Top 6-Month Online MSN Programs

2 Min Read Published September 26, 2025
Top 6-Month Online MSN Programs
Top 6-Month Online MSN Programs

Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) usually takes one to four years, but Chamberlain University offers a unique accelerated 6-month MSN program. 

Read on to learn more about Chamberlain University and its 6-month MSN program, including tuition, accreditation, admission requirements, and more!

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Are There 6-Month Online MSN Programs?

Currently, Chamberlain University is the only institution offering an accredited six-month MSN program. To complete the program at an accelerated rate, students must take a minimum of three courses per semester. 

Tuition
$30,180 - $30,780
Program Length
6 months (30 credit hours)
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

Why We Picked This School

Chamberlain currently offers the only six-month MSN program in the country. Students can choose from several specialities, including Healthcare Policy, Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics, and Population Health. Tuition is already relatively low, but Chamberlain offers various scholarships to reduce the total cost further.

Program Highlights

  • Practicum Commitment: Chamberlain guarantees practicum placement with a qualified preceptor. 
  • Community & Support: Chamberlain has over 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni.
  • Immersion Skills Event: Held during the Advanced Physical Assessment course in the Chicago location. 

Requirements

  • At least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Current, active, and unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the NCSBN

Program Information

  • Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (877) 751-5783
  • Specialties Offered: MSN - Healthcare Policy, Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics, Population Health

>> Explore Chamberlain University's Online MSN Programs*


What to Expect in a 6-Month MSN Program

Expect Chamberlain’s 6-month online MSN program to be an intense experience. Before enrolling, keep in mind that once students are accepted into the accelerated MSN program, they may not transfer into Chamberlain’s traditional MSN. 

The university designed this accelerated program so students can complete it in just half a year. Students must take at least three courses per semester to meet the rigorous standards set by the course. The fast-paced program follows a specific progression plan, which means students must pass each course to continue.

Additionally, accelerated online MSN programs are typically more expensive than traditional MSN programs because of the nature of the program.


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MSN
Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education:
MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans
BSN - Villanova University
BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise:
Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

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