5D%5B0%5D=1&amp;nR%5Bstart_date%5D%5B%3E%3D%5D%5B0%5D=1561334400&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=abstaffing_searchgeneral\">Compare fully detailed travel assignments<\/a> from the top paying agencies and use 1 universal application for all future assignments. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/nurse\/register?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=abstaffing_signup\">Join for free today!<\/a> Then you can get started on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/nurse\/jobs\/search?q=&amp;idx=the_rate_descending&amp;p=0&amp;nR%5Bprofession_id%5D%5B%3D%5D%5B0%5D=1&amp;nR%5Bstart_date%5D%5B%3E%3D%5D%5B0%5D=1561334400&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=abstaffing_searchgeneral\">finding your next dream travel assignment<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are a travel nurse looking for better career opportunities, getting an advanced degree, such as an MSN (Master\u2019s in Nursing) can be your stepping stone towards your goal.\u00a0In this article, we explore RN to MSN as your career advancement option, why you should consider it, and how to get started.\u00a0 What is MSN? [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":{"author_name":"Kelley","author_description":"","author_user_level":10,"author_avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fe55d4feb1c4e681b976a3b0f3c15157?s=96&r=g"},"featured_media":3278,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[49],"tags":[353,354,63,62,57],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/20190305-EVC-Vocational-Nursing-Lab-ca-343.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Kelley","author_link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/author\/manshu\/"},"featured_image":{"size_thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/20190305-EVC-Vocational-Nursing-Lab-ca-343-150x150.jpg","size_medium":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/20190305-EVC-Vocational-Nursing-Lab-ca-343-300x200.jpg","size_large":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/20190305-EVC-Vocational-Nursing-Lab-ca-343-1024x683.jpg","size_full":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/20190305-EVC-Vocational-Nursing-Lab-ca-343.jpg"},"loftocean-view-count":["3588"],"category":[{"id":49,"slug":"travel-nurse-career","name":"Career Resources"}],"post_tag":[{"id":353,"slug":"msn","name":"msn"},{"id":354,"slug":"msn-program","name":"msn program"},{"id":63,"slug":"nurse","name":"Nurse"},{"id":62,"slug":"travel-nurse","name":"Travel nurse"},{"id":57,"slug":"wanderly","name":"wanderly"}],"views":7808,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/20190305-EVC-Vocational-Nursing-Lab-ca-343.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p92mSz-Qq","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3250"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16637"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3250"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3250\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5680,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3250\/revisions\/5680"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3278"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3250"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3250"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3250"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}