Masters Degree

Hi everyone. I am new here, but I read some threads before.
I need to ask those who have any idea about the differences of Masters of Arts in Nursing and Masters of Science in Nursing. I have seen some programs and it is like kind of the same in a way that both offer specializations in administration and clinical. So is/are there a difference/s at all?
Another is, does the school really matter? As in really matter..like is it the same weight with making a decision of taking MAN or MSN..? I know there are a lot of threads regarding these but I still do not have my answers. Please enlighten me with this one. Thank you so much. Last edit by sirI on Jan 12, '12
The school/degree/specialization definitely makes a difference at the graduate level, because for nursing, that is the 'entry level' for specialty education since all pre-licensure education is pretty much geared toward turning out generalists who can pass NCLEX. APN status is limited to very specific types of educational programs, and all of them include clinical practice requirements. There are some very shady 'masters' programs out there right now - due to the proliferation of new online (quick fix) solutions for nurses looking to escape the bedside. Issues with these new programs are just beginning to surface; OHSU recently suspended enrollment due to problems they uncovered.I certainly don't know all the in's and out's of "A versus S", but I believe that most MA pgms are lacking clinical focus areas/practicum. Very limited value in the workplace.