A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, is a graduate program geared toward registered nurses. It can prepare them for work in education or management positions, such as nurse administrators or clinical nurse leaders, as well as for continued study at the doctorate level. At one time, the MSN was required to become an advanced practice registered nurse (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife), though many of these positions now, or are in the process of, requiring a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Students in an MSN program may study such specialty areas as acute care, adult, family, geriatrics, pediatric, or obstetrics. Since many nurses may prefer to continue practicing while earning their advanced degree, cheap MSN programs online provide them with a flexible, convenient, and affordable option to do so.