M.Sc in Nursing

M.Sc. in Nursing is a postgraduate course that lasts for two years. The course covers education that deals with taking care of patients. It includes various subjects like Nursing Management, Nursing Research, and Nursing Statistics. The MSc nursing full form is Master in Science in Nursing and it can be pursued from either government or private colleges. Some of the reputed colleges include AIIMS, JIPMER, and Christian Medical College. To be eligible for the Nursing course at the postgraduate level, a person needs to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field with an aggregate of 55 percent marks from a recognized university.

M.Sc in Nursing Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria play a crucial role at the time of admission. One must read it thoroughly before making an application. Below we have listed the detailed requirements for getting admission to the MSc Nursing course. Please keep in mind that the MSc Nursing eligibility criteria can differ from college to college. One must go to the college website to refer to the M.Sc in Nursing eligibility criteria.

A degree in B.Sc. Nursing with an aggregate of at least 55 percent marks is essential for admission. The subject must be from the Science stream.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for admission to the college. However, some universities might also require students to sit for common entrance examinations.

Why study M.Sc in Nursing? 

Some of the reasons why one should take up MSc Nursing as their field of study are listed below for your reference,

There are plenty of reasons to study MSc Nursing. M.Sc in Nursing is one of the most popular nursing courses in India that trains aspirants to practice nursing in different environments

With MSc Nursing students can get employed in Hospitals, Military hospitals, and nursing homes. Health care centers, old age homes, educational institutes, etc

With MSc Nursing students can expect a handsome salary in the Healthcare Industry in job roles such as a registered nurse, nurse in charge, nursing supervisor, nursing executive, nurse educator, paramedic nurse, certified professional coder, clinical nurse manager, nursing director, etc

The MSc Nursing course makes you eligible to pursue higher education such as M.Phil and Phd.

Syllabus of M.Sc Nursing

M.Sc Nursing Semester I Syllabus

• Advanced Clinical Nursing including Pathophysiology
• Nursing Education
• Social Psychology
• Nursing Research and Statistics

M.Sc Nursing Semester II Syllabus

• Nursing Specialities
• Medical-Surgical Nursing in Obstetrical, Gynecological Nursing, and Midwifery
• Community Health Nursing
• Nursing Management
• Project work, Thesis, Dissertation

M.Sc Nursing Semester III Syllabus

• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Psychiatric Nursing
• Obstetrics & Gynaecological Nursing
• Child Health Nursing

M.Sc Nursing Semester IV Syllabus

• Advance Nursing Practice
• Nursing Research & Statistics
• Medical-Surgical Nursing Clinical Speciality
• Psychiatric Nursing Clinical Speciality
• Obstetrics & Gynaecological Nursing Clinical Speciality

Types of M.Sc in Nursing

Unlike several other fields, MSc Nursing is a specialized degree dedicated to one field with limited branches. There aren't many specializations available for students to choose from as it is already a dedicated degree. Yet, students can opt for a generic MSc Nursing degree or opt for a specialization nursing course depending on their interests. The course can be either pursued full-time or part-time or via distance learning. Check the types of this course: 

M.Sc Nursing Full Time & Part Time:

The course follows a generic curriculum and covers the bases for all courses. It equips the students with skills, knowledge and practice to handle every situation and assist with every type of patient. Nurses with this degree acquire valuable assets in every situation and are well-versed to assist Doctors from every field in their full capacity. Well, the regular full-time courses can be pursued by anyone but the part-time type is for someone who wants to continue their education while working. 

M.Sc Nursing Distance Education:

Many institutes offer Distance Education for this course. Students can get admission to this course through entrance exams, followed by a counseling process. While some institutes also offer merit-based admissions in this course.

Admission Process For M.Sc in Nursing?

The admission process varies from institution to institution. So, students have to abide by the details mentioned on the official website of the college. Here are the steps to follow to get admission in the MSc Nursing program: 

Candidates will have to appear in different Nursing entrance exams by applying for them. 

Candidates who meet the cut-off scores of the entrance examination make it to the merit list. 

Then the admission is followed by the counseling process. 

After scrutinizing their documents, eligible candidates are allocated seats in the deserving college. 

In some colleges, candidates also have to appear for a personal interview round. 

Some colleges offer direct admissions to the candidates based on their percentage at the undergraduate or bachelor level. 

Merit-Based MSc Nursing Admission

Several colleges in India offer direct admission to this master’s degree program. In this case, the higher secondary and bachelor degree marks of the students are calculated for admission. 

Entrance Exam-Based MSc Nursing Admission

Some colleges offer admission to MSc Nursing programs through entrance exams that are conducted at national, state and institutional levels. Students need to clear these entrance tests and clear personal interview round to secure their admission.

M.Sc Nursing Scope

In India, the demand for healthcare workers is increasing which is also increasing the employment opportunities in the medical field. Nursing is one of these fields which is enhancing its job scope. Check a few of the scope of this course in India: 

MSc Nursing scope in India is very high as it has high-demand career prospects with the increasing need for Nurses across various Medical faculties. 

Since, the Covid outbreak, the demand for specialized nurses over generic nurses has increased. 

With a steep increase in the construction and setting up of hospitals, the need for medical practitioners such as Nurses has also increased tenfold, a demand that is expected to keep increasing. 

Apart from their requirement in hospitals, the demand for Nurses for special care units and care homes has also skyrocketed around the world and the numbers hold for India as well. 

Specialized Nurses are also sought as private caregivers for senior citizens and special needs children at home.

The average expected salary for M.Sc in Nursing graduates ranges between INR 6-7 LPA.

Career Options After M.Sc. in Nursing

Students who have completed their M.Sc in Nursing have several work opportunities available to them. Though a common perception is that a student after the completion of the course can only work as a nurse. however, it is not so. One can opt for other careers as well like Registered Nurse, Staff Nurse, Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Manager, and certified professional coder. They can find opportunities in sectors like NGOs, Hospitals, Schools, Health Care Centres, and Orphanages. Below are some of the MSc Nursing job roles in detail.

Registered Nurse - A registered nurse is responsible for providing health-related assistance to patients. They take care of the families, communities, and individuals. Their chief aim is to promote health and help in preventing illness.

Staff Nurse - He/She is responsible for assessing the needs and requirements of the patients. She assists them in making beds, providing medicines, changing patient’s positions, back care et cetera. The main objective of a staff nurse is to ensure the comfort of the patients.

Nurse Educator - A nurse educator is responsible for educating and instructing aspiring students. They provide them with the necessary knowledge about being a nurse. They teach them the theories as well as help them in practising the learning.

Clinical Nurse Manager - The Nurse Manager is responsible for leading the nursing staff. They are required to lead the staff and provide them with guidance to ensure patient health care. They make sure that the best patient care is being provided.