You must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or related field in order to obtain your MSN unless you go for one of the combined bachelor’s/master’s programs. A master’s degree in nursing is required to become an practice nurse.

Practice nurses have more clinical authority and autonomy, and typically earn more than “regular” registered nurses. Some master’s nursing programs may have a special focus or “track” for certain medical specialties or types of nursing, such as a focus on forensic nursing or a clinical nurse specialist track.