The demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) is rapidly growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the job outlook in this profession is expected to grow by 45% from 2019 to 2029. A Master of Science in nursing (MSN) allows you to transition into a nurse practitioner role and expand your nursing career opportunities in a variety of areas, whether you’re interested in family practice, psychiatric care or working in an intensive care unit.

A master’s degree in nursing is a good choice if you want to pursue advanced practice roles such as becoming a nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife — or if you’d like to transition into a nursing leadership or undergraduate teaching position.

The benefits of an MSN degree include higher pay, expanded career opportunities and opportunities for fulfilling work, and an MSN will help you on the path to achieving your goals.

Earning a master’s degree in nursing gives you options that aren’t available to those with a bachelor’s degree. This includes qualifying for higher-paying and in-demand specialty roles such as becoming a certified nurse midwife or transitioning to a managerial or executive leadership role. A few opportunities include:

MSN/MBA degree option. Some programs allow you to earn your MSN and your master’s in business administration at the same time. This strategically positions you for nurse management or executive and administration positions.

Nurse educator. Nurse educators typically work at colleges, universities or teaching hospitals to prepare students for a career as a registered nurse. Some positions allow you to continue practicing nursing while serving in an educator role.

Nurse practitioner. An NP can specialize in many different areas, such as women’s health or pediatrics. NPs can assess, diagnose and prescribe medication in all 50 states, however, the level of autonomy varies by state.

Nursing informatics. According to the American Nurses Association, nursing informatics is defined as “the specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage and communicate data, information, knowledge and wisdom in nursing practice.” This role is among the 10 highest-paying nursing professions in the United States, with hospitals being the most common employers.

Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP). Working as an AGNP, you will manage the health care of patients ranging in age from young adults to the elderly. Managing chronic and other conditions and diseases are included for NPs serving this area. Additionally, AGNPs can specialize in either primary or acute care. Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AG-ACNP) focus primarily on treating illnesses and nursing patients back to good health while adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AG-PCNP) put more of an emphasis on illness prevention and promoting good patient health.

Psychiatric/mental health NP. These professionals help patients cope with mental health challenges, such as mood disorders or anxiety. NPs work to evaluate patients, diagnose health issues, and create and monitor treatment plans.

Acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP). Acute care NPs administer to patients when they are sick, admitted to an acute care facility, and after trauma or surgery. These professionals typically work in acute care settings such as the ICU, trauma units or emergency rooms. ACNPs often have variety in their work. One day they might be assisting with cardiac health, and another with a trauma patient.

Clinical nurse specialist (CNS). A CNS focuses on a specific type of work, such as adult health or gerontology. This professional can also specialize in a specific setting, such as working an emergency room or critical care unit. Clinical nurse specialists help provide the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Certified nurse midwife (CNM). A CMN attends to births, provides family planning services and primary care in the area of reproductive health. A CNM may also provide prenatal, postpartum and newborn care.