What does a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) make possible after the clinical hours are completed and the degree is conferred?
For many nursing professionals, the true value of an MSN isn’t found just in a new title or a higher salary band. Instead, it is revealed in the transition from practitioner to educator, the ability to mentor the next generation of clinicians, and the fulfillment of a lifelong calling to service. A graduate nursing education reshapes how professionals lead, teaching them to bridge the gap between complex clinical practice and academic excellence.
That long-term impact is reflected in the careers of Dr. Tony Macaraeg, DNP, PMHNRN-BC, CHEP, PHN and Hernani L. Ledesma Jr., MSN, both graduates of Mount Saint Mary’s University’s MSN program. Today, both alumni serve as Assistant Professors, carrying the values and rigorous training of the Mount into the classrooms of future nurses.
One of the most significant shifts for an MSN student is moving beyond "bedside" care to understand the pedagogy of nursing. The ability to teach others requires a different set of tools — ones rooted in curriculum design, leadership theory, and evidence-based practice.
For Hernani Ledesma Jr., the MSN program at the Mount offered a direct line to expertise. “The education track in the Master of Science in Nursing program at the Mount provides a unique experience to learn under the tutelage of experts in the field,” they shared. “Our professors are master educators in their respective content areas. Of course, this translated to our future growth and development.”
Graduate nursing programs like MSMU’s don’t just provide theory; they provide a blueprint for professional evolution. As Hernani noted, “The foundational knowledge we received in the MSN program aptly prepared us to be effective educators.”
A hallmark of a quality MSN program is the practicum; the bridge where classroom learning meets real-world application. For many graduates, these experiences are where a "job" officially transforms into a "vocation."
Dr. Tony Macaraeg found that his time at the Mount was instrumental in paving his specific path. “The Mount's MSN program was instrumental in sculpting my path to success. Not only did it provide me with a rigorous academic foundation, but it also opened doors for invaluable hands-on experiences,” he stated. “The program didn't just prepare me for my dream job here at the Mount; it prepared me for a vocation, a calling, and a lifelong journey in nursing education.”
This sentiment is echoed by Hernani, who highlighted the dual-nature of the MSN curriculum. “The practicum portion of the MSN curriculum provides the opportunity to live the experience of an educator in the clinical and academic worlds. This unique experience of both perspectives gave me a deeper understanding of the educator's role. These led to employment prospects soon after graduation.”
While the technical skills gained in a graduate program are essential, the most lasting impact is often the emotional and spiritual fulfillment that comes from nursing leadership.
For Dr. Macaraeg, that fulfillment was solidified in a single moment with a student. “After a particularly challenging lecture, a student approached me, eyes glistening with determination, saying, 'Thank you, Mr. Mac, for making a difference in my learning. I want to be a nurse because of you.' In that instant, I recognized the profound impact an educator could make.”
For Hernani, nursing has always been an extension of a life of service. “I started searching for what types of occupations were geared toward a life of service, ultimately leading me to nursing... There is a portion of nursing that answers my question, ‘Why am I here?’”
An MSN with an education track provides the pedagogical foundation, curriculum development skills, and clinical practicum hours necessary to transition from a Registered Nurse to a nurse educator in academic or hospital settings.
Programs that emphasize hands-on practicums allow students to experience the educator's role in real-time, making them more competitive for leadership and faculty positions immediately upon graduation.
While RNs focus on direct patient care, MSN-level professionals often take on roles in leadership, administration, and education, influencing healthcare outcomes at a systemic level.
A Master of Science in Nursing from Mount Saint Mary’s University prepares you to lead with purpose and expertise. For graduates like Dr. Macaraeg and Hernani Ledesma Jr., the MSN was the key to unlocking a career that serves both the community and the next generation of healthcare providers.
Dr. Macaraeg encourages prospective students to lean on those around them. “The faculty are reservoirs of profound knowledge and expertise; seek their guidance and absorb their insights... Both these resources — faculty and peers — are invaluable assets to your academic journey.”
Hernani offers a final word of encouragement: “Be open to receive the chance to realize your dreams!”
Discover how a Master’s in Nursing prepares you to elevate patient care and advance your career.