Types Of Masters Degrees In Nursing

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.

An online BSN-to-MSN appeals to nurses seeking career advancement who prefer the flexibility of an online learning format. Applicants to BSN-to-MSN programs must hold a current, valid RN license, provide proof of a bachelor of science in nursing, and meet the program’s GPA minimum. Many programs also ask for letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose. After entering the MSN program, nursing students complete coursework in their specialization and meet clinical requirements.

Nursing students in a BSN-to-MSN program take classes in advanced health assessment, patient care, and evidence-based practice. Students also choose an MSN specialization, such as midwifery, anesthesiology, or gerontology. Many MSN programs also offer tracks for nurse practitioners. Most programs require at least 200 clinical hours, with some nurse practitioner programs requiring over 600 hours.

The online learning format helps working nurses complete a degree on their schedule. Nursing students choose between part- or full-time enrollment to fit their schedule, and many programs do not require set login times to complete coursework. Online nursing students can often complete clinical requirements at their current workplace. Accelerated programs let nurses with a BSN earn their MSN within 12 months.

A growing number of nursing schools offer online ADN-to-MSN programs for nurses with an associate degree in nursing. These programs, often called RN-to-MSN programs, require a current, unencumbered RN license to gain admission. Applicants also provide proof of an ADN degree that meets the program’s minimum GPA requirement. During the application process, some ADN-to-MSN programs ask for test scores, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.

During an ADN-to-MSN program, nursing students complete curriculum and clinical requirements. Most programs begin with undergraduate-level coursework, and some grant a BSN to nursing students as they complete the MSN prerequisites. Once students enter the MSN program, they choose a specialization and complete graduate-level coursework. MSN programs also include clinical hours to build the skills required for advanced practice roles.

Students who choose an online ADN-to-MSN program often continue working as nurses while earning their degree. Online programs offer flexible options, including asynchronous classes that do not require set class meeting times, to meet the variable schedule of working nurses. Nursing students also choose between full-time, part-time, or accelerated schedules, depending on their workload and how long they want to spend in the MSN program.

Nurses with an associate of science in nursing and an RN license qualify for ASN-to-MSN programs. Most programs that offer an RN-to-MSN program admit nurses with any type of associate degree in nursing, including the ASN. The typical admission requirements for an ASN-to-MSN program include a current, unencumbered RN license, an associate degree in nursing, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some programs also require test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, or a resume.

During an ASN-to-MSN program, nursing students often begin with BSN-level coursework. In many programs, students spend a year or more completing undergraduate prerequisite requirements for the MSN. Some programs grant a BSN along the way. After meeting the MSN requirements, students choose an MSN specialization and take graduate-level courses. Programs also incorporate clinical requirements to build professional skills.

Nurses who choose an online ASN-to-MSN program often continue working while earning their degree. Many programs offer flexible schedules, including asynchronous courses with no set login times. Nursing students can choose a full- or part-time option, depending on the program. Some programs also offer accelerated options, in which nurses with an ASN complete their MSN within two years.