The Best Online RN-to-MSN Programs in 2025
Credit: BongkarnThanyakij / iStock / Getty Images PlusRegistered nurses (RNs) can increase their earning potential and clinical autonomy by earning a graduate degree. Online RN-to-MSN programs allow students to fast-track their master of science in nursing (MSN).
How do these bridge programs work? In a nutshell, you’ll complete undergraduate and graduate nursing courses, choose an MSN specialization, and further build your clinical skills.
We did the research and identified the best online RN-to-MSN programs. Explore our rankings to find the right fit for your schedule, budget, and professional goals.
The Best Online RN-to-MSN Programs in 2025
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
One of the most affordable options for Florida nurses seeking an MSN, the RN-to-MSN program at UCF also offers a flexible online format.
While UCF does not offer NP concentrations, nurses can choose from nurse educator or nursing leadership and management tracks. The school also offers a unique nursing and healthcare simulation track for those wanting to design and lead simulation programs.
Highlights:
- One of the lowest tuition rates per credit for Florida residents
- Requires 31-36 credits of graduate coursework
- Standout nursing and healthcare simulation concentration
Considerations:
- Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
- RNs must live in a nurse licensure compact state
- Out-of-state RNs pay a much higher tuition rate than in-state residents
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$22,467
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled68,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Stony Brook University’s MSN programs offer a unique enrollment option for RNs with a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field. Applicants can submit a clinical practice portfolio to meet BSN nursing competencies, allowing RNs to quickly advance their education.
After gaining admission to the MSN program, RNs can choose from seven NP specializations. Stony Brook also offers specializations in nursing education, nursing leadership, and nurse-midwifery. The school helps distance learners complete their clinical hours.
Highlights:
- Offers the greatest number of specialization options on this list
- Meet BSN competencies through portfolio review
- Tuition discount for New York residents
Considerations:
- Requires a bachelor’s in a non-nursing major
- Clinical practice portfolio requires professional development and community service
- Some on-site clinical requirements
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$26,860
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled25,865
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
The online RN-to-MSN program at Georgia State University stands out for its multiple NP tracks. RNs can specialize as adult-gerontology primary care NPs, pediatric NPs, family NPs, or psychiatric-mental health NPs.
Nursing students complete online courses with clinical site placements. In total, learners complete 54 credits with part-time and full-time enrollment options. Before entering the program, RNs need at least one year of work experience, with two years preferred.
Highlights:
- Four NP specialties offered online
- RNs can complete the MSN in as few as two years
- Tuition discount for Georgia residents
Considerations:
- Some clinical requirements must be completed at a specific location
- 1-2 years of clinical practice required
- Minimum 2.75 GPA for admission
- In-State$8,948
- Out-of-state$27,986
- In-State$7,164
- Out-of-state$22,662
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate52%
- Students Enrolled34,995
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School:
One of the fastest routes to an MSN, the RN-to-MSN program at ASU requires just 36 credits. Instead of earning a BSN as part of the program, nurses complete two bridge courses before beginning their graduate-level coursework.
Nursing students complete two practicums with the option to customize their clinical hours based on their career goals. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and nursing leadership. MSN students complete an applied project as a culminating experience.
Highlights:
- Requires only 36 credits
- Accelerated 7.5-week terms
- Flat tuition rates for both Arizona residents and non-residents
Considerations:
- Nurses do not earn a BSN as part of the program
- Requires at least 72 transfer credits
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
- In-State$10,978
- Out-of-state$13,248
- In-State$9,972
- Out-of-state$9,972
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled62,551
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
The accelerated RN-to-MSN program at the University of Alabama uses an online format to award BSN and MSN degrees with as few as 50 credits. We like the program’s affordability.
RNs with an ADN or a diploma in nursing can specialize as nurse executives. Courses in nursing informatics, strategic planning, and interdisciplinary leadership prepare nurses for career advancement.
Highlights:
- Affordable per-credit tuition rates for BSN and MSN students
- Nursing students can apply for UA Online Scholarships
- Clinical practicum of 180 hours, with optional thesis
Considerations:
- Only offers nurse executive MSN concentration
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
- Students secure site for field placement
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$32,400
- In-State$11,100
- Out-of-state$31,460
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled39,622
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
DePaul University’s RN-to-MSN program uses a fully online format to prepare nurses for career advancement. Tracks for nurse administrators, nurse educators, family nurse practitioners, and adult-gerontology nurse practitioners incorporate clinical practicums and a capstone experience.
We like that DePaul partners with fellow Chicago institution Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science to award a graduate certificate in health administration. The program admits RNs with an ADN or those with an ADN and a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field. Depending on their prior education, nurses complete the MSN in 2-4 years.
Highlights:
- Offers four tracks, including two NP tracks
- Four start dates each year
- Nursing students qualify for scholarships
Considerations:
- Not available to nurses in some states, including California and New York
- Minimum 2.75 GPA for admission
- NP tracks require 500-600 clinical hours
- In-State$42,449
- Out-of-state$42,449
- In-State$21,719
- Out-of-state$21,719
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled21,348
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mississippi
- University, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
The RN-to-MSN program at UMMC, offered through the university's medical center, provides RNs with an affordable path to the MSN degree. You’ll choose from three NP tracks, a nurse educator track, or an administrator study course. Nursing students can add a concentration in nursing education and instruction to any track aside from the nursing educator track.
Nurses in Mississippi benefit from an in-state tuition discount and training opportunities at the state’s only academic health sciences center. The program also reports high pass rates on certification exams.
Highlights:
- Five MSN tracks, including three NP options
- Can add a nursing education and instruction option
- Eligible for nursing student scholarships
Considerations:
- One year of clinical experience required for NP tracks
- The program admits students once per year
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required for admission
- In-State$9,072
- Out-of-state$26,292
- In-State$9,072
- Out-of-state$26,294
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled24,043
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Tennessee Technological University
- Cookeville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
A public, technology-focused institution, TTU offers online and on-campus programs from its campus in Cookeville, Tennessee. TTU's RN-to-MSN program offers flexible routes to multiple MSN concentrations.
Incoming RNs complete the RN-to-MSN bridge before specializing as NPs, nursing administrators, or nursing educators. The accelerated coursework allows RNs to train as an FNP in as few as 2.5 years.
Highlights:
- Two NP concentrations: family NP and psychiatric-mental health NP
- Eligible for nursing scholarships
- Can complete the program in as few as 2.5 years
Considerations:
- Requires an ADN and a bachelor’s degree
- Higher-than-average per-credit tuition rate
- Applicants submit a professional recommendation and an educational recommendation
- In-State$8,520
- Out-of-state$18,552
- In-State$10,480
- Out-of-state$19,420
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled9,902
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Sacred Heart University
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
The RN-to-MSN program at Sacred Heart University uses an accelerated format to award two CCNE-accredited degrees in as few as 3.5 years. You’ll choose from five MSN specializations, including two NP options.
Depending on your transfer credits, you can complete your BSN and MSN with as few as 51 credits. Nursing students complete clinicals in their local area. Four BSN courses also apply toward the MSN, which can save MSN students thousands of dollars in graduate tuition costs.
Highlights:
- Offers five MSN specializations, including family NP
- Transfer up to 90 credits to save time and money
- Six start dates per year
Considerations:
- Graduate tuition rate is higher for NP concentrations
- NP concentrations require a minimum 3.2 GPA
- Fastest RN-to-MSN pathway takes 3.5 years
- In-State$46,310
- Out-of-state$46,310
- In-State$34,852
- Out-of-state$34,852
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled11,179
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Montclair State University
- Montclair, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
A public institution, Montclair State University offers online nursing programs for licensed RNs in New Jersey. The Montclair RN-to-MSN program offers a flexible format for nurses to earn their MSN in nursing administration or nursing education.
Applicants enter the bridge program with deferred status for the MSN program. After completing BSN coursework, nursing students transition into MSN coursework. However, this program requires a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major to enter.
Highlights:
- Concentrations in nursing administration and nursing education
- Discounts for RNs working at partner institutions
- New graduates can complete their RN licensure requirements within the first six months
Considerations:
- Must be a licensed RN in New Jersey
- Must hold a bachelor’s in a non-nursing discipline
- No NP concentrations offered
- In-State$12,755
- Out-of-state$21,465
- In-State$13,740
- Out-of-state$13,740
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled22,570
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.
What to Look For in an Online RN-to-MSN Degree Program
When determining the best online RN-to-MSN program, it is crucial to choose the right fit. By researching factors such as admission requirements, curriculum, and accreditation, you can find the program appropriate for your academic and professional goals.
Admission Requirements
RN-to-MSN programs typically require an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a valid RN license, and clinical experience. Review each program’s specific admission requirements to make sure you qualify.
Specializations
Nursing students can specialize during MSN training. Look for programs that offer specializations that interest you. Some programs also allow RN-to-MSN students to choose a specialty after completing their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
Program Curriculum
Although many programs offer similar courses, some may offer specific electives or clinical experiences that may be different or particularly important to your academic growth. RNs should also consider whether the program grants a BSN.
Clinical Experience
Every MSN program requires practicums or clinical hours. With online master’s programs, many schools expect their students to arrange this experience on their own. (Some will help you find a clinical setting, so be sure to ask your school about their practices). It is important to make sure you can complete your clinical experience based on your school guidelines.
Accreditation
Accreditation indicates that the nursing school meets high educational standards. Unaccredited programs may limit a student’s professional and earning potential, as most employers strongly prefer — or outright require — graduates from accredited programs. It can also prevent you from transferring credits to an accredited school.
Program Length
Online RN-to-MSN programs typically take 2-4 years. However, the time it takes to complete varies depending on your enrollment status (i.e., full- vs. part-time) and other factors. Find a timeline that works for you and your situation.
School Graduation Rate
A school’s graduation rate offers insight into the institution as a whole, indicating if it can successfully prepare students for key exams and their careers beyond in a set amount of time.
NCLEX Pass Rate
New nurses can’t take care of patients and earn their licenses without first passing the NCLEX-RN. A high NCLEX pass rate indicates a nursing school provides a strong education and preparation for nurses.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Programs may offer courses synchronously (real-time lectures), asynchronously (pre-recorded lectures), or a combination of the two. They may also include in-person requirements, such as labs or clinicals. Knowing a program’s format will help you understand if it works for you and your schedule.
Why Is RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?
Accredited nursing schools meet high standards for preparing nurses, measured by faculty qualifications, exam pass rates, and curriculum. RNs should always choose an accredited nursing program to earn their master’s degree. Top nursing programs hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Attending an accredited program provides the following advantages:
- Nursing licensure and board certification require an accredited nursing degree.
- Students in unaccredited programs may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
- Accredited programs may not accept transfer credits from an unaccredited one.
- Employers prefer to hire graduates with a degree from an accredited program.
How Online RN-to-MSN Programs Work
Online RN-to-MSN programs prioritize flexibility, allowing you to complete coursework in a fully online format. Depending on the program, you may take classes synchronously or asynchronously.
Hybrid programs blend online and in-person learning, which may help you develop relationships with other nursing students and instructors. Regardless of the program, you must complete clinical experiences in person. Consider your learning style and schedule to find a good fit.
Applying to an Online RN-to-MSN Program
Before applying to an online RN-to-MSN program, your first step is to make sure you meet the application requirements. While the process and requirements vary by program, you’ll likely need the following:
- Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold an unrestricted and unencumbered RN license and have an ADN from an accredited hospital-based program. Some also require prerequisite coursework in microbiology, anatomy, chemistry, and statistics.
- Application Materials : Common admission materials include transcripts from your ADN program, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal essay.
- GPA Requirement: Many RN-to-MSN programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Paying for Online RN-to-MSN Programs
RNs can increase their earning potential with an MSN — but paying for nursing school can be expensive. However, choosing an online program can mean a lower tuition rate.
Fortunately, nurses can use financial aid to cover costs. By filling out the FAFSA, you may qualify for federal student aid and institutional aid. Applying for scholarships, grants, nursing school loan forgiveness, and more can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Employers may also offer tuition reimbursement.
What Can You Do After an RN-to-MSN Program?
With an MSN, you can move into specialized nursing roles that require a master’s degree. For example, an MSN can prepare you for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles, including as a nurse practitioner (NP).
MSN-prepared nurses also pursue career paths in nursing administration, clinical leadership, and nursing education. Many of these roles offer a higher earning potential than RN roles.
Some popular specialties after earning an RN-to-MSN include:
Nurse Practitioner
NPs can fill a wide range of roles in primary, chronic, acute, and specialty care. They use their clinical knowledge and experience to diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and other medical conditions.
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators are responsible for developing, teaching, and evaluating courses and programs that educate future nurses. They can either teach general courses or focus on specific specialization areas.
Certified Nurse-Midwife
Certified nurse-midwives provide essential services including gynecological exams, wellness education, family planning, and prenatal care. They also assist pregnant individuals during and after childbirth.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists provide specialized patient care and take on leadership responsibilities to improve patient outcomes and nursing practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
RN-to-MSN programs typically take 2-4 years for full-time students. RNs generally complete one year of BSN courses before taking MSN courses. Some MSN specialties require additional time. For example, nurse practitioners complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours, so these programs generally require 2-3 years after completing BSN requirements.
Explore Other RN and MSN Nursing Programs
RN-to-MSN Degree Overview
RN-to-MSN programs can boost career advancement and salary potential. Learn more about these nursing bridge programs in this guide.
Types of Master’s Degrees in Nursing
Earning an MSN degree is a rigorous yet rewarding achievement for nurses. Review different master’s degree programs for nursing to advance your career.
8 Popular MSN Degree Specializations
What are the best master’s in nursing specialties? Learn about popular MSN specializations, with salary and job outlook data.