Top Master Degrees in Critical Care Nursing 2019

Students or working professionals who have undergraduate degrees and are interested in the next tier of study in their field often choose to pursue a graduate degree. A master’s degree is usually an indication of expertise in a particular subject.

What is a Master in Critical Care? Individuals with undergraduate nursing degrees may advance their credentials with a master’s degree in this subject. Critical care nursing typically focuses on acute and time-sensitive medical cases requiring specialized treatment. Since the type of critical care needed often depends upon the age of the patient, programs may be divided into neonatal, pediatric and adult specializations. Sometimes programs are also focused on an individual type of acute care facility.

Nurses often pursue a critical care master’s degree in order to diversify their knowledge and to better qualify for job opportunities. Nurses who graduate from this program tend to earn a higher salary than those with just a bachelor’s degree, and this degree also may serve as part of the prerequisites for entering a nursing doctoral program.

The cost, duration and requirements may vary between programs and institutions. Many programs, including those with online classes, may require that at least a portion of the student's time be spent in a clinical setting to get hands-on experience with patients.

A Master in Critical Care generally provides nurses with unique qualifications to be employed in acute care facilities such as intensive care units, emergency rooms, trauma centers, progressive care centers, and cardiac units, among others. Since there is often a shortage of critical care nurses, they are typically in high demand. Some graduates may choose to receive further training and become professors or consultants.

Nurses are commonly needed worldwide, and there may be master’s programs for critical care with at least a portion of online instruction available internationally. To learn more, search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.