Anyone involved in healthcare, and some of those who are not, understand the dire situation of a nursing shortage across the globe. A recent study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened this reality, noting that 100,000 U.S. nurses left the workforce in the midst of the pandemic. By 2027, nearly 900,000 registered nurses (RNs), representing one-fifth of 4.5 million total RNs, intend to leave the nursing field.
Some areas with significant need for nurses include certain specialty areas of nursing, including the school nursing field. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), school nurses protect the health of some 40% of children and teens in the U.S. who have one chronic health condition like asthma, diabetes, seizures, food allergies or poor oral health. They not only help students stay healthy and safe but also save communities and individuals money: for every dollar spent on school nurses, society saves $2.20.
While many areas across the U.S. are in significant need of more school nurses, the state of Pennsylvania stands out. Nurses with advanced degrees and specialized skills in school nursing are critical to addressing this need.
What Is the State of School Nursing in Pennsylvania?
The recent State of Education Report released by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) highlights a significant statistic: 46.5% of Pennsylvania school districts grapple with a shortage of school nurses. This means many students aren’t receiving the timely and necessary provision and coordination of medical care and guidance they deserve within their educational institutions.
According to the CDC, the impacts of this shortage ripple out, affecting student academic performance, emotional well-being and overall health. Given the rising demand for qualified school nurses, institutions of higher learning are stepping up to help bridge this gap.
How Will an MSN in School Nursing Help Prepare Me to Be a School Nurse?
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is not just an advanced degree. It’s a ticket to playing a pivotal role in addressing the dire need for school nurses in Pennsylvania. As the state grapples with this crisis, nurses equipped with an MSN in School Nursing are uniquely poised to make a difference. An advanced degree in this space provides rigorous training, focusing on both theory and practical application and ensuring its graduates can take on the multifaceted role of a school nurse.
Millersville University’s online MSN – School Nursing program is one such avenue for nurses to amplify their skills. This program is meticulously designed to prepare degree candidates for the Pennsylvania Department of Education PK-12 School Nurse Certification.
What Is Unique About Millersville University’s Online MSN in School Nursing?
No two MSN programs are the same. Each offers its unique approach to school nursing and the broader landscape of nursing in general. Millersville University’s online MSN in School Nursing is unique for several reasons:
- Online flexibility: For working nurses, finding the time to advance their education can be a challenge. Millersville’s online model addresses this by offering a convenient and flexible way to pursue higher education, allowing nurses to expedite degree completion without sacrificing their current professional obligations.
- Practical experience: Despite being an online program, Millersville places a strong emphasis on in-person practicums. These practical sessions provide hands-on experience, crucial for bridging the gap between nursing theory and real-world nursing practice. Program faculty support student efforts to earn a practicum placement in one of their preferred school districts.
- Interdisciplinary approach: Millersville’s curriculum dives deep into the intersection of nursing theory, nursing practice, and the field of education. This holistic approach ensures graduates are positioned to understand and address the physical and emotional needs of students.
- Specialized learning outcomes: One of the standout features of Millersville’s program is its commitment to catering to diverse learners. Degree candidates learn to identify accommodations and adaptations for the special health needs of diverse learners. Furthermore, they develop the skills to create individualized health plans, ensuring every student receives care tailored to their unique needs.
- Alignment with certification: The online MSN – School Nursing program curriculum includes the four courses required for the Pennsylvania Department of Education PK-12 School Nurse Certification.
Why an MSN Rather Than a BSN?
It is important to note that to practice as a school nurse, RNs need to have — at a minimum — a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), preferably, or a BS or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in a related field like Health or Psychology. While many nurses can find employment with a BSN, an advanced degree like an MSN makes them even more valuable.
According to Indeed, school nurses can elevate their career opportunities with an MSN and find benefits such as enhanced job opportunities and higher earning potential to a broader skill set and increased credibility. For example, while school nurses earn an average annual salary of $67,035, those with a higher level of education and experience can earn over $101,000 a year, according to December 2023 data from ZipRecruiter.
As schools increasingly recognize the value of having highly educated and skilled nurses on staff, the MSN degree becomes an invaluable asset in ensuring the health and well-being of the student population.
Might Your Calling Be in the School Nurse Arena?
The shortage of school nurses in Pennsylvania is a pressing issue that affects students, educators and the broader community. Millersville University’s online MSN – School Nursing is a beacon of hope in this landscape, providing a robust and flexible path for nurses to elevate their careers and make a lasting impact on Pennsylvania’s educational health landscape.
By investing in advanced education, nurses not only enhance their professional trajectories but also become part of the solution to a nationwide crisis. The future of school nursing in Pennsylvania looks promising, especially with programs like Millersville’s leading the way.
Learn more about Millersville University’s online MSN – School Nursing program.
