Best Graduate Degrees for Nurses Who Want to Pivot
Nursing offers endless possibilities! But when you start craving change, it’s not always easy to know where to go next. Maybe bedside care no longer feels sustainable. Maybe you’re ready for more flexibility, leadership opportunities, or a different kind of impact.
For some nurses, a graduate degree can be a powerful way to pivot. But with so many options, figuring out which path aligns with your goals can feel overwhelming.
In this post, we’ll break down some of the best graduate degrees for nurses who want to pivot - whether you’re hoping to move into education, leadership, public health, or even outside of traditional healthcare. We’ll also touch on when pursuing another degree makes sense (and when it might not).
Because the “best” degree is the one that supports the kind of career and life you actually want.
→ If you’re thinking about grad school but aren’t sure where to start, check out my post Thinking About Grad School? 6 Questions Every Nurse Should Ask. It’s packed with practical questions to help you clarify your next steps before you apply.
Graduate Degrees for Nurses Who Want to Stay in Healthcare (Non-Bedside)
If you love healthcare but are ready to step away from direct patient care, there are several graduate degrees that can help you move into leadership, education, or systems-level roles. These programs build on your nursing experience while opening the door to new challenges and opportunities.
MSN in Nursing Education
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Education is one of the most common paths for nurses who want to teach or develop others. This degree prepares you to design and deliver educational programs for nursing students or practicing clinicians — whether in academic settings, hospitals, or health systems.
Common Career Paths
Nursing faculty (ADN or BSN programs)
Clinical educator or staff development specialist
Simulation or onboarding coordinator
Continuing education program manager
Typical Program Length
Usually 18–24 months full-time or 2–3 years part-time.
Earning Potential
Nursing instructors and educators typically earn between $60,000–$100,000+, depending on location, setting, and experience.
Academic roles tend to pay slightly less than hospital-based educator positions but often come with more predictable hours and schedule flexibility.
Things to Consider
Consider whether you prefer academic teaching (students) or professional development (staff education), as programs may emphasize one over the other.
Pay can vary significantly between academic and hospital-based roles, so it’s worth researching local job markets before enrolling.
Best For
Nurses who enjoy mentoring, coaching, and helping others grow.
Nurses who want to stay connected to healthcare without the demands of bedside care.
MSN in Nursing Leadership or Administration
An MSN in Leadership or Administration is ideal for nurses who want to shape the bigger picture (managing teams, leading change, and improving systems of care). This degree focuses on developing leadership, financial, and strategic management skills to prepare you for management or director-level roles in healthcare organizations.
Common Career Paths
Nurse manager or director
Clinical operations or quality improvement leader
Magnet coordinator or accreditation specialist
Patient safety or risk management professional
Nursing informatics or project management roles (depending on electives)
Typical Program Length
Usually 18–30 months full-time or 2–3 years part-time.
Earning Potential
Salaries range widely, typically from $80,000–$130,000+, depending on level of responsibility and organization size.
Senior directors and executives may earn significantly more, particularly in large health systems.
Things to Consider
Leadership roles often come with greater responsibility and higher stress, so it’s worth considering your desired work-life balance before pursuing this route.
If you’re interested in executive-level positions, pairing leadership experience with a business-related credential (like an MBA or MHA) can be a strong combination.
Some programs offer specializations (e.g., healthcare quality, systems leadership, or informatics), which can help you tailor your degree to your career goals.
Best For
Nurses who are natural problem-solvers and decision-makers, enjoy leading teams, and want to influence care delivery at the organizational level.
MSN in Nursing Informatics
An MSN in Nursing Informatics prepares nurses to combine their clinical expertise with technology, data analysis, and systems improvement. This degree focuses on using informatics to optimize patient care, support clinical decision-making, and improve healthcare workflows - all while leveraging your nursing background.
Common Career Paths
Clinical informatics specialist
Nursing informatics analyst
EHR implementation or optimization coordinator
Quality improvement or clinical decision support lead
Health IT project manager
Typical Program Length
Typically 18–24 months full-time or 2–3 years part-time, depending on program structure.
Earning Potential
Salaries generally range from $85,000–$120,000+, depending on experience, role, and location.
Senior or leadership informatics positions can exceed $130,000+, particularly in large health systems or healthcare technology companies.
Things to Consider
This degree is specifically tailored for nurses, so it combines clinical knowledge with informatics skills, whereas a general MS in Health Informatics (MHI) may be open to professionals from any healthcare or tech background.
If you want to influence clinical workflows directly, support bedside nurses through data-driven tools, or stay closely connected to patient care while working in informatics, an MSN in Nursing Informatics is often a better fit.
Many programs allow you to specialize in areas like clinical decision support, population health analytics, or EHR optimization, which can help tailor your career trajectory.
Comfort with technology, data analysis, and project management is essential, but this degree maintains a strong clinical foundation.
Best For
Nurses who want to merge clinical expertise with technology and data, improve patient care processes, and take on roles that support both staff and organizational outcomes.
MHA – Master of Healthcare Administration
A Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is designed for professionals who want to move into the business and operational side of healthcare. For nurses, it’s a strong option if you’re interested in leadership but prefer focusing on systems, strategy, and organizational improvement rather than direct clinical management.
Common Career Paths
Hospital or clinic administrator
Director of operations or patient services
Quality and compliance manager
Program director for community health or service lines
Healthcare consultant or project manager
Typical Program Length
Typically 2 years full-time or 2–3 years part-time, with some accelerated options available.
Earning Potential
Most MHA-prepared professionals earn between $80,000–$130,000+, depending on the role and size of the organization.
Senior executives (like chief nursing officers or hospital administrators) can earn $150,000–$250,000+ in larger systems.
Things to Consider
MHA programs focus heavily on business, finance, and operations, so expect less emphasis on clinical content.
If you thrive on strategy, analytics, and system-level thinking, this degree can be a great fit. But it’s less ideal if you prefer teaching or direct staff development.
This degree can also open doors outside of hospitals, such as insurance, public health organizations, or health tech companies.
Some nurses may find the transition challenging if they’ve spent their entire careers in bedside roles, so gaining some leadership experience first can help bridge the gap.
Best For
Nurses who enjoy the organizational side of healthcare, want to drive system-wide improvements, and are ready to step into executive, administrative, or non-clinical leadership roles.
MPH – Master of Public Health
Master of Public Health (MPH) prepares nurses to address health on a broader scale, focusing on populations, prevention, and policy rather than individual patient care. It’s an excellent option for nurses passionate about improving community health, shaping programs, or influencing healthcare policy and advocacy.
Common Career Paths
Public health nurse or program coordinator
Epidemiologist or infection prevention specialist
Health policy analyst or researcher
Community health educator or outreach director
Global health or nonprofit program manager
Typical Program Length
Usually 18–24 months full-time or 2–3 years part-time.
Earning Potential
Salaries typically range from $70,000–$110,000, depending on the setting, role, and geographic region.
Positions in government or academia may pay less but often offer excellent benefits and work-life balance.
Things to Consider
MPH programs focus on population health, data analysis, and policy, not clinical care. This means they’re best suited for nurses who want to step fully into public or community health.
Coursework often includes biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy, and program planning.
Many nurses with an MPH find fulfilling roles with nonprofits, government agencies, or international health organizations, though some roles may require additional experience in data or policy.
If your goal is a clinical leadership or hospital-based position, an MHA or MSN may be a better fit.
Best For
Nurses who want to make a population-level impact, work in public or community health, and focus on prevention, education, or policy rather than direct patient care.
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest practice-focused degree in nursing. It’s designed for nurses who want to lead at the systems or clinical level - whether that means becoming an advanced practice provider, leading quality initiatives, or influencing healthcare policy and innovation.
Common Career Paths
Advanced practice registered nurse (NP, CRNA, CNS, CNM)
Director of clinical practice or quality improvement
Nursing executive or systems leadership role
Healthcare policy or advocacy consultant
Academic faculty (in some programs)
Typical Program Length
Typically 3–4 years full-time or 4–6 years part-time, depending on your prior education and specialty. Many programs now offer BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP tracks.
Earning Potential
DNP-prepared advanced practice nurses typically earn between $110,000–$160,000, depending on specialty and region.
Leadership or executive roles can exceed $180,000–$200,000+, especially within large health systems or academic institutions.
Things to Consider
The DNP is practice-focused rather than research-based (unlike the PhD in Nursing). It’s designed for nurses who want to apply evidence, not conduct it.
Programs are rigorous and often require a significant time and financial investment.
If you’re interested in advanced practice, many roles can be entered with an MSN. So consider whether the DNP aligns with your long-term goals and ROI.
DNP-prepared nurses are increasingly sought after for systems-level leadership, making this a strong option for those who want to influence care beyond individual patients.
Best For
Nurses who want to lead change in healthcare delivery, advance into higher-level clinical or executive roles, and are ready to commit to a doctorate-level education.
PhD in Nursing
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing is a research-focused degree designed for nurses who want to generate new knowledge, influence healthcare policy through evidence, or advance academic and scientific research. While the DNP focuses on applying research to improve clinical practice, the PhD is centered on creating that research.
Common Career Paths
Nursing or healthcare researcher
Academic faculty (BSN, MSN, or doctoral programs)
Principal investigator in clinical or public health studies
Policy advisor or consultant for research-based organizations
Author or thought leader in healthcare scholarship
Typical Program Length
Usually 4–6 years full-time (depending on dissertation completion) or 6–8 years part-time.
Earning Potential
Salaries typically range from $90,000–$130,000+, depending on position and institution.
Nurse researchers and tenured faculty may earn higher salaries over time, especially with grant funding or administrative responsibilities.
Things to Consider
The PhD is best for those passionate about research, writing, and scholarship, rather than clinical or operational leadership.
Many programs require or strongly prefer applicants with an MSN.
Because funding and tenure-track opportunities can vary, it’s important to explore potential financial support (many PhD programs offer stipends or tuition assistance).
The focus is academic. If your goal is to lead clinical or organizational change, a DNP may be a better fit.
Best For
Nurses who are naturally curious, love research and writing, and want to shape the future of nursing through evidence, teaching, and scholarship.
Degrees for Nurses Who Want to Pivot Outside Traditional Nursing
MBA – Master of Business Administration
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a versatile, business-focused degree that equips nurses to transition into leadership, management, or corporate roles (often beyond traditional healthcare settings). While clinical expertise is valuable, an MBA emphasizes strategy, finance, operations, and organizational leadership, helping nurses leverage their healthcare experience in new professional arenas.
Common Career Paths
Healthcare administrator or executive
Consultant in healthcare operations or strategy
Project or program manager in hospitals, health tech, or insurance
Entrepreneur or startup founder in healthcare or wellness
Policy or strategy roles in government or nonprofit organizations
Typical Program Length
Most MBA programs take 2 years full-time or 2–3 years part-time, with some accelerated programs available.
Earning Potential
Salaries vary widely depending on role and setting, generally ranging from $90,000–$150,000+.
Senior executive positions or healthcare consultants can exceed $180,000–$200,000+.
Things to Consider
MBA programs are heavily focused on business skills (finance, operations, and strategy) rather than clinical content.
If your goal is to pivot into healthcare leadership or business, an MBA can be a game-changer, but it’s a significant investment of time and money.
MBA programs may offer a variety of concentrations, including Healthcare Management, Marketing, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship and Finance
Networking and internships are key elements of many MBA programs, which can help bridge the gap from bedside nursing to business roles.
Best For
Nurses who want to pivot into leadership, management, or business-focused roles, and who are ready to apply their clinical experience in new ways.
→ This is the route I chose for my own nursing career pivot! You can read more about my decision and experience here.
MS in Health Informatics (MHI)
A Master of Science in Health Informatics (MHI) prepares nurses to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology. This degree focuses on using data, electronic health records, and digital tools to improve patient care, optimize workflows, and support decision-making in healthcare organizations. It’s ideal for nurses who enjoy tech, analytics, and problem-solving.
Common Career Paths
Clinical informatics specialist or analyst
Health data analyst or informatics consultant
EHR implementation or optimization coordinator
Population health analyst
Health IT project manager
Typical Program Length
Usually 18–24 months full-time or 2–3 years part-time, depending on the program.
Earning Potential
Salaries typically range from $80,000–$120,000+, depending on role, experience, and location.
Senior informatics or project management positions can exceed $130,000+, especially in large systems or tech companies.
Things to Consider
MHI programs focus broadly on healthcare data, analytics, and technology and may accept students from any healthcare background.
An MSN in Nursing Informatics, by contrast, is tailored for nurses and combines clinical nursing knowledge with informatics training. It can be especially helpful if you want to remain in clinically-oriented informatics roles or influence patient care workflows directly.
Both degrees prepare you for high-demand roles, but the MSN in Nursing Informatics may offer more clinical credibility, while an MHI offers broader tech and data versatility across healthcare settings.
Comfort with technology, data analysis, and project management is important. This field is much more system- and analytics-focused than bedside care.
Best For
Nurses who want to combine healthcare expertise with technology, data, and systems thinking, and who enjoy improving processes and outcomes through digital tools.
MPA – Master of Public Administration
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) prepares nurses to work in leadership, policy, and administrative roles within government, nonprofits, and public-sector organizations. This degree emphasizes management, policy implementation, budgeting, and organizational leadership, allowing nurses to pivot into roles where they can shape healthcare programs and public services on a broader scale.
Common Career Paths
Healthcare policy analyst or advisor
Public health program director
Nonprofit or government healthcare administrator
Community health program manager
Consultant in healthcare policy or operations
Typical Program Length
Typically 2 years full-time or 2–3 years part-time, depending on program format.
Earning Potential
Salaries range from $60,000–$110,000, depending on role, experience, and organization type.
Leadership roles in government or large nonprofits may offer higher pay, along with benefits and opportunities for advancement.
Things to Consider
MPA programs focus on administration, policy, and management rather than clinical content, so this is best suited for nurses interested in systems-level change or public-sector leadership.
If your goal is clinical leadership in a hospital, an MHA or MBA may be a better fit.
Experience in healthcare, policy, or community programs can strengthen your application and career readiness.
Many nurses use an MPA to pivot into public health, nonprofit, or policy-focused roles, expanding impact beyond the bedside.
Best For
Nurses who want to influence healthcare systems, programs, or policy at the community, state, or national level, and who are interested in leadership roles outside of traditional clinical settings.
Alternatives to Graduate Degrees
Graduate programs aren’t the only way to pivot or advance your nursing career. Depending on your goals, there are shorter, more flexible ways to gain skills and open new opportunities:
Certificates – Project management, nursing informatics, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), coaching, or quality improvement certificates can boost your expertise without a full degree.
On-the-job leadership training – Many hospitals and health systems offer programs to develop management, teaching, or informatics skills while staying in your current role.
Short professional courses – Topics like data analytics, user experience (UX) design, or healthcare technology can be completed in weeks or months and prepare you for non-traditional roles.
These options allow you to explore new paths, gain skills, and test your interest in a field before committing to a graduate program.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Nursing Career Pivot
Choosing a graduate degree is a big decision. But the “best” degree isn’t just the one with the highest title or most prestige. It’s the one that supports your goals, aligns with your lifestyle, and opens doors to work you enjoy.
Before you apply, take time to reflect:
What kind of work do you want to do day-to-day?
How much flexibility or work-life balance do you need outside of work?
Which roles excite you and feel like a natural next step for your career?
Whether you pursue a graduate degree, a certificate, or on-the-job experience, the key is choosing a path that empowers you to create a career that fits your life, not just your resume.
→ If you’re ready to take control of your nursing career and map out a plan that fits your life, check out my workbook Own Your Career: A Nurse’s Guide to Growth & Change. It’s full of practical exercises to help you clarify your goals, explore options, and plan your next move - whether that includes a graduate degree or another path entirely.
Disclaimer: The content shared here is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your personal needs.