Prior to seeking a master's degree a nurse should have earned a bachelor's of science in nursing. A BSN is required in order to enter the master's degree program. Bachelor's degrees in other disciplines do not meet the requirements. An associate's degree in nursing or hospital diploma are not sufficient, either, to apply for the master's program. Earning the BSN meets only part of the requirements to enter the master's program.
Some BSN holdrs may not become licensed or may have worked in other careers. A BSN holder should have a nursing license and practical experience if seeking to enter the master's program. After earning the BSN and taking training, the nurse candidate must have qualified as an advanced practical nurse, licensed practical nurse, licensed vocational nurse or registered nurse. To become licensed, a nursing candidate has to pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. Licensing is conducted on the state level and managed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Some nursing schools require membership in the National League for Nurses to get in. If the nursing school where you earned your bachelor's degree did not require NLN membership, you may need to confirm this before applying for the master's degree. NLN membership may be a good decision even if not required, as NLN offers assistance with scholarship resources for graduate nursing school candidates.
Some of the choices for a career track after completing the master's degree are nurse-midwife, nurse anesthetist, nurse psychotherapist, nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Specialized areas may be geriatrics, nurse management or administration. The master's degree will designate a nurse as the expert in her area of specialization.