MS in Nursing

Frequently Asked Questions About the Master of Science in Nursing Program

• What is the Difference Between a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice?

  Earning an MSN prepares students for direct practice and patient care, while a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program tends to focus on preparing students for research, policy, and managerial or leadership roles.

  That being said, the lines between these two programs have begun to blur in recent years. Many DNPs still choose to practice, despite the supplementary training. Students will typically pursue their DNP after having already earned their master’s degree, as a supplementary degree that prepares them to advance their career.

• What are the Main Differences Between the Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Leadership Tracks?

  Both the nurse practitioner and nursing leadership tracks prepare students with the knowledge and skills that they will need for advanced practice.

  The primary difference is that while the nurse practitioner tracks prepare students specifically for direct patient care, the nursing leadership tracks layer in courses specifically designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of healthcare management.

• Why does the Regis MSN program require 800 clinical hours?

  The National Task Force (NTF) for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education revised the standards and released them to the public in April 2022. As part of the revised standards, there are new clinical hour requirements for nurse practitioner programs. Regis has set the clinical hour requirement at 800 hours to help you gain extensive, hands-on experience in real clinical settings. They allow you to apply what you've learned in the classroom, build essential competencies, and develop confidence in managing complex care scenarios. Ultimately, this additional preparation supports your success on the national certification exam and strengthens your readiness for advanced nursing practice.

• How do these clinical hours prepare me for advanced practice?

  Your clinical hours serve as an important bridge between academic learning and real-world patient care. Under the guidance of experienced clinical preceptors, you'll have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. This experience helps you master the role-specific competencies required in your nurse practitioner specialty, ensuring you’re fully prepared to deliver high-quality care and meet the demands of advanced practice nursing.

• Will I get exposure to different types of clinical environments?

  Yes, MSN clinical hours are designed to expose you to a broad range of patient populations, specialties, and healthcare settings. Depending on your track, you might gain experience in hospitals, community health centers, primary care clinics, mental health facilities, and other care environments. Each nurse practitioner specialization has different required patient encounters, and the goal is to ensure that you engage in the types of clinical experiences needed to achieve competency in your chosen specialization.

• What if my clinical experience is not an exact match to a new job or role?

  If your clinical experience doesn’t align perfectly with your job responsibilities, you may encounter some challenges as you adjust to your new role. In some cases, employers may offer additional supervised training or may hire you provisionally while you gain experience in the required areas. Completing more than the minimum required clinical hours allows you to enter the job market with extensive and varied clinical experience needed to succeed as a novice NP.

• What’s the benefit of completing more clinical hours than the minimum required?

  Completing more clinical hours than the minimum required can be a significant advantage. It gives you additional time to develop your skills, build confidence, and adapt to working with different patient populations. This extra experience not only makes you more prepared to pass your certification exam but also helps you transition more smoothly and competently from registered nurse to nurse practitioner. Employers may also view the additional training as a sign that you are especially well-prepared and committed to excellence.