The Best ADN-to-MSN Programs for 2026
- Best ADN-to-MSN Programs
- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- Applying to Bridge Programs
- Program Costs
- Career Outlook
- FAQ
Bridge programs help registered nurses (RN) expand their clinical knowledge and increase their earning potential.
If you earned an associate degree in nursing (ADN) while earning your RN license, you may be ready to take on new roles and responsibilities.
While the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree is typically the next step forward for ADN-trained RNs, some nursing education programs allow qualified nurses with an ADN to pursue their master of science in nursing (MSN) graduate degree. The MSN can prepare nurses for new career paths, including as a nurse practitioner (NP), nurse educator, or nurse manager.
RNs who want to earn a master’s degree can speed up the process with an ADN-to-MSN bridge program. These programs let you earn an MSN without completing a separate BSN program. Our ranking introduces the best ADN-to-MSN programs so you can find an option that works for you as you move from RN to NP.
The Best ADN-to-MSN Programs
Elmhurst University – Best for Students Seeking Roles in Nurse Leadership
- Elmhurst, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Three Specialization Options
Elmhurst University’s RN-to-MSN program prepares licensed registered nurses to step into nursing leadership roles. Students can choose from three tracks: nurse educator, clinical nurse leader, and nurse administrator.
In the first year of your MSN curriculum, you’ll complete core courses in theories and research in clinical nursing, healthcare systems, and management of clinical outcomes. In your second year, you’ll complete five to six courses based on your chosen specialty.
Program Highlights:
- 8-week, intensive, evening courses
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Hands-on practical experience at our state-of-the-art Simulation Center
Good to Know:
- One application deadline for fall admission
- Requires a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, an ADN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and one year of full-time nursing experience or equivalent in the last two years
- Tuition costs $920 per credit hour, but you may qualify for a special partnership rate.
49%
$33,667
80%
$33,667
- Acceptance Rate
- 74%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,954
- Institution Type
- Private
Fairleigh Dickinson University – Best for Advanced Practice and Seamless DNP Transition
- Madison, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Educational Pathways That Make Advancing Seamless for RNs
FDU’s RN-to-MSN program offers a seamless pathway for licensed RNs to transition from ADN-level practice to DNP-level advanced practice. Students who earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their BSN coursework are automatically admitted to the MSN program. Students can apply credits from two core MSN courses to their DNP.
First, you’ll complete at least 30 credits of BSN coursework. Then, you’ll move into MSN coursework, which includes 43 credits and allows you to specialize as a FNP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, women’s health NP, or psychiatric mental health NP.
Other Highlights:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Part-time, fully online synchronous and asynchronous classes
- Spring, summer, and fall start dates with rolling admissions
Good to Know:
- Minimum 2.8 GPA, inclusive of all college transcripts
- BSN or alternate bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, a New Jersey RN license, an accredited ADN degree, and a resume are required for admission.
- Tuition costs $1,284 per credit.
28%
$23,322
77%
$23,322
- Acceptance Rate
- 95%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,778
- Institution Type
- Private
Montclair State University – Best Tuition Discount for Working Nurses
- Montclair, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: 20% Discount to Eligible RNs Who Work at Partner Medical Facilities
Montclair’s RN-to-MSN program offers a 20% tuition discount to enrolled eligible employees of Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, and St. Joseph’s University Medical Center.
The program features a pathway for licensed RNs with a bachelor's degree in another field to get their MSN. Students must take four undergraduate courses in information technology, evidenced-based practice, leadership, and population and global health before advancing to the MSN program.
In the MSN program, students take four core courses and choose a concentration. The nursing education specialization prepares students to become an instructor in academic or clinical settings, while the nursing administration option prepares them for leadership roles in primary and acute care settings.
Other Highlights:
- If you earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in your non-nursing baccalaureate degree program, you may take up to two graduate-level courses from the MSN core while completing bridge requirements, with permission from the program director.
- New ADN graduates can apply as long as they’re eligible for an RN license and pass the NCLEX-RN within six months.
Good to Know:
- Tuition costs $763 per credit.
- The statistics course must be completed no more than five years before you start your MSN courses.
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate studies.
56%
$14,562
78%
$14,562
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,375
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Choose Schools
At NurseJournal.org, we use a data-driven methodology to identify deserving nursing programs around the country, making it easy for you to find a program that meets your needs. Our lists are informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that evaluates data for accuracy.
Each school in this list is awarded a superlative based on metrics that we believe matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, career outcomes, accessibility, inclusivity, and individual program offerings, among other factors. Since many programs share similar offerings, our goal is to simplify your decision-making by highlighting features that are most relevant to your needs. We reserve the right to exclude schools that lack sufficient data for accurate calculations.
All data was verified in November 2025.
Using Our Rankings: What To Look for in an Online ADN-to-MSN Program
The right online ADN-to-MSN program fits your schedule, budget, and professional goals. When researching programs, factors, such as prerequisites, curriculum, accreditation, and length, can help you narrow your options. Here’s what to look for during your research.
Admission Requirements
Each program sets its own prerequisites and admission requirements. Does the program admit RNs with a nursing diploma? Are there clinical experience requirements? Review the admission requirements to make sure the program matches your experience.
Specializations
MSN programs offer several specializations, including focuses on nurse leadership, education, management, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and RN to NP pathways. Choose a program that offers concentrations in your focus area or in multiple areas if you’re undecided.
Program Curriculum
Reviewing course requirements, clinical components, and the program curriculum can ensure that the program matches your interests and career goals.
Clinical Experience
MSN-prepared nurses complete different clinical requirements depending on their focus. NPs, for example, need a minimum of 500 clinical hours. Learn whether the program arranges clinical placements or if that responsibility falls on students.
Accreditation
Accreditation indicates that a program successfully prepares students for a career in nursing. Most employers only hire graduates from accredited programs, and you need an accredited nursing degree to qualify for professional certification and licensure.
Program Length
Completing an ADN-to-MSN bridge program can take 24-36 months of full-time study. However, graduation timelines may vary according to the student’s enrollment status and the program’s structure. For example, NP MSN programs typically take longer.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
While applicants of ADN-to-MSN bridge programs have already passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the school’s pass rate indicates its ability to prepare students.
School Graduation Rate
A school’s graduation rate demonstrates the percentage of students who complete their program on time. A low graduation rate may indicate a lack of academic support or a poorly organized program.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online programs often provide more flexibility than in-person ones by offering synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous formats. Other programs may provide a hybrid option of online and in-person courses. The best format depends on your needs and preferred learning style.
Why Is Online ADN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing school accreditation recognizes programs that meet quality standards. Nursing programs, including MSN and bridge programs, must apply for accreditation and complete a rigorous peer-review process that can last several years. Accredited nursing programs follow specific guidelines on clinical hours, faculty qualifications, and NCLEX pass rates.
Accrediting agencies, including the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the (CCNE), only accredit programs that follow the best practices for educating nurses. All the programs in our ranking hold accreditation.
How Online ADN-to-MSN Bridge Programs Work
ADN-to-MSN bridge programs include both BSN and MSN coursework, allowing students to graduate sooner than if they had completed the programs separately. However, the format, structure, and requirements vary by program. For example, some programs may require students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
Online ADN-to-MSN bridge programs use several formats. In a fully online program, you typically complete courses in a virtual learning environment while meeting clinical requirements in your local area. Some programs use a hybrid format that requires in-person learning. Online classes may use live video conferencing tools or let students watch recorded lectures and complete requirements on their own schedule.
Applying to an Online ADN-to-MSN Program
You need to meet the admission requirements before applying to an online ADN-to-MSN program. Typically, applicants must have an ADN degree and an RN license.
Admission Materials
Although requirements vary by program, applicants generally submit an official transcript showing an ADN from an accredited nursing program and a current RN license. Programs also often require a resume, essay, and letters of recommendation.
GPA Requirement
Many programs set a minimum 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission. Some admit students with a lower GPA on a provisional status. In addition, programs may require a minimum GPA on nursing prerequisites.
Other Requirement
Additional requirements vary. Programs may require or recommend clinical experience as an RN. International applicants typically need to pass an English proficiency test.
Paying for Your Online ADN-to-MSN program
Holding an MSN can boost your earning potential, but you still need to pay for nursing school to earn the degree. An online format can help you save on tuition, living expenses, and transportation fees. You can also use financial aid to lower costs.
Nursing students can benefit from many scholarships and grants. Some healthcare employers also provide tuition assistance programs for nurses advancing their education.
By choosing an accredited institution, you can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive federal, state, or institutional aid. Prioritize scholarships and grants, which do not require repayment, over loans that you need to repay. However, if you borrow loans, you may qualify for nurse loan forgiveness programs offered by your state. Your chosen nursing program is the best resource for learning more about financial aid options in your area.
What Can You Do with an ADN or MSN Degree?
An MSN prepares nurses for careers as NPs, nurse administrators, and nurse educators. These roles offer a significantly higher earning potential than ADN jobs. Similarly, a growing number of healthcare employers prefer to hire nurses with a BSN or higher.
Nurses with an ADN report an average base salary of $80,000 per year, according to October 2025 Payscale data. In contrast, nurses with an MSN earn an average base salary of $109,000 per year, according to Payscale.
MSN-prepared nurses also benefit from greater autonomy. Depending on their training, nurses with an MSN can educate RNs on evidence-based patient care, implement new nursing processes, and provide primary care to patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can enroll in an ADN-to-MSN bridge program to go from an ADN to an MSN. Many students use these programs to move from RN to NP. These programs incorporate BSN and MSN coursework to build clinical knowledge and expertise while shortening the education timeline.
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