Explore Diverse Careers for Online MSN Graduates

Foster Excellent Health Care Outcomes With Expertise From Your Online MSN

Choose from 5 career-focused tracks | Prepare for national exams

Ohio University's online MSN can help you take the next step in your nursing career, whether you're seeking a role in leadership, education, advanced practice and more.

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for RNs are projected to grow faster than average at 5% from 2024 to 2034.1 
  • Careers for NPs will grow even quicker, with a projected 35% over the same time frame.2

Expand Your Impact in Nursing and Boost Your Salary

MSN-prepared nurses tend to have more significant salary potential across many fulfilling roles. A few careers for MSN graduates include:

  • Nurse Practitioners (all settings)

    $132,050*

    median annual salary2

  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners

    $107,694*

    average base salary per year3

  • Nurse Educators at General Medical-Surgical Hospitals

    $95,600*

    median annual salary4

  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

    $117,870*

    average base salary per year5

Pursue Certification and In-Demand Nursing Careers

When you receive your online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Ohio University, you'll be eligible to pursue an industry certification that correlates with your degree track. These nursing certifications are impressive credentials that showcase your specialized expertise and increase your salary potential.

First-time pass rates for Ohio nursing students typically exceeds the national average.

MSN TrackCertification Exam
Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse PractitionerANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse PractitionerAANP or ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse EducatorNational League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
Nurse LeaderN/A-You'll be able to implement leadership and management skills immediately
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan)

Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired

What You'll Learn

After completing the online MSN program, you'll be able to:

  • Synthesize knowledge from nursing and other disciplines as a basis for clinical judgment, clinical reasoning and innovative evidence-based education and practice.
  • Incorporate evidence-based practice in delivering person-centered care to enhance health outcomes and improve health systems.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to select and apply principles of population health and advocacy strategies that optimize health outcomes for individuals, families, communities and populations.
  • Integrate and evaluate evidence-based practice to inform and promote advanced clinical practice.
  • Analyze and apply quality improvement strategies to create a culture of safe, professional nursing practice that optimizes health and protects all.
  • Apply leadership skills as an interprofessional team member to optimize the health of individuals, families and populations within complex health care environments.
  • Apply evidence-based, innovative strategies based on organizational and systems policies to enhance value, access, quality and cost-effectiveness within complex health care delivery systems.
  • Integrate information technology systems to drive decision-making, health care change and interdisciplinary communication in complex health care delivery systems.
  • Integrate the role of the advanced practice nurse by utilizing effective professional communication and presence to promote person-centered care.
  • Contribute to an environment that promotes self-care, personal health, well-being and professional development in a culture of accountability and collaboration.

Opportunities for Graduates

MSN Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Health care organizations utilize the AG-ACNP certified practitioner in a variety of units, such as:

  • Caring for the Traumatically Injured
  • Emergency departments
  • Medical/Surgical ICUs
  • Cardiovascular ICUs
  • Specialized Intervention Units

MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioners are prepared to work collaboratively in diverse primary care settings such as:

  • Primary care offices
  • School-based health clinics
  • Hospice/homecare medical practices
  • Retail health clinics
  • Community health clinics

MSN-Nurse Educator

Nurse educators teach in both classroom and practice settings, such as:

  • Colleges/universities
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Community health agencies
  • Home care agencies
  • Long-term care facilities

MSN-Nurse Leader

Prepare to work in management positions at several levels within acute care or community-based health care agencies, including but not limited to:

  • Nurse-Managed and Community-Based Clinics 
  • Hospitals
  • Data Management Firms
  • Practice Management Organizations
  • Corporate Organizations

MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Provide primary mental health care that involves continuous and comprehensive services necessary to improve mental health, prevention and treatment. Graduates of this track can work in long-term care, school-based health clinics, correctional facilities and more.

  • Mental health clinics
  • Psychiatric emergency services
  • Educational or correctional facilities
  • Private practice
  • Hospitals

Career Services

Ohio University's online students have access to free career support through OHIO Online Career Services. Connect with a personal career coach, access AI-assisted resume and interview tools, explore job search resources, and tap into alumni networking — all designed to support you wherever you are in your career journey.

Learn about Career Services

Personalized Career Coaching

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with the OHIO Online Career Services team for personalized guidance on career goals, job search strategy, and professional development.

Job Search Resources

The OHIO Online Career Hub provides resume templates, interview practice tools, job boards, and professional development webinars.

Professional Development Sessions

OHIO students can also participate in free professional development sessions led by industry experts. These live, virtual sessions cover topics like career self-concept, basic job search skills, and how to qualify for promotions and prepare for leadership opportunities.

Sources & Disclaimer

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor. Registered Nurses. Retrieved March 12, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor. Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved March 12, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  3. Payscale. Average Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Salary. Retrieved March 12, 2026, from https://www.payscale.com/.
  4. Payscale. Average Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary. Retrieved March 19, 2026, from https://www.payscale.com/.
  5. Payscale. Average Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary. Retrieved Oct. 3, 2023, from https://www.payscale.com/.

*Nursing salaries will vary greatly based on employer, location, and experience.