Nurses with an RN license can complete their MSN in two years by enrolling in an RN-to-MSN program. Designed for nurses with an associate degree or a diploma in nursing, RN-to-MSN programs provide a fast track to advanced practice nursing careers. Applicants must meet educational requirements, typically an associate degree in nursing, and meet the program’s GPA minimum for admission. Many programs also ask for letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume, while some require test scores.
During an RN-to-MSN program, nursing students complete BSN-level coursework to qualify for the MSN program. After meeting the coursework requirements, nursing students choose an MSN specialization and take graduate-level classes in their field. MSN students must also meet clinical requirements, usually 200 clinical hours in their specialization, to build hands-on experience.
Nursing students often continue working while earning their RN-to-MSN online. Many programs offer flexible scheduling options designed for working nurses. Students can often choose between full-time, part-time, or accelerated enrollment options. The best online RN-to-MSN programs offer a variety of specialization and enrollment options to meet the needs of nursing students and train nurses for advanced practice roles.