RN to MSN Programs

By EveryNurse Staff on January 12, 2023

The practice of nursing requires it’s best and brightest to constantly learn and adapt to the changing face of health care and medical treatment. A nurse’s dedication to regular improvement is valuable because it benefits you as well as your patients. Yet even with an endless passion for your work and a desire to advance in your career, working as a registered nurse with an associate’s degree means you will run into roadblocks that cannot be overcome with willpower alone. Positions of authority and the highest-paying nursing jobs tend to be reserved for those with higher degrees. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) have more opportunities than those with an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). And nurses with a master of science in nursing (MSN) have even more opportunities than those with a BSN.

Fortunately, there are degree programs that can take you from an ADN to an MSN. RN to MSN programs are designed for nurses like you. They take into account your real-world experience to help you get your degree as quickly as possible. There is no need to spend years earning a four-year, traditional bachelor’s program in order to enter a master’s program. You can start where you are now, with an ADN, and take only the courses necessary to get your MSN.

Here we cover some of the most important details of RN to MSN programs, including what it takes to get in, the prerequisites you might have to take, different types of programs, areas of specialization, and career opportunities. We even provide a few degree programs for your consideration to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

RN to MSN Program Admission Requirements

What does it take to get into an RN to MSN program? Each program has its own requirements for admission, but you can generally expect to consider several common factors. For example, they will look at your professional experience as a registered nurse, as well as your personal circumstances and your academic experience. Nursing degree programs have to be selective because they want to admit students who are likely to succeed. If a student isn’t ready, it’s better to let them know so that they can do some preparation work before they enter a program.

If you already have your associate’s degree, you can probably gain admission into a program. To be sure, start by examining the program’s admission guidelines and confirm that you meet their requirements. It may take some time and effort, but none of it will be wasted. Any work you do to get into a program will help you prepare for the challenges of the program itself.

Program Goals and Objectives

If you have spent much time working as an RN, you already know how challenging the job can be. It probably took a lot of hard work to get your associate’s degree, and even more, work to become good at what you do. When considering an RN to MSN program, you want to understand the goals and objectives of that program. An RN to MSN program is designed to take you from the level of ADN to MSN, so you will essentially be moving all the way from an associate’s to a master’s degree. That’s a level considerably above even a BSN. To get you there, you will need to go through an intense course of study, and not everyone can travel that path successfully.

Because the demands of an RN to MSN program are so rigorous, you can expect the admission requirements to be strict. You can also expect the competition to be fierce for a spot in these programs.

General Admissions Requirements

There are numerous RN to MSN programs available, each of which has its own requirements for admission. That’s why it’s so important to read the fine print on any program you are seriously considering. You want to be certain of exactly what the admission requirements are so you can be sure you meet them before you apply. While it’s not possible to list every requirement for every program, we can review the general guidelines you will find in most programs.

Some of the general admission requirements you can expect from an RN to MSN program include:

A current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license that is both unencumbered and unrestricted
An associate’s degree from an accredited hospital-based program
A GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred
A current resume
Transcripts of your academic record
Letters of recommendation

Prerequisite Courses

RN to MSN pathway programs are designed to provide an accelerated path to a master’s degree. While they can help you get there more quickly than taking the longer, traditional degree route, they still need to produce graduates that have earned the equivalent of a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Part of how they accomplish this goal is to have you complete certain prerequisite courses before you enter the program. As you would expect, these courses tend to focus on the life sciences.

Some possible prerequisite courses you may need to complete before you enter a program include:

Microbiology
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Intro to Life Chemistry
General Nutrition for Health Professionals
Intro to Sociology
Probability and Statistics
Life Span Development Psychology
College Composition
Interpersonal Communication

A quick glance at these courses gives you a good idea of what is expected of applicants to RN to MSN programs. You need to have a solid foundation in college-level coursework related to nursing and subjects surrounding nursing. There is a strong possibility that you have completed at least some of the prerequisite courses during your associate’s degree program, so you may already be prepared to enter an RN to MSN program.

Who Is the Ideal Student for an RN to MSN Program?

When you enter into an RN to MSN program, you need to prepare for an intense level of study and education. These programs are designed to accelerate you from an ADN to an MSN in a short period of time, which requires taking bridge courses and standard core courses simultaneously. Courses tend to be offered full-time without breaks in between. You also have to get the same number of clinical hours as students attending longer traditional programs, but you have to do it in a shorter period of time. That means going to school full-time for the length of the program. You have to be ready to hit the ground running. That is why the ideal student for an RN to MSN program has at least a 3.0 GPA and meets all of the required admission guidelines. Not only do you need to meet those requirements, but you also must be able to attend school full-time. Working during the program is strongly discouraged because very few people have the energy to perform well at work and in an accelerated program at the same time.

If you are ready to complete the prerequisite courses and go directly into full-time intense education through an RN to MSN program, you could be the ideal student for an accelerated MSN in nursing. And don’t worry if you feel like right now you are not “ideal”. With a little time and effort, you can steadily work to become what these programs consider an ideal applicant, especially if you follow the guidelines found here.

RN to MSN Programs: Traditional, Bridge, and Hybrid

When it comes to RN to MSN programs, you have a lot to choose from. However, some will probably make more sense for you than others. To make the right choice, you first need to know your options. There are traditional programs, bridge programs, hybrid programs, online programs, and combinations of these different approaches. By understanding what each entails, you can determine exactly what type of program will be ideal for your education needs.

Traditional Campus-Based RN to MSN Programs

A traditional campus-based RN to MSN pathway program is what most people picture when they think of going to a college or university. The courses are primarily taken on campus and typically include a combination of undergraduate courses, bachelor’s degree nursing courses, and master’s degree nursing courses. They accept nurses who have earned their associate’s degree and will sometimes accept nurses who do not have an associate’s but have earned a diploma in nursing. You can also apply to these traditional programs if you have earned a bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing and expect some of your credits to transfer.

Bridge RN to MSN Programs

An MSN bridge program is tailored to applicants who have completed their bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and want to earn their master’s in nursing. In this type of program, you get a “bridge” between a non-nursing bachelor’s and an MSN degree by receiving credit for much of the undergraduate coursework you have already completed.

Since BSN degrees require many of the same core courses as other bachelor’s degrees, it’s possible to enter a bridge program and avoid taking the same courses again, which saves you time and money. These programs include bachelor’s level nursing courses and then take you onward to masters-level coursework in nursing. They are designed to serve as an accelerated RN program for those who want to go from having no nursing experience to becoming an RN with a master’s degree. However, these accelerated RN programs are not for the faint of heart. They really push you to get through your bachelor’s level of education as quickly as possible.

They are particularly challenging and require a significant commitment to keep up with all of the requirements. Ultimately, though, you will be well rewarded for your efforts when you reach your goal of getting an MSN degree in such a short period of time. You can go from having a bachelor’s degree in another field to getting your RN license and your master’s degree without going through a full bachelor’s program and a master’s program.

Hybrid Online RN to MSN Programs

A hybrid program balances on-campus courses with online courses to create a hybrid course load. There are two main types of hybrid programs. The first is made up of courses that are taken completely on campus and courses that are taken completely online. The second is made up of classes that include in-person and online components. These types of programs are great for students who want to learn in an in-person community while also having some of the conveniences that come with online courses.

Helpful Links

Online RN to MSN Programs

Modern technology has revolutionized higher education, allowing students to learn remotely in so many different ways. Nursing is no exception. While there are certain parts of nursing, like clinical hours, that must be completed in person, a large portion of the coursework required for a nursing degree can be completed remotely in an MSN online program. And if you already have your RN license, it’s possible to complete your entire degree with an online MSN program. Or, you can choose a program that mixes things up a bit by including campus visits for some personal interaction with your classmates and instructors.

100% Online Instruction

If you are hoping for a program that gives you maximum flexibility as an MSN student, you are in luck. There are RN to MSN programs that feature 100% online instruction, so you can tailor your course time to your personal needs. Since you already have your RN license, you may not need any additional clinical hours. And you can take all of your classes online, which makes your education much more flexible than a campus-based program. Online MSN programs are excellent for students who have other responsibilities outside of school, such as family or work obligations. They are also great for students who prefer to learn with less structure and like to have more control over their education. Since you don’t ever have to visit the campus, you also avoid common challenges like commuting, traffic, and parking.

Limited Campus Visits

Not all prospective MSN students prefer to do everything online. Some want most of the flexibility of online degrees while also getting to spend time in person with their classmates and faculty. An RN to MSN online program with limited campus visits includes required on-site learning for intensives, also known as “on-campus immersions”. These immersions give you the opportunity to reinforce in person what you learned online. They can also be a chance to apply your knowledge in clinical tasks such as clinician simulations or in-person examinations.

These programs also sometimes offer opportunities to attend networking events and discussions with your instructors, which can help you establish yourself in the nursing field. However, the majority of these programs do not cover the costs of travel for students who need to attend immersions, so you will need to plan and pay for your travel arrangements.

RN to MSN Program Specializations

One of the best aspects of getting your master’s degree in nursing is that you can focus your education on an area of your choosing. While there are students who become MSN generalists, many seek to gain specialization in one area of clinical nursing. By going deeper into a particular specialization, you can follow your passion and gain qualifications that will allow you to seek employment in positions that interest you most.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

CRNAs are well-known for their high pay compared to many other nursing specializations. But reaching the level of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist takes significant effort. You will need to demonstrate your abilities by working in critical care nursing and then qualify for a program that will prepare you for the job. As a CRNA, you might work in the operating room, in a healthcare office, or even at an ophthalmologist’s office. You might be surprised at how many locations need CRNAs. In fact, in certain rural settings, it may be a CRNA who provides anesthesia, not an anesthesiologist.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

A certified nurse-midwife provides care for women with low-risk pregnancies. Your work as a CNM can include assisting with pregnancy needs, labor, after birth, and during the postpartum period. Depending on your state, you could also provide gynecological care and services such as sexual health education, family health planning, and Pap smears. To work as a CNM, you will need to complete a program with accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

For most people, their first memory with a healthcare professional is when they saw their family doctor as a child. Today, it is possible to serve in a role similar to a family doctor by working as a family nurse practitioner. As an FNP, you may not be able to do everything that a full medical doctor can, but depending on the laws of your state you may be able to perform many of the same tasks. As a family nurse practitioner, you can specialize in family nursing and health care to provide assistance to families in your area.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

A Clinical Nurse Specilaist is a nurse who has completed graduate studies in an area of specialization in nursing. The program you choose could offer a variety of specializations including adult health, community health, pediatrics, acute care, and more. By becoming a CNS, you can learn more about an area of nursing that interests you and you will become specialized to serve in more demanding and higher-paying positions.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)

The neonatal intensive care unit is focused on caring for newborns and infants who are high-risk. As an NNP, you can assist in this environment along with neonatologists, pediatric nurse practitioners, and other professionals who are focused on the care of these young, high-risk patients. Your patients might be struggling with issues like birth defects, low birth weight, prematurity, surgical complications, and cardiac arrest. If you are passionate about helping children and their families at their most vulnerable moments, this could be the perfect fit for your nursing specialization.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

As a PMHNP, you will help patients who are struggling with mental health conditions and psychiatric problems. You will provide advanced nursing care to a variety of patients, including individuals and those in families and groups. Your work duties can include diagnosing mental health conditions, providing psychotherapy, intervening in crises, and developing plans for treating mental health conditions. There are positions for PMHNPs in a variety of healthcare settings including public health, hospitals, community health clinics, private practices, prisons, and schools. After you complete your program to become a PMHNP, if you want national certification you will need to apply to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which is the only organization that currently offers national certification in this area of specialization. However, if you just want to be certified in your state, you will need to contact your state board of nursing.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

As an AGACNP, you can help care for patients who are experiencing acute health conditions. Unlike adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioners who treat patients young and old who are experiencing chronic long-term health issues, as an AGACNP you will provide treatment for acute immediate healthcare needs. Under this specialization, you can work in a variety of settings including critical care units, home care environments, and hospitals.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)

By specializing in adult-gerontology primary care, you can treat patients ranging from those in adolescence to those in late adulthood. As an AGPCNP, much of your work will focus on helping with chronic long-term conditions and general medical care. Duties include advising your patients about what types of self-care are most effective, reviewing which medical procedures could be helpful for their condition, and possibly prescribing medications (depending on your state).

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)

PPCNPs are nurses who have advanced degrees focused on treating pediatric patients in a primary care role. While PACNPs focus their work on treating acute and severe conditions, PPCNPs will focus on the more routine healthcare needs of children and adolescents. Your work may include things like performing routine health exams, recommending treatments to families, diagnosing health conditions, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. As a PPCNP, you can work in both private health clinics and hospitals.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Women’s health nurse practitioners are specialized nurses with advanced degrees who provide nursing care to women from youth to the elderly. They are trained in areas related to women’s healthcare needs including the female reproductive system, physical health, psychological health, emotional issues, and other concerns specific to women. As a WHNP, your work may include providing primary health care as well as providing education on making smart lifestyle choices from youth into old age.

How to Identify the Best RN to MSN Programs

When you are seriously considering applying to an RN to MSN program, it makes sense to look for the best options you can find. If you are going to spend the money and the time to get your MSN, you want to know that the program you choose will teach you and will prepare you for success in the world of nursing. The fact is, there are numerous high-quality RN to MSN programs out there. You should be able to find a great program if you focus on certain criteria. These include:

Academic Instruction. Does the school have a quality academic program? You want a master’s degree program that will challenge you and will meet all of your requirements, including providing you with the right courses based on your career goals. It can be helpful to know what you want to specialize in during your master’s program so that you can ensure the programs you consider have the right courses for your needs.

Professional Training. You are a professional and you are attending a master’s degree or graduate program to advance your career. It is important to choose a program that gives you the level of professional training you need to achieve your goals. It needs to offer the MSN paths that make the most sense for your education needs and that will give you the training you require from a master’s degree program. For example, if you want to get your MSN so that you can go into administrative work, you should make sure the program will train you in this area.

Instructor Nursing Experience. Quality graduate programs will be taught by instructors with practical nursing experience. You want to verify that any program you choose has faculty who are skilled at what they do and who have experience in doing the job they are teaching you to do. Fortunately, all good nursing programs know the importance of having experienced nursing instructors, so you should not have a difficult time finding a program that maintains skilled faculty.

Clinical Nursing Experience. If your area of specialization requires clinical nursing experience to prepare you for the real world, you want to be sure that your program will give you those experiences. Most nursing programs have arrangements with local hospitals and other healthcare institutions to ensure that students get hands-on experience when they need it. An online MSN program might not require clinical experience, but if it does, you should verify that the experience will effectively prepare you for your career.

Time to Completion. Most students going into an RN to MSN program have already been working as an RN and have a lot on their plate. They want to know that they can get in and get out as soon as possible to minimize the time away from their career. However, other students are not as concerned with a quick finish time and want to take things more slowly. You know what kind of student you are. Make sure you verify that the program you choose fits your desired timeline so that you can get what you need from your RN to MSN program.

Cost. A master’s program in nursing is not cheap. However, there are definitely price differences between programs. If you are hoping to save as much money as possible, know that you should be able to find a quality program at a reasonable price, especially if you choose an online nursing program. The ultimate degree payoff for a quality program will be similar regardless of how much you spend on your education. As long as the program is accredited, has a respectable graduation rate, and meets your ultimate career path requirements, it should deliver on the final goal of gaining you access to better careers and better pay as a nursing professional.