Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Nursing is a wonderful profession with many opportunities to learn new skills and advance your role. One way to accomplish career growth is to earn a higher degree. A Master of Science in Nursing degree is one of the highest nursing degrees you can earn and a coveted title, especially for nurses who want a more independent role. If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and want to take the next step in your career, you may wonder, "Is MSN harder than BSN?” You may question how hard an MSN program is and how to overcome the challenges of the program.
As a nurse and healthcare educator, I understand how important it is to find answers to your questions before enrolling in a graduate degree program. With that in mind, in this article, I will share what I believe are 8 things that make MSN more difficult than BSN and how to successfully overcome them. If you know the challenges and prepare for what lies ahead, you can develop a plan for meeting the challenges head-on and succeeding in earning your MSN degree.
WHAT MAKES MSN HARDER THAN BSN?
(The following are the 8 things that make an MSN more difficult than a BSN and ways you can successfully overcome them.)
THING #1: The Curriculum is More Rigorous
About the Thing:
The main reason an MSN is harder than a BSN is the curriculum is quite rigorous. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is an undergraduate program. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree program, which means you will cover more in-depth course content. Additionally, your clinical requirements will include not only advanced patient care but will also focus on administrative and nursing leadership roles associated with advanced nursing practice.
How to Overcome:
The best way to overcome the challenge of the rigorous curriculum is to create a study plan and stay on track. When you plan study time and intentionally set aside time dedicated to school, you are likelier to accomplish goals and assignments on time. One of the things I have always reiterated to students is that it is much easier to get on track and stay on track than to try and catch up once you get behind with your studies.
THING #2: Some Programs Require You to Find Your Own Preceptors
About the Thing:
One thing that frustrates graduate nursing students and makes an MSN harder than a BSN is that many programs require students to identify clinical preceptors on their own. Depending on your current role and professional network, you may feel overwhelmed trying to find qualified preceptors to mentor you through the program's clinical component.
How to Overcome:
It is crucial to begin the process of finding preceptors early on. If the school you plan to attend allows you to complete clinical practic*ms at your place of employment, consider talking to your nursing director to find out if there is an approved preceptor list among experienced staff nurses. If you must choose preceptors who are not affiliated with your place of employment, ask your director or supervisor for referrals for nurses who may be interested in mentoring you. Also, remember, even if your school expects you to identify preceptors on your own, they will not abandon you in your quest. The school’s goal is to see you succeed. So, keep an open line of communication with your advisors and clinical coordinator to ensure you follow guidelines for locating preceptors and getting appropriate approval in a timely manner.
THING #3: Many MSN Programs Are Online
About the Thing:
Every student has an environment or learning style that suits them best. I am a visual learner and enjoy independent study, so online learning was an obvious choice for me. Although online MSN programs are well-respected and credible, if you need more interaction with instructors and peers, you could find online learning difficult. While distance education has its benefits, it also comes with challenges. Because many MSN programs are offered in an online format, students often feel an MSN is more difficult than a BSN.
How to Overcome:
I like to encourage students considering online learning to get involved with activities that allow them to communicate and learn with peers. You do not have to be in a classroom to learn with other students. You can create an online study group or meet with classmates who live near you for lunch and a study session. Also, do not be afraid to reach out to your instructors and advisors. The fact that you are taking online classes does not make you or your success in the program any less important than
THING #4: MSN Programs Are Time-Consuming
About the Thing:
While all nursing programs require time and dedication to studies and clinicals, one of the things that makes an MSN harder than a BSN is that the MSN programs are very time-consuming. You will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying for exams, participating in clinical practic*ms, and likely working on a Scholarly Project, which is typically required of most graduate students.
How to Overcome:
Despite the time constraints of MSN programs, you can learn effective time-management skills and successfully make it through the program. It is essential to consider your home and work responsibilities and find a solution that works for you. For example, if you help at home, such as a spouse or roommate, talk about how you can share household chores and responsibilities while allowing you time to study. If you have children who are old enough to do chores, this is a great time to teach them responsibility while lightening your load while in school. Another thing that seems simple but that can make a big difference is to do small tasks daily instead of letting things pile up, which can be overwhelming. Also, if you take a few hours on the weekend to meal prep for the week ahead, you can save several hours of cooking time during the week.
THING #5: MSN Programs Are More Expensive than BSN Programs
About the Thing:
Another thing that makes an MSN harder than a BSN is figuring out how to manage the cost. As if paying for a BSN was not stressful enough, MSN programs can cost much more, which can lead to financial strain and could cause increased anxiety. U.S. News & World Report estimates that the average online master's nursing program costs $950 per credit. Programs often require between 35 and 50 credits, which means you could pay from $33,250 to $47,500.
How to Overcome:
MSN programs can be costly, but there are resources to help with program expenses. I recommend any student considering earning a master’s degree in nursing to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Although graduate students may not be eligible for federal grants, you may qualify for federally funded loans, which are low-interest options for education financing, and they also offer deferred payment options until you complete your degree program.
There is also a wide range of private scholarship and grant opportunities that could help offset the expenses of earning your degree. It is good to consider applying early for as many grants and scholarships as possible and be sure to keep communication open with the financial advisor at your school.
THING #6: You May Need to Choose a Specialty
About the Thing:
One of the things that sets earning a graduate degree, like a Master of Science in Nursing, apart from an undergraduate nursing degree, is that you can specialize. Many MSN programs require students to choose a specialty upon which to focus their studies. If you are unsure about which area of nursing practice you want to pursue, it can be a bit challenging and may be one of the reasons you feel earning an MSN is more difficult than a BSN.
How to Overcome:
While choosing an MSN specialty is important, it does not have to be a decision that worries you or makes you feel overwhelmed. The best way to overcome this challenge is to consider what interests you most. For example, do you enjoy taking care of a specific patient population, such as pediatric or geriatric patients? You may be especially interested in caring for expectant mothers and families. On the other hand, you could desire to work with patients affected by a certain disease, such as cancer or diabetes. There are many MSN specialties to choose from, which means you can find the one best suited to your interests.
THING #7: You May Feel Alone
About the Thing:
Because MSN programs are often online. Over the years, many of my students who chose distance learning expressed feeling isolated, which led to struggles with learning. You may find this true, especially if you are more of a social butterfly or enjoy working and learning with groups of people.
How to Overcome:
You can overcome the challenge of feeling isolated, which sometimes makes MSN more difficult than a BSN, by getting involved with campus-based and other social opportunities. Your school may offer optional meetings on campus or give online learners access to labs and other learning facilities, where you can meet with members of your class to study and learn together. Also, many students form independent study groups, meeting in person or via online platforms, such as Zoom meetings, to study and interact.
THING #8: You Will Have A Lot More Responsibility
About the Thing:
Another reason MSN is harder than a BSN is that the programs are designed to prepare you for advanced nursing practice and increased levels of responsibility. You will not only learn about advanced nursing topics and skills, but you will also learn about the management and financial side of nursing.
How to Overcome:
While learning to take on more responsibility can be a bit intimidating, it is worth the struggle to overcome the challenge. I want to encourage any student of higher learning to keep in mind your reason for pursuing your master's degree. Think about what drives you to earn your MSN. What do you hope to accomplish? How will having an MSN help you make a difference in your organization or help you contribute to the nursing profession? When you realize the potential that comes with earning this degree, you begin to realize that the challenges along the way are worth the outcome in the long run.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Going back to school to earn a higher degree can open doors for advancement in your career. In nursing, there are many opportunities to grow and advance your career with a higher degree. If you are considering earning a master’s degree in nursing, you likely have several questions. You may wonder, “Is MSN harder than BSN?" A Master of Science in Nursing degree is a graduate-level nursing degree and can be challenging. However, with the right preparation and hard work, you can succeed and earn the degree. In this article, I shared 8 things that make MSN more difficult than BSN and how to successfully overcome them. If you want to earn an MSN, consider these challenges, make a plan for overcoming them, and pursue your dream! With dedication to your studies, you can accomplish your goals and earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree!
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
