10 Best Online RN to MSN Programs of 2025

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. 

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 MSN specializations, such as leadership, management, or nursing informatics. The total program length may vary depending on their specialization. WGU offers three RN to MSN programs: nursing education, nursing informatics, and nursing leadership and management.

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. Students can save a substantial amount of time and money by enrolling directly in an RN to MSN program versus earning a BSN first and then an MSN. 

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. Students have two options to choose from: RN to MSN Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. 

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. Each of the four RN to MSN programs offers flexible start dates with multiple options throughout the year. This ensures maximum flexibility for students. 

The length of RN-MSN programs at William Paterson varies depending on students' chosen specialties. The shortest option is an MSN in Nursing Education, which students can complete in as little as 18 months. Conversely, WPU's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN is the longest program, at 28 months.

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. While there are numerous locations across the country,  in-person requirements must be completed at specific locations.

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 five specializations: nursing education, nursing management and executive leadership, clinical nurse leadership, FNP, and PMHNP. The program length will depend on a student's prior education and desired specialty. Students enrolled in the NP specializations will be required to attend in-person, on-campus residencies during the MSN portion of the program. In response to the ongoing need for BSN and MSN-trained nurses, SHU has decreased its tuition rate over recent years, making its programs even more affordable. 

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. Students can choose from the nursing education, nursing informatics, and nursing administrative leadership tracks. 

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, nursing leadership and management, and nursing informatics.

Herzing University offers nine online RN-MSN specializations; each concentration includes in-person clinicals, and the university guarantees clinical placement.

Herzing offers flexible scheduling of classes and coursework, allowing for maximum flexibility for students. Additionally, online students have access to all the services offered to traditional in-person students, including academic advising, technical support, and library services. There are also rolling admissions with no application deadlines, which allows students to apply when they are ready and get started as soon as they are ready.