The Best RN-to-MSN Programs Online of 2022

Registered nurses (RNs) interested in career advancement, more autonomy, and higher pay can take a more efficient route to earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) by enrolling in an RN-to-MSN program. RN-to-MSN bridge programs let candidates with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) earn both a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and an MSN in a shorter time frame.

Often available online, RN-to-MSN programs offer flexibility, convenience, and sometimes, lower tuition rates than traditional, in-person programs.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best RN-to-MSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Keep reading to learn more, or go straight to our list of the best RN-to-MSN programs.

What Can You Do With a Masters in Nursing (MSN)?

An MSN degree qualifies graduates for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles, along with positions in nurse leadership and education. An MSN curriculum usually features specialization areas, such as family nursing practice, pediatrics, and nurse midwifery.

According to PayScale data from October 2021, MSN-holders earn an average annual salary of $97,000 -- much more than the average ADN-level salary of $72,000 a year.

Three of the most lucrative, popular, and rewarding APRN careers involve caring for families, children and teens, and pregnant women.

msn Required

Family Nurse Practitioner

FNPs provide adults and children of all ages with primary and preventative care, including health assessments, education, and treatment. FNPs work in hospitals, physicians' offices, and clinics. They earn an average annual salary of $107,000 and can expect a projected 52% employment rise from 2020-30.

Salary $107,000*

Job Outlook 52% increase from 2020-2030

Learn More About Family Nurse Practitioners

msn or dnp Required

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

PNPs care for infants, children, adolescents, and teens, and often subspecialize in areas like acute care and mental health. They work on pediatric healthcare teams in physicians' offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. Their average annual salary totals $108,500, and the projected job growth rate for PNPs during 2020-30 is 52%.

Salary $108,500*

Job Outlook 52% increase from 2020-2030

Learn More About Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

msn or dnp Required

Certified Nurse Midwife

CNMs focus on maternity care, including family planning, gynecological care, delivery, and postnatal care. They may also assist with surgical procedures like cesarean sections. CNMs work in hospitals, community clinics, and birthing centers, and earn an average salary of $111,130 a year. Jobs for CNMs are projected to increase by 11% through 2030.

Salary $111,130*

Job Outlook 11% increase from 2020-2030

Learn More About Certified Nurse Midwives

*SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019 AANP National Nurse Practitioner Sample Survey

What to Look For in an Online RN to MSN Program

As you research RN-to-MSN online programs, pay attention to factors like admission criteria and curriculum details. This will help you apply to programs that align with your academic background and career goals.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements indicate your likelihood of being admitted to a program, how competitive the program is, the school's academic expectations for its RN-to-MSN online program, and the background of your potential peers.

Program Curriculum

A curriculum should fit your career goals, whether it includes a specialized track that may lead to certification, a nurse leadership position, or another objective. Course descriptions and options can also reflect an RN-to-MSN program's expectations.

Clinical Experience

If you live far from a school's campus or in an area with few healthcare providers, you may want to contact the school to see how distance learners can fulfill their clinical requirements. All students will want to consider how clinical hours may be distributed and the effect it may have on other responsibilities.

Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that a school meets objective standards for academic quality and ethical practices. Many employers and doctoral programs do not hire graduates from schools that are not accredited.

School Graduation Rate

The graduation rate demonstrates that a program's teachers are effective and its students are satisfied. While some candidates leave a program for entirely personal reasons, a high overall dropout rate can be a warning sign.

Online Learning Format and Requirements

Consider how a program's online learning format and its requirements will fit your needs and other responsibilities. Does the amount of structure work for your learning style and any current job or personal responsibilities? Would attending synchronous (real time) classes present challenges?

Why is RN to MSN Online Program Accreditation Important?

Because accreditation is important, schools and programs will proudly state their accreditation status; usually on the school or program's home page or a prominent navigation link.

Accreditation is important for both online and on-campus programs, and a lack of accreditation information can be a warning sign. Check the accrediting agencies' websites listed above to search their lists of accredited programs. Please note that all programs listed here or elsewhere on NurseJournal.org are accredited.

Some of the most important reasons students should seek accredited programs include:

• Accreditation requires regular and rigorous review of programs' academic and clinical content.
• Some schools may not accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs.
• Some graduate nursing programs may not admit applicants with degrees from unaccredited undergraduate programs.
• Many public and private funding organizations require financial aid recipients to attend accredited nursing schools.
• Graduates of accredited degree programs generally enjoy greater job prospects, and some employers prefer to hire graduates who have attended accredited programs.
• Most state nursing boards require credentials from accredited nursing programs.
• APRN certification organizations typically require a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited program.

Paying for an Online RN to MSN Programs

While students can save money by earning an RN-to-MSN online, certain factors can affect distance learners' educational costs. These include available transfer credits, additional charges like technology fees, and enrollment status. You should also determine if a program charges in-state or out-of-state tuition for online courses and whether you plan to work while earning a degree.

Candidates pursuing an RN-to-MSN online qualify for the same financial aid resources as on-campus learners. Funding sources include federal and private loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.

Financial aid is available for nursing students at all levels, in addition to specific populations like minorities and adult learners. Candidates should also explore repayment and loan forgiveness programs, along with employer reimbursement opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online RN-to-MSN Programs

How long does it take to go from RN to MSN?

While the average RN-to-MSN program spans 2-3 years, completion times depend on factors like number of transferable credits, full- or part-time enrollment, and whether a program offers accelerated options like asynchronous, self-paced learning. Students who work full time while studying or have other obligations may take longer to graduate.

Can you go straight from RN to NP?

RN-to-MSN bridge programs let ADN-holders complete a BSN and an MSN at the same time. Traditional MSN programs require a BSN for admittance, but ADN-holders with transferable credits can streamline their path to an MSN.

Can you get your MSN without a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)?

RN-to-MSN programs don't eliminate the need to earn a BSN. Instead, an RN-to-MSN bridge program combines BSN and MSN curricula, letting qualified students avoid completing a four-year BSN program before spending 2-3 additional years earning their MSN.

Do MSN get paid more than BSN?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career options available to MSN-holders, such as NP, CNM, and nurse anesthetist, pay a median annual salary of $117,670. MSNs lead to potential earnings that far outpace the median RN salary of $75,330 a year.