Masters in Nursing in USA is offered by over 200 institutions and requires two years to complete. A master’s course in nursing equips a student with skills and advanced training to give high-quality nursing care in numerous specialized roles. The top three universities offering Masters in Nursing in USA are the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Washington.
To apply for this program in the top US universities, students are required to have a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree and a Registered Nurse (RN) license. As an international student, a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (~83-86%) is considered as the minimum academic requirement for the master’s program. Some of the universities may also require satisfactory GRE score of the applicant for admission to master’s in Nursing in USA.
A Masters of Nursing degree provide wide career opportunities to the international students working at any part of the world. You can work as a nursing consultant, research nurse, nurse educator, nurse administrator, advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist and many other professional roles in demand. After completion of the program the salaries of nurses in the USA varies between 58,000 to 176,000 USD (47 lakhs-1.43 crore INR), based on their years of experience and professional role.
Masters in Nursing in USA: Highlights
| Degree Types | MS in Nursing |
| Course Duration | 2 years |
| Program Types | Full-Time |
| Intake Seasons | Spring, Summer, Winter |
| Admission requirements | Bachelor’s degree | Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 2-3 LORs | Updated Resume/CV | Official Transcripts | Essay Questions |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL Score: 100 | IELTS Score: 7.0 |
| Tuition Fee | 11,000-92,000 USD (9 lakhs-75 lakhs INR) |
| Average Salary | 100,000 USD (82 lakhs INR) |
Top Colleges offering Masters in Nursing in USA
Some of the top universities according to QS World University Ranking 2023, offering Masters in Nursing in USA, are:
| University | Program Offered | Application Deadlines | Tuition Fee in USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | MS in Nursing | November 1, 2022 (applications closed) | 54,000 |
| Johns Hopkins University | MS in Nursing | July 1, 2023 | 66,168 |
| Yale University | MS in Nursing | November 28, 2022 (applications closed) | 48,056 |
| University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | MS in Nursing | November 21, 2022 (applications closed) | 22,082 |
| University of California, San Francisco | MS in Nursing | February 1, 2023 | 11,442 |
| University of Michigan Ann-Arbor | MS in Nursing | March 15, 2023 | 26,891 |
| Duke University | MS in Nursing | May 1, 2023 | 25,792 |
| Columbia University | Masters Direct Entry Program For Non-Nurses | October, 2022 (applications closed) | 92,560 |
| New York University, NYU - Rory Meyers College of Nursing | MS in Nursing | February 15, 2023 | 64,000 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | MS in Nursing | November 1, 2022 (applications closed) | 24,495 |
Why Study Nursing in USA
USA remains the world’s most popular destination for international students. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare in the USA. With the increase in population, there is a growing need of qualified nurses to promote health and wellness to all people :
- Registered Nurses earn around 100,000 USD (82 lakhs INR) in a year in the USA.
- According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, from 2021 to 2031, employment of registered nurses is expected to grow at a rate of 6% ,similar to the national average.
- There are a plethora of nursing programs available for international students in the USA like Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) program, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program (CRNA) etc.
- Registered nurses are in high demand in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics across USA. According to American Nurses Association, by 2023, vacancy for registered nurse (RN) jobs in USA will be available more than other professions.
- Over the next decade, an average of 203,200 job openings for registered nurse are projected
- Types of jobs available with a Masters in Nursing degree include nursing consultant, research nurse, nurse educator, nurse administrator, advanced nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist.
Masters in Nursing in USA: About the Course
A Student pursuing a Masters in Nursing will focus on one of the four advanced practice areas:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Admission Process for Masters in Nursing in USA
Registered Nursing (RN) license and a bachelor's degree in nursing is must to apply for masters in nursing in UK.
Where to Apply: Students can apply to masters in nursing in USA directly via the university’s website.
Application Fees: Most of the universities of the UK charge an application fee between 50 to 120 USD for masters application.
Eligibility for Masters in Nursing in USA Admission
- Bachelors in nursing from the USA or any other country
- An average of Grade B or 3.0 GPA or 80% in bachelor's degree
- GRE test score (not mandatory)
- Registered Nursing (RN) license
English Proficiency Requirement for International Students
Proof of English language proficiency is required from applicants who are not from an English speaking country or whose language of instruction in previous years of education wasn’t English. Minimum score requirement is given below:
Visa Requirements for International Students
There are three types of student visas in the USA depending on the duration and type of course applied for F visa, M visa and J visa.
F1 visas are for students who pursue an academic degree at the USA accredited university or college or want to study English at a university or English institute. These are of 3 major types:
| Visa type | Description |
|---|---|
| F-1 Visa | For full-time students. They can work for 20 hours a week on-Campus. |
| F-2 Visa | For dependents of F-1 visa holders. (spouse or children). |
| F-3 Visa | For Mexican and Canadian students who stay in their home country while attending full time or part-time courses in the USA. |
Cost of Studying of Masters in Nursing in USA
Studying abroad can be quite expensive for a student as it comes with many costs associated with it. These can be broadly divided into two parts: Tuition fees and Cost of living in USA.
Masters in Nursing in USA: Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for Master of Nursing in USA is around 11,000-92,000 USD (9 lakhs-75 lakhs INR). The detailed breakdown is given below:
| University | Annual Fees in USD | Annual Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | 54,000 | 44.02 lakhs |
| Johns Hopkins University | 66,168 | 53.93 lakhs |
| Yale University | 48,056 | 39.17 lakhs |
| University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | 22,082 | 18 lakhs |
| University of Carolina, San Francisco | 11,442 | 9.32 lakhs |
| University of Michigan Ann-Arbor | 26,891 | 21.92 lakhs |
| Duke University | 25,792 | 21.02 lakhs |
| Columbia University | 92,560 | 75.45 lakhs |
| New York University, NYU - Rory Meyers College of Nursing | 64,000 | 52.17 lakhs |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 24,495 | 19.96 lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
The estimated living cost for US is around 12,000 to 15,000 USD (9 lakhs to 12 lakhs INR) per year, which averages around 1,800 USD (1.47 lakhs INR) per month. This includes the student’s accommodation costs, room, and board, food, travel, textbooks, clothing and entertainment expenses.
| Expense Type | Average Cost (USD) | Cost Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1,538 | 1.25 lakhs |
| Utilities | 180 | 14,683 |
| Food | 290 | 23,656 |
| Transport | 70 | 5,710 |
| Internet | 70 | 5,710 |
| Miscellaneous | 300 | 24,472 |
Additional Costs
Students should be able to meet the following costs when they are studying in the US. Costs may increase by about 5 to 7% per year due to inflation and external factors.
- Travel expenses between India and US during vacation time
- Large purchases, such as PC, furniture, or even a rental car etc.
- Medical expenses not covered by health insurance, e.g. dental care, eye care, cosmetic treatments
- Additional summer expenses - room and board, grocery costs for the summer months.
- Additional expenses such as off-campus transportation
- Entertainment, social outings, weekend trips
Scholarships for Masters in Nursing in USA
The scholarships for international students in USA that will help a student to pursue Master’s of Nursing (MSN):
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships | Enrolled in top rated American universities | Bachelor’s degree from India with a minimum overall aggregate of 70-75% | 100,000 |
| Global Student Scholarship | Enrolled full-time in an American university/college Submission of 3 essay questions | 1,000 |
| TEC Scholarship | Enrolled full-time in an American university/college Submission of essay questions | 1,000 |
| Penn Nursing Scholarship Program | GPA 3.0 or higher | Tuition fee coverage of 1 course unit |
| School of Nursing Merit Scholarship | Johns Hopkins University | 5,000-25,000 |
| Community Scholars Scholarship Program | 3.5 GPA | Enrolled in Yale University | Tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage | 20,000 annual stipend. |
| DUSON Merit Scholarship | Enrolled in Duke University | 36,000 |
Jobs after Masters in Nursing in USA
A person working as a Nurse in the United States earns an average salary of around 91,000 USD per year. Salaries range from 58,000 to 176,000 USD. This average yearly salary includes the housing, transport, and other benefits. Nurse salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location. Students can work in following jobs in USA after completing their programs:
| Job Roles | Average Salary (USD) | Salary Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 101,000 | 82.35 lakhs |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | 109,000 | 88.87 lakhs |
| Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner | 103,000 | 84 lakhs |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 116,000 | 94.58 lakhs |
| Nursing Manager | 99,000 | 80.72 lakhs |
| Nursing Director | 111,000 | 90.50 lakhs |
| Registered Nurse | 76,000 | 62 lakhs |
| Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner | 96,000 | 78.27 lakhs |
| Nurse Educator | 81,000 | 66.04 lakhs |
| Certified Nurse Midwife | 100,000 | 81.53 lakhs |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 96,000 | 78.27 lakhs |
| Registered Nurse Supervisor | 93,000 | 75.82 lakhs |
| Nurse Anesthetist | 171,000 | 1.39 crore |
Which country is better for Masters in Nursing: Australia or USA?
The table below demonstrates the basic differences between studying Masters in Nursing in USA and Masters in Nurisng in Australia:
| Parameters | Masters in Nursing in USA | Masters in Nursing in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Types | MS in Nursing | Masters in Nursing | MS in Nursing |
| Course Duration | 2 years | 1-2 years |
| Program Types | Full-Time | Part-Time, Full-Time |
| Admission requirements | Bachelor’s degree | Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 2-3 LORs | Updated Resume/CV | Official Transcripts | Essay Questions | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 4.0 on a 7.0 scale (70-75%) |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL Score: 100 | IELTS Score: 7.0 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL: 100 |
| Monthly Cost of Living | 1,800 USD (1.47 lakhs INR) | 2,326 AUD (1.28 lakhs INR) |
| Tuition Fee | 11,000-92,000 USD (9 lakhs-75 lakhs INR) | 40,845-90,000 AUD (22.49-49.54 lakhs INR) |
| Average Salary | 100,000 USD (82 lakhs INR) | 99,000 AUD (49.42 lakhs INR) |
As the nursing field grows, so does the range of career opportunities. A bachelor's degree is the minimum for nursing in USA, but a master's degree in nursing provides a lot more professional opportunities and higher income for the graduates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, demand is increasing for those with a master's degree in nursing or similar advanced degree in nursing or healthcare administration. If you’re planning to study master’s in nursing program as an international student, USA is undoubtedly one of the best places to pursue your academic studies.
FAQs
Ques. How many years is Masters in Nursing in USA?
Ans. Masters in Nursing in USA is offered by over 200 institutions and requires two years to complete. A master’s course in nursing equips a student with skills and advanced training to give high-quality nursing care in numerous specialized roles.
Ques. How much does a master of nursing cost in USA?
Ans. The tuition fee for Master of Nursing in USA is around 11,000-92,000 USD (9 lakhs-75 lakhs INR)
Ques. What is the salary of MSc nursing in USA?
Ans. The average salary after MS in Nursing in USA can go as high as 100,000 USD (82 lakhs INR). It typically ranges from 58,000 to 176,000 USD (47 lakhs-1.43 crore INR) per year, based on the years of experience and professional role
Ques. What is the scope of MSc nursing in USA?
Ans. A Masters of Nursing degree provide wide career opportunities to international students working in any part of the world. You can work as a nursing consultant, research nurse, nurse educator, nurse administrator, advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist and many other professional roles in demand. Over the next decade, an average of 203,200 job openings for registered nurse are projected
Ques. What is the requirement for MSc nursing in USA?
Ans. The basic admission requirements and eligibility criteria for MS in Nursing in USA are:
- Bachelors in nursing from the USA or any other country
- An average of Grade B or 3.0 GPA or 80% in bachelor's degree
- GRE test score (not mandatory)
- Registered Nursing (RN) license
- Proof of English language proficiency is required from applicants who are not from an English speaking country or whose language of instruction in previous years of education wasn’t English. Minimum score requirement is: TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.0
- 2-3 LORs
- Updated Resume/CV
- Official Transcripts
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