10 Best Online RN to MSN Programs
Online RN to MSN programs are an excellent option for working nurses seeking to advance their education. Graduates can become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) or non-clinical specialists like educators and administrators.
With several ways to earn an RN to MSN degree online, choosing the right program can be stressful. So, we've curated a list of the ten best online RN to MSN programs nationwide. Read on to learn more about these programs, including tuition prices, program length, degree options, and more.
What Are Online RN to MSN Programs?
RN to MSN programs are for registered nurses (RNs) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Also called ADN to MSN online programs, these courses bridge associate's and master's nursing education.
Although students will cover the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum, they will not earn a BSN. Instead, they'll continue directly into the MSN program.
After completing their accredited RN to MSN program online, students will be eligible to sit for their APRN boards and certification or start another advanced career.
Top Online RN to MSN Programs
Every online RN-to-MSN program has benefits and features. This list includes the top online MSN bridge programs for ADN nurses.
Our ranking methodology considered the following factors:
- Accessibility and affordability
- Accreditation
- Program length
- The program’s educational preparation
- Admission requirements
- Additional accolades that the program has received
Gonzaga University is one of several RN to MSN online schools offering a non-clinical MSN. Students in this program earn a Master of Nursing Leadership in Healthcare in just nine semesters.
Courses are entirely online, except for clinical rotations and a two-day on-campus immersion. Students must complete 45 MSN credits and 135 clinical hours for the bridge program. They'll complete an additional 180 clinical hours for the MSN in leadership.
- Location: Spokane, WA
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (866) 380-5323
- Email: gradadmissions@gonzaga.edu
WGU's online RN to MSN nursing education program prepares students to teach the next generation of nurses. While nursing education is currently the most popular concentration, students have other options.
After completing the BSN courses, they may choose other MSN specializations, such as leadership, management, or nursing informatics.
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (801) 274-3280
>> Explore WGU’s Online MSN Program*
Wilkes offers three RN to MSN online programs for ADN nurses interested in becoming nurse practitioners (NPs). Students can choose between family, adult-gerontology primary care, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner concentrations.
The program is entirely online, but students must complete clinicals and residencies in person at a pre-approved clinical site.
- Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (888) 413-5633
- Email: admissions@onlinenursingdegrees.wilkes.edu
>> Explore Wilke’s University’s Online MSN Program
Baker University offers a nursing education and nursing leadership online RN to MSN program. Although the program is remarkably cheap, it still provides a high-quality education. Baker's curriculum eliminates repetitive coursework, allowing students to graduate faster than other programs.
The same faculty that teaches BU's traditional MSN program also teaches the online ADN to MSN courses. Classes begin in January and August, and students can complete coursework from anywhere in the country.
- Location: Topeka, KS
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (785) 354-5873
- Email: marlene.eicher@bakerU.edu
ADN-RNs interested in earning an MSN will find William Paterson University an exceptional, affordable, and fast-paced program. WPU offers nursing administration, education, and family and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner concentrations. Students attend 100% online courses except for their in-person clinical rotations.
- Location: Wayne, NJ
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (888) 360-5358
6. South University*
South University offers several RN to MSN online programs in various specializations. Students can choose between Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Informatics, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administration, and Nursing Education.
While most of these programs are entirely online, each has a few on-campus components. Fortunately, South University has numerous campuses, making the in-person requirements more accessible to non-local students.
- Location: Richmond, VA
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (855) 884-2408
>> Explore South University’s Online MSN Program
Sacred Heart stands out among other RN to MSN online programs because students can earn two degrees. Unlike other MSN bridge programs, students at SHU can also earn a BSN. Four courses from the BSN apply to the MSN, and the university will accept up to 90 transfer credits.
Students can choose from three specializations: nursing education, management and executive leadership, and clinical nurse leadership.
- Location: Fairfield, CT
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (877) 791-7181
>> Explore Sacred Heart University’s Online MSN Program*
The nursing education online ADN to MSN bridge at NSU combines online coursework with in-person clinicals. By pursuing Northeastern State's RN-MSN instead of first earning a BSN, students can save 19-24 credit hours.
The RN to MSN bridge program at NSU requires 41-47 credit hours. The program includes 9-15 hours of RN to BSN coursework, 20 hours of MSN core classes, and 12 hours of MSN in nursing education credits.
- Location: Tahlequah, OK
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (844) 351-6656
The University of Maryland offers one of the top nursing programs in the country. Its RN to MSN online program is equally noteworthy and worth considering for prospective students. The university also offers specializations in community/public health, health services and leadership management, and nursing informatics.
Online RN to MSN students can attend the program full or part-time, and the coursework is mostly online. However, they must take some courses in person at the Universities at Shady Grove.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (410) 706-0501
- Email: admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu
10. Herzing University*
Herzing University offers eight online RN-MSN specializations; each concentration includes in-person clinicals, and the university guarantees clinical placement.
Specializations:
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
Additional Information:
- Location: Multiple locations
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (800) 596 - 0724
>> Explore Herzing University’s Online MSN Program
About Online RN to MSN Programs
How Do Online RN to MSN Programs Work?
RN to MSN online programs allow nurses to bypass earning a BSN before an MSN. These programs offer several specialization options, including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, nursing informatics, and more.
You'll attend ADN to MSN bridge classes in a specific sequence, beginning with bridging your bachelor's education. Then, you'll complete MSN core coursework and specialization classes.
While most coursework is online, RN to MSN programs include clinical experiences, which will vary depending on the specialization. The number of hours will also vary. Additionally, some programs and specializations require in-person campus competencies.
What Are the Prerequisites for RN to MSN Online Programs?
Prerequisites will vary for each program, but most programs will require the following:
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- ADN from an accredited program
- Application fee
- Background check
- Physical requirements
- Personal interview
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 in coursework
- All transcripts
How Long Are RN to MSN Online Programs?
On average, it takes two to four years to go from RN to MSN online. However, program length will depend on the school, specialization, previous education, and full or part-time student status.
Some universities accept transfer credits or award credits based on bedside experience, but this does vary. Consider speaking with an admissions counselor and program representative to determine the exact program timeline during the application process.
What Are Accelerated RN to MSN Programs?
Accelerated paths are the shortest RN to MSN online programs. They allow ADN-trained RNs to take courses related to a graduate degree directly. These programs enable RNs to pursue APRN and non-clinical MSN degrees on an accelerated timeline.
Pros & Cons of Online RN to MSN Programs
Pros
- Affordability
- Flexibility
- Convenience
- Increased access to programs
- Increased autonomy
- Self-paced learning
- Diverse course offerings
- Access to online digital resources
Cons
- Lack of face-to-face interaction
- Familiarity with online learning platforms and technology
- Self-discipline
- Reduced interaction with faculty
- Finding clinical placements
- Intensity and program expectations
Is an RN to MSN Online Program Right for You?
Whether an RN-to-MSN program is a good idea depends on your goals and limitations. Each program has different tuition costs, lengths, specializations, and prerequisites, so finding the right program varies from person to person.
If you're debating between programs, seeking an admissions counselor or program representative can help you determine which is best for you.
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