A Complete Guide to the MSc Nursing Course Program
Did you know that an MSc Nursing degree is the best way to develop your career in nursing? As MSc Nursing offers numerous specializations, armed with a Bachelors in Nursing you can develop your career in a field of your interest. It empowers you to pursue diverse career options beyond a medical facility. The course curriculum is designed keeping in mind the industry standards.
Through this blog, we will give you a comprehensive guide to understanding the MSc Nursing course program design, its offering and ways to develop your career.
A Complete Guide to the MSc Nursing Course Program
MSc Nursing Course is a 2-year course, offered in numerous specialisations. It enables you to work as part of a nursing/ paramedic team across various work settings like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc. Let us look at the major highlights of the program.
Course Highlights
Course type | Post-Graduation |
MSc Nursing Duration | 2 years |
Intake capacity | 10 seats |
Specialisation offered |
|
Average Course fees | Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1.5 Lakh |
Admission mode | Merit-based with a valid institutional common entrance test. |
MSc Nursing Admission Process
To secure admission at Terna Nursing College, affiliated with Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, you need to fulfil the following MSc Nursing eligibility –
- You should be a registered nurse or a midwife of the Maharashtra Nursing Council or equivalent with any state nursing registration council.
- You should have completed a basic BSc in Nursing/ BSc. Hons. Nursing/Post-Basic BSc Nursing from a university recognised by Indian Nursing Council.
- Ensure that for open-category students, your minimum aggregate percentage is 55% and for reserved categories it is 50%.
- You need to have a minimum of 1-year post-graduate experience after your registration in any state nursing council.
Congratulations!! On fulfilling the above criteria. To proceed further, you need to secure an application form, from the college’s admission office. There is a centralised admission process, for which you need to appear in an institutional common entrance test.
Specialisations offered in MSc Nursing Course:
Terna Nursing College has 4 MSc nursing branches. The various subjects offered determine the scope of MSc Nursing. You can find the detailed analysis of each MSc Nursing specialisation here.
Medical-Surgical Nursing
You would find that the course is common for students of other clinical specialities like NeuroScience, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Oncology Nursing, Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Nursing, etc. It is one of the most elaborate courses in nursing.
Throughout the course curriculum you would deal with in-depth treatment of multiple disorders related to geriatrics, and bodily systems like respiratory, endocrine, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, etc.
Community Health Nursing
Through this specialisation, you would develop a nursing approach while providing care to individuals, families, groups and communities. You are required to participate in the management of emergencies, epidemics and disasters. Major areas of interest also include National Policies, plans and programmes like:-
- National health policy
- National Population policy
- National health and welfare programmes.
- Health technology: Genetics, health and medical waste disposal
Child Health Nursing
The course equips you in developing expertise in the field of Pediatric Nursing. You develop advanced skills for nursing intervention in various pediatric medical and surgical conditions. A major part of the course content that you shall delve into are-
- Practices and Trends in Pediatric Nursing
- You equip yourself with multiple medical disorders among children. Pathophysiology, disorders like respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal, renal /urinary tract disorders, cardiovascular disorders and endocrine/metabolic disorders.
- You quip in drugs used in pediatric treatment- like dose calculation, administration of drugs, oxygen and blood.
You shall engage in a 32-week clinical ward. Major wards you shall participate in are-
- Pediatric Medicine
- Pediatric Surgical ICU
- Pediatric OT
Pediatric surgery ward
Obstetric and Gynaecology
During the course, you would develop advanced advance-nursing skills for nursing interventions in various obstetrical and gynaecological conditions. Major areas your curriculum would focus on shall be
- Risk approach obstetrical nursing care: Nursing management of pregnancies at risk due to obstetrical complication
- Analysis of pregnancy complications due to pre-existing health problems.
- Dealing with abnormal labour, pre-term labour, obstetrical emergencies and postpartum care.
Throughout the course, you shall engage in 32 weeks in your respective department or clinical work. Major wards that you can find yourself engaged in are-
- Family Welfare and postpartum clinic
- Antenatal and postnatal ward
- Labour room
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Obstetric / Gynae Operation Theatre
Gynae Ward
Career after MSc Nursing
After your 2-year tenure, you have multiple job opportunities for M sc nursing –
- Practise as a specialised nurse in a clinic, hospital, nursing home, public health centres etc. Terna Nursing College is affiliated with a multispeciality hospital and research centre. Multiple ward and field visits are spread over throughout the course. Hence, you are eligible to kickstart your career before you complete your post-graduation.
- MSc Nursing Govt jobs – You can secure govt. Jobs under Central and state govt. Through various means. You can secure the job role of ‘Nursing Assistant ” via Medical Nursing Service (MNS) and under state govt. JIIPER, AIIMS and civil hospitals are on a constant lookout for specialised nurses.
- Academia- You can pursue lecturer or educator opportunities in various nursing colleges across the country. It enables you to have managerial positions in hospitals and also you can share experiences and practical learnings with future nursing aspirants.
- Further education- If you are interested in research, a PhD can give you a platform wherein you research in a specialisation of interest. The average duration of completion is 4-6 years, wherein you develop a thesis. The exposure would help you network and command significant respect in a career of your choice.
Conclusion
An MSc in Nursing serves as a cherry on the top if you aspire to develop a career in the field of Nursing. All you need is a BSc in Nursing from a recognised institute in the country. As you are registered with the Indian Council of Nursing, with MSc you can develop a career in a specialisation of your choice. The benefits include a better salary, higher exposure to the field and you can expect to join as a specialist in a medical facility.
FAQs
MSc Nursing gives you the option to choose from numerous specializations. The best specialisation in terms of salary and exposure would be Medical Surgery nursing. However, you should consult your mentors, senior nurses and job prospects to identify what you consider a suitable field to pursue.
MSc Nursing is an excellent way to develop a career in nursing. The efforts you put in shall pay you back. BSc nursing is an introductory course, however as a specialised nurse you can secure job opportunities in a field of your choice.
Major benefits of MSc Nursing include:
- Higher salary- On average BSc Nursing can get you a 2.5LPA, however, with MSc nursing you can secure a 3.5LPA. With experience, the salary is expected to surpass 7LPA.
- You get to specialise in a certain area with a short duration of 2 years only.
- Multiple practicals, ward visits, and field postings ensure that you are better equipped to deal with medical challenges.
MSc Nursing comprises various areas like advanced nursing practice, research & statistics, nursing management, dissertation presentation and more than 2500 hrs of practical training.
