Graduate Nursing Degrees

 

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 The Value of MSN and DNP Degrees

As a nurse, you’re committed to delivering the best care. At Southern, our MSN and DNP programs help you expand your skills, grow as a leader, and open new doors in patient care.

Rooted in a Christ-centered approach, our programs combine advanced clinical training with spiritual growth—preparing you to lead with compassion, competence, and faith in any healthcare setting.

First, let’s take a look at what opportunities are available for nursing professionals with MSN or DNP degrees or visit the School of Nursing's Graduate Catalog.

Souther MSN and DNP program nursing students

Opportunities for Nursing Professionals with MSN or DNP Degrees

Southern’s MSN and DNP programs help you reach your nursing goals with flexible full-time or part-time options—and some emphases fully online. Our graduates are highly respected, in demand, and achieve 100% job placement in their chosen fields. Explore your options below.

 

 

Female nurse leader in meeting with other nurses

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A DNP is a practice-focused alternative to research-focused doctoral programs for advanced practice nurses. A nursing professional with a DNP is able to become a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or a senior nursing leader.

With an emphasis on advanced clinical practice, research application, and evaluation of practice and care-delivery models, a DNP program will provide you with in-depth knowledge of healthcare leadership and policy, opening the door to higher-paying senior leadership opportunities.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earning an MSN will open up new opportunities in patient care, education, and administration—whichever path fills you with the most passion. An MSN enables you to become a nurse practitioner, and you’ll get advanced training in specialized areas, such as gerontology, acute care, and mental health.

Nursing professionals with an MSN can work in any healthcare setting, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, public health agencies, schools, and private practices.

Female MSN student taking care of female patient

Advanced Nursing Degree Options at Southern

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This practice-focused program is for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses who’ve already completed their master’s degree in nursing and are looking to expand their scope of practice. The DNP program emphasizes advanced clinical practice, research application, and evaluation of practice and care-delivery models.

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This option is designed for nursing professionals who want to earn a graduate degree in nursing. Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. You select your emphasis from the list above to customize your degree experience.

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Dual Degree: MSN/MBA

The MSN/MBA dual degree at Southern equips the BSN professional with interdisciplinary expertise in nursing, business, and healthcare leadership. You’ll also be positioned to influence healthcare policy and the future direction of the nursing profession.

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Post-Master’s Certificate

If you hold a master’s degree in nursing, a post-master’s certificate is a strong option for upgrading or expanding your credentials. We offer certificates in a range of specialized areas. Click below to see the full list and eligibility.

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BS to DNP

This is a bridge doctoral program for the registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (no experience is required at the time of entry into the program). This route allows you to bypass the MSN, and all areas of emphasis in the post-master’s DNP program are available for you to choose.

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Registered Nurse (RN) to MSN 

The RN to MSN program at Southern is an accelerated program that’s designed for registered nurses who have clinical experience and can manage an expedited approach to a graduate degree. Full-time and part-time options are available, and you’ll be able to select from multiple areas of emphasis as outlined above.

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Dual Degree: DNP/MBA

Southern's DNP/MBA dual degree is designed for the MSN professional committed to serve the bottom line of both nursing and business. You'll hone a unique expertise preparing you for a critical role as a nursing leader capable of driving change in healthcare policy.

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DNP Specialist Certificate

If you hold a doctorate degree in nursing, Southern’s DNP Specialist certificate helps you further distinguish your credentials. Click below for the full details and eligibility.

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Southern Nursing Student Success Stories

Hear from some of our distinguished Southern Nursing graduates on why they chose Southern, what their experience was like, and how Southern has prepared them for the impactful careers they're enjoying now.

 

Diana Taylor

Diana Taylor '21

BSN to DNP with an Emphasis in Acute Care

Read Her Story

Julie McBride

Julie McBride '21

BSN to DNP with an Emphasis Psychiatric Health

Read Her Story

Julie McKinney

Julie McKinney '20

BSN to DNP with a Dual Emphasis in Lifestyle Medicine and Family Practice

Read Her Story

An MSN or DNP degree prepares nurses and nurse practitioners for leadership roles in advanced-practice settings.

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What Can You Do with an
Advanced Nursing Degree?

There are many reasons to earn an advanced nursing degree, whether you want a pay raise or promotion, you’re looking for more autonomy or flexibility in your job, or you want to specialize in a new area altogether. In addition to setting a higher standard for patient care, you’ll learn more about the technical and administrative parts of the job that will prepare you for a long and successful career as an advanced nursing professional. It's also worth considering the career opportunities that open up by earning an MSN vs a DNP (or vice versa) . If you want to become an acute care nurse practitioner, for example, an MSN or DNP degree can get you there through separate paths. You can also learn about why being a nurse practitioner was voted as the best job in healthcare!

Here’s a look at just a few of the career paths that become accessible to you by earning an MSN or DNP degree. As you're planning your advanced nursing career, you should also explore common alternative careers for registered nurses.

Nurse Leader

The primary responsibility of nurse leaders is to manage a team of nurses and oversee the bigger picture in their healthcare setting, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. While they may still interact with patients, the core aspect of the role is as a member of the leadership team.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioners, or FNPs, play a huge role in the healthcare system today. With a family-focused approach to nursing, they are trained to treat infants and the elderly—and everyone in between. In addition to treating injuries and illnesses, FNPs are prepared to provide lifestyle and preventative care to all ages and backgrounds.

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators are professionals with an MSN or DNP degree who teach nursing at colleges and universities, training the next generation of nurses. Nurse educators are prepared to teach the most up-to-date theories and practices in healthcare. They are often respected mentors, even outside of the classroom.

Lifestyle Medicine Nurse Practitioner

Lifestyle Medicine Practitioners focus on wholeness, prevention of disease, management of chronic illnesses, and promotion of health and healthy lifestyles—all of which are consistent with biblical teaching. They work directly with patients of all ages and backgrounds to help them take control of their health.

What Salaries do Nursing Professionals with Advanced Degrees Earn?

Depending on your area of specialization, career track, and job location, you can expect a salary in the range of $85,000-$115,000, with higher earning potential in a more senior role. Here's a quick look at the average annual salaries for some of the most common career paths after earning an MSN or DNP.

Family Nurse Practitioner
$114,510
Nurse Administrator
$118,880
Nurse Educator
$84,060
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
$117,066
Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
$96,519
Advanced Practice Nurse
$109,992
Emergency Room Nurse
$93,405
Chief Nursing Officer
$238,930


Access Southern’s Advanced Nursing Degrees Guide

Explore our resource, The Complete Guide to Advanced Nursing Degrees at Southern Adventist University. In this eBook, you'll find: 

  • More information about Southern's DNP and MSN programs (and how to know which is right for you)
  • Southern nursing student success stories
  • Southern faculty member spotlights and interviews
  • How Southern will prepare you to thrive as a nursing professional in the Metropolitan Chattanooga area
Southern - GS Nursing eBook Cover 1

 

With programs for both MSN and DNP, Southern will help you achieve your nursing career goals—whatever they are. Our advanced practice nursing graduates are highly respected and sought-after candidates with 100% job placement in their areas of interest.

To support your busy schedule, all programs can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis (and some emphases can be taken fully online).

Explore the areas of emphasis we offer, our DNP program options, and our MSN program options below.

Female MSN student performing checkup on female patient

MSN and DNP Degree Specialization Options

Area of Emphasis

Applicable Program(s)
Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology NP
DNP or MSN
Nurse Educator
DNP or MSN
Primary Care—Adult/Gerontology NP
DNP or MSN
Primary Care—Family NP
DNP or MSN
Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health NP
DNP or MSN
Acute Care + Family NP
DNP
Lifestyle Medicine
DNP
Healthcare Administration
DNP/MBA or MSN/MBA

 

A Faith-Based Approach to Nursing

With a strong on-campus ministry and an emphasis on faith-based learning at Southern, you’ll have the chance to discover God’s purpose for you in the nursing profession.

The faith-based learning approach will help you build a holistic, Christ-centered foundation for leadership, management, and research in the field of healthcare. You’ll also be equipped to share your expertise in any medical setting.

Advanced practice nurse holding patient's hand

Explore Southern's Mission

Is a Southern Nursing Program Right for You?

Southern's MSN and DNP programs are designed for registered nurses pursuing leadership roles or other advanced careers in nursing. Our programs are a great fit for nurses who are:

  • Nursing professionals who are passionate about raising the standard of patient care and nurturing the next generation of nurses
  • Nursing professionals looking for a more senior role within their current healthcare setting (or at a new location)
  • Nursing professionals seeking greater career satisfaction and flexibility
  • Nursing professionals interested in becoming leaders, educators, or mentors

More Nursing Stories on the Blog

Nursing students learning about Southern's DNP program

Looking for More Program Information?

We’re happy to tell you more about the MSN or DNP program specifics, requirements, and admissions. You can request additional program information or schedule a meeting with a Southern representative below. In the meantime, fell free to visit the School of Nursing's Graduate Catalog.

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Schedule a Meeting with Rosa

Meet the Faculty Who’ll Support Your Journey to an Advanced Nursing Degree

Southern’s nursing faculty bring more than 100 years of combined clinical and research experience across diverse settings. Dedicated to your growth, they share their expertise, provide hands-on learning, and often continue serving as mentors long after graduation.

Holly Gadd, PhD headshot

Holly Gadd, PhD

Dean


423.236.2942
hgadd@southern.edu

Frances Johnson, DNP headshot

Frances Johnson, DNP

Adjunct


423.236.2973
francesj@southern.edu

Lilly Tryon, DNP headshot

Lilly Tryon, DNP

Professor


423.236.2154
ltryon@southern.edu

Beth Scott, PhD headshot

Beth Scott, PhD

Professor


423.236.2948
bethscott@southern.edu

Meet the DNP Faculty

 

Meet the MSN Faculty

 

Southern Adventist University School of Nursing

Why Southern?

An advanced nursing degree from Southern will prepare you to become part of the next generation of nursing leaders and administrators. Our private, faith-based programs are designed to help you take your career to the next level while delivering the very best in patient care.

Flexible. Valuable. Christ-centered.

Learn More About Southern

 

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