Online RN to MSN Programs: Find the School for You
If you’re a registered nurse without a bachelor’s degree interested in advancing your career into a leadership role, then an online RN to MSN program may be right for you. These programs allow you to build on your professional experience and fast-track directly to an MSN. This guide will introduce you to today’s best online RN to MSN programs, with information on program content, costs, lengths, admission requirements, and more.
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Before You Start
Before committing to any RN to MSN bridge program, it is imperative that you gain a clear understanding of your finances, personal obligations, and career goals. To ensure that you are prepared to take the next steps, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Is there a required in-person clinical experience, and can I complete it in my local area?
- Am I self-motivated and disciplined enough to complete online course requirements independently?
- What clinical area am I most interested in specializing in (family practice, pediatrics, mental health, etc.)?
- What specific role do I want to pursue with an MSN?
- Do I currently hold an active, unencumbered RN license?
How They Work: Online RN to MSN Profiles
Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a great way for registered nurses to advance their careers into specialized practice and leadership roles. But for many working RNs, fitting an advanced degree program into their already busy work and life schedules can be tough.
Fortunately, high-quality, fully-accredited online RN to MSN programs offer qualified candidates a convenient way to bypass a full Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and go directly to earning their MSN. These online “bridge” programs are designed with working RNs in mind, with benefits that include:
- Practical course loads
- Flexible study schedules
- Faster completion times
- Substantial cost savings
Below are spotlights of two current online RN to MSN programs to give you a solid understanding of just how these programs operate.
Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing – Jacksonville University
Student’s in Jacksonville University’s 100% online RN to MSN program earn both their BSN and nursing master’s degrees in a single course of study. Students choose one of three specializations:
- Clinical Nurse Educator
- Leadership in Healthcare Systems
- Nursing Informatics
Students in the program receive 30 credits for their RN license and approximately 60 credits for their ADN degree. Therefore, earning their BSN and MSN degrees in the program requires completion of approximately 60 additional credits of undergraduate and graduate nursing coursework.
The entire program can be completed in as few as 18 months full-time. Part-time options are also available.
Duration: 18 to 24 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $32,700 (tuition only, based on total of 60 credits)
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed application
- Active RN license
- Unofficial transcripts from regionally-accredited colleges and universities plus transcripts reflecting the applicant’s completed nursing degrees and coursework regardless of regional accreditation
The following may be requested of applicants with a 3.0 or lower cumulative GPA:
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of intent
Curriculum:
BSN Core Courses
- Professional Nursing
- Evidence-Based Nursing
- Assessment and Pathophysiology I & II
- Nursing Leadership and Health Care Policy
- Community Focused Professional Nursing
- Advanced Acute Care Concepts
MSN Core Courses
- Nursing Theory and Research I & II
- Organization, Delivery and Policy in Healthcare
- Nursing Leadership and Advanced Roles
- Information Systems and Technology for Improved Health Care
- Advanced Role Practicum
Plus 12 credits in one of the three specializations.
Best For: Current RNs looking to advance their careers into education, informatics, and leadership roles.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing – University of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers an accelerated online RN to MSN program that requires 60 credits and can be completed in as few as 24 months. Students choose from two concentration tracks:
- Nursing Administration and Leadership
- Nursing Education
The curriculum combines online theory coursework and hands-on practicum experiences to provide a quality program that aligns with accreditation standards of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Undergraduate (RN to BSN bridge) courses are taken through the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK). Graduate coursework (MSN) is completed through USM.
A full range of financial aid options is available to qualifying RN to MSN students, including scholarships and graduate assistantships. Six program starts are available each year.
Duration: As few as 24 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $37,500 (tuition and fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0
- RN licensure
- GRE or MAT scores if GPA is less than 3.0
- Undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of C or better
- Complete online application
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Essay/personal statement
Curriculum:
RN to BSN Bridge Courses (taken through UMFK):
- Holistic Health Assessment
- Conceptual Issues of Professional Nursing
- Health Promotion
- Transcultural Care in Nursing
- Health-Related Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Healthcare Ethics and the Law
- Integrated Nursing Practice
MSN Courses – Nursing Administration and Leadership Track:
- Nursing Theory and Knowledge Development
- Nursing Research
- Leadership, Health Policy, and Role
- Chronic Illness Care
- Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Population Health Leadership
- Health Care Operations: Human Resources, Law, and Ethics
- Health Care Finance, Budgeting, and Planning
- Information Management and Healthcare Technology
- Evidence-Based Practice Change in Health Care
- Leading Change in Complex Healthcare Environments
- Quality Improvement
MSN Courses – Nursing Education Track:
- Nursing Theory and Knowledge Development
- Nursing Research
- Leadership, Health Policy, and Role
- Advanced Health Assessment with Integrated Pathopharmacology
- Chronic Illness Care
- Population Health Leadership
- Evaluation & Measurement in Nursing Education
- Foundations of Nursing Education
- Methods of Education In Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice Change in Health Care
- Academic Nursing Education Practicum
- Information Management and Healthcare Technology or Quality Improvement
Best For: Current RNs looking to advance their careers into education and leadership positions.
Find Online RN to MSN Degrees by State
Answers to Common RN to MSN Student Questions
Even with your extensive experience as an RN, the prospect of pursuing a nursing graduate degree can feel a bit overwhelming. To help ease your concerns, here are the answers to five of the most often-asked questions by prospective RN to MSN students.
Is an RN to MSN program worth it?
If you’re an registered nurse seeking to save time and money on earning your nursing master’s, then absolutely.
Moving up the career ladder into leadership and advanced specialized clinical practice roles as a registered nurse today requires, at minimum, an MSN degree. And there’s no more convenient and affordable way to get your MSN than through an online RN to MSN bridge program.
What percentage of nurses have an MSN degree?
Recent figures on the subject are hard to come by. But in 2022, the AACN reported that 17.4% of the registered nurses in the U.S. held an MSN degree. This figure, along with the extraordinary growth in nurse practitioner jobs projected by the U.S. Department of Labor (see the stats below), evidences an exceptionally high demand for MSN-trained nurses now and for many years to come.
Do you have to take NCLEX-RN again for after earning your MSN?
This one is simple: No.
With the exception of a very limited number of unusual circumstances, once you’ve taken and passed the NCLEX-RN, you never have to take it again. And if you’re an RN to MSN program student, you have, of course, already taken and passed the NCLEX-RN.
It should be noted here, though, that earning your MSN does not relieve you of the need to renew your RN license on a regular basis according to your state’s licensure regulations.
What is the best nursing master’s degree to get?
“Best” is a subjective term. But if you measure “best” by level of demand for graduates, then an MSN degree in any of a number of nurse practitioner specialties would be the best.
Among the most in-demand of those specialties are:
- Acute Care/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP/AGACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute and Primary Care)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Just remember, though, that the actual best nursing master’s is the one that prepares you for the nursing career you want.
Do MSN programs include clinical experiences?
It depends on the area of specialization of the program.
In general terms, MSN specialties that prepare students for direct patient care and advanced practice roles include clinical requirements. Among them are:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Practitioner, including all specialties (FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, etc.)
MSN programs that often have no clinical requirements include:
- Nursing Administration and Leadership
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Informatics
RN to MSN Program Cost Comparison
Cost is a critical factor for all college students, including those pursuing their nursing master’s. As you’ll find during your program search, the costs of online RN to MSN programs vary, sometimes substantially, from school to school.
Factors impacting cost include:
- Program length and student’s chosen study pace
- Geographic location
- Program and school reputation
- Whether the program is offered by a public or private school
- For public school programs, whether the student is an in-state or out-of-state resident
To illustrate this point, below are the estimated current tuition and fees costs for several quality online RN to MSN programs. Keep in mind that these figures do not take into account any financial aid resources you may obtain to help lower your total education price tag.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Maine | RN to MSN | $37,500 |
| Stevenson University | RN to MSN | $38,076 |
| Queens University of Charlotte | RN to MSN | $32,207 |
| Wilson College | RN to MSN | $32,330 |
| Wilkes University | RN to MSN – FNP | $42,444 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | RN to MSN | $35,984 |
| Arizona State University | RN to MSN – Nursing Education | $30,381 |
RN to MSN Certification Requirements
As a licensed RN, you won’t be taking the NCLEX-RN again once you’ve earned your master’s. But with your MSN, you can beef up your resume by obtaining one or more professional certifications in your chosen nursing specialty.
There are several providers of nursing certifications, the largest of which is the American Nurses Association Credentialing Center (ANCC). Below are descriptions of the exam and other requirements for two popular ANCC certifications to give you an idea of what earning a certification is all about.
Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC)
The Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC) exam tests your preparedness to work as a family nurse practitioner in a professional healthcare setting. Eligibility requires a graduate degree in nursing and a current, active RN license.
The current cost of the exam is $295 for American Nurses Association (ANA) members and $395 for non-members. Certification is valid for five years.
The ANCC provides an exam readiness pretest to help applicants prepare for the real exam.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC)
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Board Certified (AGACNP-BC) certification provides a “valid and reliable” assessment of the holder’s clinical knowledge and skills as an adult-gerontology acute care NP.
Like the FNP certification, AGACNP-BC exam eligibility requires a nursing graduate degree and current, active NP licensure. Exam costs are the same as for the FNP certification exam, as well.
You can access a variety of test information and prep resources at the bottom of the webpage linked above.
Salary & Career Outlook for RNs with MSNs
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | U.S. | $94,530 | $126,260 | $168,030 |
| Registered Nurses | U.S. | $63,720 | $86,070 | $132,680 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Nurse Practitioners | United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Today’s Best Online RN to MSN Programs
We’ve evaluated data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and universities themselves for our rankings of current online RN to MSN programs, which you’ll find listed below. Factors weighed in our selections include:
- Accreditation
- Affordability
- Availability of online program options
- Access to quality student support services
- Student/faculty ratio
The goal of these rankings is to make the process of choosing your ideal program a little less daunting and provide you with some preliminary information for your further research.
Click the “About the Ranking” button to learn more about our evaluation process.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Methodist College
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at Methodist College offers dual credit with a Nursing Education Graduate Certificate, allowing students to earn both credentials simultaneously with minimal additional coursework.
- The program features low student-to-faculty ratios, ensuring personalized attention and enhanced real-world learning experiences through close faculty mentorship.
- Students benefit from precepted clinical hours with experienced nurse leaders and opportunities for interprofessional collaboration with healthcare disciplines outside nursing, enhancing practical leadership skills.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected West Virginia Wesleyan College
- West Virginia Wesleyan College’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers an accelerated pathway combining baccalaureate bridge coursework with graduate study in Family Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Leadership concentrations delivered mostly online with limited on-campus residencies.
- The program features a unique partnership with Laurel College enabling seamless transfer from an Associate Degree to the MSN with individualized graduate admission review, supporting a direct route for ADN graduates to advanced nursing degrees.
- Students benefit from competitive tuition rates with bridge courses at $200 per credit hour and graduate courses at $694, delivered predominantly online through asynchronous and hybrid formats ideal for working nurses.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 72% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Loyola University Chicago
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at Loyola offers practical clinical practicums designed by faculty, with placements secured locally for working professionals.
- Students benefit from Loyola’s extensive healthcare network, providing exceptional mentorship, internship, and career opportunities aligned with leadership development.
- The program emphasizes values-driven leadership shaped by Jesuit tradition, integrating ethics, social justice, and holistic patient care in nursing management education.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 72% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fresno Pacific University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at Fresno offers a cohort-based learning environment with a blended course format and face-to-face classes one afternoon per week to balance flexibility and direct faculty interaction.
- The program provides hands-on clinical training across diverse specialties with guaranteed clinical preceptorship placements, enhancing practical experience and readiness for national certification exams.
- Students benefit from faculty with real-world clinical expertise and a supportive academic environment, fostering leadership and service for community health improvement.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of South Carolina
- The RN to MSN Bridge program offers the opportunity to begin graduate-level coursework during the undergraduate RN-BSN phase, accelerating degree completion by allowing up to 6 graduate credits to count toward the MSN degree.
- Students in the program benefit from expert faculty and innovative clinical simulation facilities accredited for advanced nursing education, enhancing skill development and preparedness for complex nursing roles.
- The program is designed with strong regional clinical partnerships, requiring in-person clinical experiences in the South Carolina Midlands area, which supports high-quality hands-on training and local employment networking opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southern Adventist University
- Southern Adventist University's RN to MSN Bridge program offers an accelerated pathway allowing RNs with an associate degree or diploma to earn an MSN without first obtaining a BSN. This speeds career advancement and reduces total time in school.
- The program accommodates working nurses by scheduling graduate nursing classes on Tuesdays and offering full- or part-time enrollment options customizable to students' personal and work lives.
- Graduates from this program have an excellent track record in job placement and certification exam success, positioning them as respected leaders with projected 30% job growth in MSN roles over the next decade.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Thomas University
- Thomas University's RN to MSN Bridge program offers a fast-track pathway that allows associate degree nurses to earn graduate credentials without completing a separate BSN, significantly shortening the educational timeline.
- The program provides strong partnerships with regional healthcare providers to facilitate convenient clinical placements tailored to students' schedules.
- Military members and their families receive dedicated support to reduce costs, alongside access to scholarships and service-cancellable loans, making the program financially attractive.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Moravian University
- Moravian University's RN to MSN Bridge program allows students to demonstrate competency through prior coursework, experience, and challenge examinations, approving personalized academic plans that streamline progression into the MSN program.
- The program offers multiple specialized nurse practitioner tracks alongside nursing administration and education options within an interdisciplinary graduate coursework framework that enriches healthcare perspectives.
- Students benefit from a seamless admission pathway with automatic approval to MSN programs contingent on effective prior performance, enhancing direct progression opportunities without reapplication barriers.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Peter’s University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at Saint Peter’s University offers personalized academic advising with faculty experts to guide students through specialized nursing career advancement.
- Students benefit from small class sizes ensuring individualized attention and access to state-of-the-art simulation labs for hands-on clinical learning experiences.
- The program provides flexible course schedules, including online and summer formats, allowing accelerated completion tailored to working nurses’ needs.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Walsh University
- Walsh University’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers comprehensive clinical placement support with a dedicated coordinator to secure clinical sites and preceptors, ensuring practical experience is effectively facilitated.
- The program requires no application fee and no GRE or GMAT, reducing barriers to admission and making enrollment more accessible for prospective students.
- Walsh University aligns the curriculum with the 2021 AACN Essentials Standards and boasts high board certification exam preparation, enhancing students' readiness and success in certification.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Bridge Graduate Program Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for graduate students studying full-time.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of graduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
*Metrics #1-2 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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