How Does an ASN-to-MSN Program Work?
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An associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree is similar to an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Both prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become a registered nurse (RN).
However, an ASN focuses on foundational clinical skills and knowledge, preparing nurses for entry-level nursing positions. Some nurses choose to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), which involves coursework in leadership, management, and research, or a master of science in nursing (MSN) which covers advanced nursing and specialized courses
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (ANCC), there is a national movement for master’s-prepared nurses to drive healthcare reform and provide more effective care for patients with complex conditions.
If you’re an ASN-prepared nurse looking to take the leap, an ASN-to-MSN program is a great option. This expedited nursing bridge program allows for a faster route to completing an MSN in 2-3 years and gives you the knowledge to work in new fields and capacities.
Learn more about an ASN-to-MSN program and an MSN career outlook for prospective students.
Learn More About Herzing University’s RN-to-MSN Program
MSN vs. ASN Nursing Degrees: What’s the Difference?
Both MSN and ASN degree programs cover clinical skills, patient care, nursing concepts, and theory.
Both programs also include clinical experiences where students work with patients of all ages. Nursing students must complete a certain number of clinical hours before graduating.
An ASN program is an undergraduate degree that prepares individuals to become nurses, while an MSN is a graduate-level program offering advanced classes in nursing.
A BSN degree is required to apply to a traditional MSN training program. An MSN allows nurses to choose a specialty that interests them, and it prepares them to sit for the national board exams in that specialty.
Associate of Science in Nursing Degree: Overview
An ASN is a two-year entry-level nursing program usually offered at hospitals and other healthcare facilities, community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools. It can also be the first step for students interested in becoming RNs.
An ASN graduate can pursue opportunities in many healthcare facilities, especially in direct patient care. According to ZipRecruiter, an ASN-prepared registered nurse can expect an annual salary of $97,201.
- Years to Become: 2-3 years
- Typical Roles: direct patient care, care coordinator, nurse educator
- Average Salary: $97,201
- Average Program Cost:$23,900 to $66,320
Master of Science in Nursing Degree: Overview
An MSN is an advanced nursing degree for nurses interested in a specialty. Nurses decide to pursue an MSN because they are interested in more job opportunities, higher salaries, and changing roles that require a master’s degree.
MSN-prepared nurses can decide to pursue their education in management, education, and nursing informatics, or become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners (NPs).
MSN programs typically include a combination of foundational courses that all students must take and specialized courses tailored to their chosen track.
Foundational classes include:
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Advanced pharmacology
- Advanced health assessment
- Healthcare policy
- Ethics
- Leadership and Management
- Project management
- Nursing research and evidence-based practice
Specialty coursework depends on the degree path. For example, a nurse who wants to be an advanced practice nurse in an emergency room will take additional courses that focus on acute care and complex health conditions. In contrast, those getting an MSN with an emphasis in education will take courses on curriculum development and teaching strategies.
- Years to Become: 2-3 years
- Typical Roles: Direct patient care, care coordinator, nurse educator, nurse manager, nurse director, NP, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), nurse informaticist
- Average Salary:$128,490 for NPs, varies by specialty
- Average Program Cost:$33,150
MSN vs. ASN: Scope of Practice Differences
Since an MSN is an advanced degree, the scope of practice for an MSN-prepared nurse varies greatly from that of an ASN-prepared nurse.
Nurses who obtain their master’s can look forward to advancing their careers with leadership and research roles. Depending on the state’s practice authority, they can also care for patients without the supervision of a medical doctor as an advanced practice nurse.
An ASN-prepared nurse has the knowledge and skills to care for and treat patients. Year after year, nurses are considered the most trusted healthcare profession. Therefore, ASN-prepared nurses play an important role in caring for and educating patients on their own health and care.
Although ASNs remain employable, many hospitals are moving away from hiring nurses with associate degrees, preferring candidates with a BSN or, increasingly, an MSN.
When hospitals do hire associate-level nurses, some may want them to enroll in bridge programs, such as an ASN-to-MSN program, soon after hire.
| Comparison | ADN | MSN |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of practice |
|
|
| Common jobs |
|
|
| Average Salary | $97,201 | $128,490 |
ASN-to-MSN Programs: The Details
An ASN-to-MSN is designed for licensed ASN nurses who want to obtain a dual degree: the BSN and MSN. These programs are not for students who have non-nursing degrees.
ASN-to-MSN Nursing Program Requirements
Here are the requirements potential applicants may expect to see:
Admission Materials
Applicants must hold an ASN or ADN from an accredited nursing program and have a valid and unrestricted RN license.
Some programs require clinical and nursing experience, specific practical/clinical hours, or an equivalency exam. Applicants may need to submit a personal statement and participate in in-person or remote interviews.
GPA Requirement
Most nursing programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Other Requirements
Some programs require prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, nutrition, chemistry, or other fields.
Nursing schools require applicants to fulfill health and safety compliance protocols that often include a drug test, a criminal background check, a physical exam, and immunizations.
Am I a Good Candidate for an ASN-to-MSN Program?
To be eligible for an ASN-to-MSN program, you must be a registered nurse with a valid nursing license. Candidates are encouraged to inquire about offered specialization options.
Since bridge programs are designed for a faster pace curriculum, knowing if you can balance workload with required course load and clinical hours is important.
A good candidate for an ASN-to-MSN program is someone ready to advance in their career. Prospective students are attracted to the job opportunities an MSN offers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for master’s-prepared nurses is projected to grow 38% from 2022-2032.
How Does an ASN-to-MSN Program Work?
An ASN-to-MSN program can be offered in a variety of ways. Programs may have deadlines or rolling admissions.
Prospective students may take classes in person or completely online. Other students may prefer to take hybrid classes, which include in-person and online classes.
An ASN-to-MSN student may find it more convenient to take online classes because they already have nursing knowledge. They may prefer an online program’s flexibility and convenience due to their work schedule.
Clinicals are offered in person and may have online simulation courses set by state requirements for nursing programs.
Programs may offer clinical placement. However, some programs may require you to find your own clinical placement.
Learn More About Herzing University’s RN-to-MSN Program
ASN-to-MSN Programs: Career Outlook for Graduates
The career outlook for MSN-prepared nurses is promising. Advanced degree nurses can look forward to career advancement and salary growth opportunities.
The average salary for an ASN-prepared nurse is $97,201; however, an MSN-prepared nurse can expect to make an average of $128,490 as an NP.
According to the ANCC, advanced degree nurses are commanding six-figure salaries. They are leading healthcare systems as chief nursing officers (CNOs) and are managing health clinics. Master’s-prepared nurses have a variety of trained positions options; many are in research or teaching as well as direct patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions About ASN-to-MSN Programs
An ASN-to-MSN bridge program is designed for licensed associate degree nurses who want to obtain their BSN and fast-track their way to obtaining an MSN. These programs are not for second-degree students who have non-nursing degrees.
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