MSN Degree – Master of Science in Nursing Programs
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“I still have contact with many of my mentors from the University of Maine, Orono, who continue to be actively engaged with and supportive of me since graduation. The education I received allowed me to step directly into a tenure-track faculty position and become an independently functioning FNP with only three weeks of onboarding.”
Rebecca Dias, MSN, Faculty Member, University of Maine, Fort Kent
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) MSN is a graduate-level nursing degree designed for registered nurses (RNs) who want to pursue a career in advanced nursing practice or research. MSN degrees typically require 1.5 to three years of study and can be completed through an online university program or at a traditional college campus.
MSN degree programs are divided into two parts: the first focuses on theory and academic coursework, and the second focuses on clinical experience and practical training. During the program’s first year, students take cornerstone courses in advanced nursing, such as nursing for specific populations, advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. In the second year, students complete clinical rotations in various medical settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
MSN degree programs prepare graduates for careers in advanced nursing practice or research. MSN graduates may continue their education and pursue clinically-focused DNP or research-focused PhD in nursing. Upon completion, graduates can take the National Nurse Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses.
An investment in an MSN degree is a solid choice, and the career outlook for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with MSN degrees is positive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) shows the career outlook for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, which are types of APRNs, is high, with an expected growth of 38 percent from 2022 to 2032. This demand will create 123,600 new positions, all of which can only be accessed with a minimum of an MSN degree.
In addition, the median annual salary for nurse practitioners is $129,480, more than double the national average for all occupations, which is $65,470.
How does one choose the right MSN program? The first step is to consider your desired career outcome. For example, do you want to focus on general clinical practice or a specialty population? Second, to legally work as an APRN, it is essential to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Lastly, deciding which program format works best for your life and learning style is online, on-campus, or hybrid (a blend of online and in-person learning). Since MSN programs require a combination of classroom and clinical knowledge, most MSN programs are hybrid, with classes taught online and clinical hours earned in person in healthcare settings.
To learn more about how to choose an MSN program, read on for a comprehensive guide featuring online MSN programs, information about various types of programs, accreditation, admission requirements, clinical supervision hours, a list of 15 online accredited MSN program profiles, and careers that MSN graduates can pursue.
Meet the Expert: Rebecca Dias, MSN, FNP
Rebecca Dias received a bachelor’s degree (BSN) from the University of Maine, Orono. She continued her education at the University of Maine, Orono, and holds a master’s degree (MSN) with concentrations in nursing education and family nurse practitioner (FNP).
Dias is a full-time faculty member at the University of Maine, Fort Kent, and works per diem as an FNP in Aroostook County, Maine. She also serves on the Nursing External Advisory Council for the University of Maine, Orono. She engages in nursing research with foci on advanced nursing degree attainment, nursing job satisfaction, rural healthcare, and end-of-life care through publication and presentation at local, national, and international conferences. She integrates research, evidence-based practice, and clinical judgment into her classes and aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice.
NursingColleges.com: How has graduating from a nursing program enhanced your career?
Dias: My education has given me a holistic outlook on nursing as a practice and a science. I was provided with support from faculty and staff that allowed me to succeed in my role as faculty and as a healthcare provider.
I am well-prepared to work in a rural community because of the emphasis on interprofessional care I received and the professional connections I made during my program. I still have contact with many of my mentors from the University of Maine, Orono, who continue to be actively engaged with and supportive of me since graduation. The education I received allowed me to step directly into a tenure-track faculty position and become an independently functioning FNP with only three weeks of onboarding.
A strong nursing education has given me the ability to provide comprehensive healthcare as a provider, shape the next generation of nurses through teaching, and advance the science of nursing through research.
NursingColleges.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective nursing student?
Dias: The most important advice I can give prospective nursing students is to stay open and embrace discomfort. It’s natural to have preferences for where you would like to work or what aspects of nursing you want to do. However, some classes, labs, or clinicals may be challenging, and you may feel like you cannot or do not want to do them. I encourage you to lean into these experiences and give yourself the opportunity to practice and grow.
You may discover a passion for things you thought you disliked just by giving yourself a chance to try them. Remember, the faculty truly have your best interest at heart, so listen and take full advantage of the opportunities they provide.
What is an MSN Degree?
A master of science in nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level degree that students can complete full-time, part-time, or on an accelerated timeline. MSN degree programs are designed for registered nurses (RNs) and those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees who want to pursue a career in advanced nursing practice or research.
MSN degree programs combine academic theory and practical experience. During the program’s first half, students take advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology courses. Other courses include healthcare for specific populations, nursing theory and research, and healthcare policy and economics. In the second year, students complete clinical rotations in various medical settings.
MSN programs allow students to build on their existing knowledge and experience. MSN programs often offer concentrations in areas such as nurse education, nurse administration, or clinical nurse specialists. Some programs also provide a track for those who wish to become certified nurse midwives or nurse practitioners. These programs typically include coursework in advanced nursing theory and research and practicum placements in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Graduates of MSN programs are prepared for nursing leadership positions or advanced practice roles as nurse educators, nurse administrators, or clinical nurse specialists.
Types of MSN Degree Programs
Nurses and would-be nurses can enroll in several types of MSN programs, each with its entry requirements. In general, there are five types of MSN programs:
RN-to-MSN Programs
Also known as “bridge programs,” RN-to-MSN programs are designed for registered nurses with associate’s degrees to pursue a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) and a master’s degree in nursing (MSN).
BSN-to-MSN Programs
A BSN-to-MSN program allows students with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to earn their master of science in nursing (MSN). Some programs may offer clinical placement opportunities. In addition, students in a BSN-to-MSN program can choose from specializations such as nursing education, nursing administration, or nursing informatics.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Programs
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program is a graduate-level degree program specializing in evidence-based practices that benefit patients and healthcare systems.
Accelerated BSN-to-MSN Programs
Accelerated BSN-to-MSN programs are offered in a shorter timeframe than traditional programs. These programs are typically designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers without taking a lengthy break from employment.
Special Populations: BSN-to-MSN Programs
BSN-to-MSN programs are specially designed for registered nurses who want to become family nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, and pediatric nurse practitioners.
MSN Program & School Accreditation
There are two distinct types of accreditation: programmatic and institutional.
Programmatic accreditation is an external evaluation of an educational program to ensure it meets rigorous standards. For nursing schools, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) vets baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs, while the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) approves associate’s, bachelor’s, and doctoral programs. To legally qualify for the NCLEX exam, which is required for all nurses to work in all 50 states, one must graduate from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program.
This type of accreditation differs from institutional accreditation, which assesses entire colleges and universities as whole entities. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), affiliated with the US Department of Education, approves seven regional institutional accrediting organizations.
When researching online programs, it’s essential to examine the state authorization and NC-SARA status. Students pursuing degrees requiring licensing from state governing boards should ensure that their educational institution or agency has approved this type before accepting admission into any MSN program.
Typical Admissions Requirements for MSN Degrees
Admissions requirements for MSN degree programs vary, but here is a list of the most commonly requested documents and minimum work experience requirements.
- Associate’s degree in nursing (for RN-to-MSN bridge programs) or
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing or non-nursing field (for BSN-to-MSN and accelerated BSN-to-MSN programs)
- Active nursing license (for RN-to-MSN and BSN-to-MSN programs)
- Completed application and fees
- One year or more of full-time nursing or clinical healthcare experience (optional for some programs)
- Letters of recommendation
- Prerequisite classes in science and mathematics
- GRE test scores (optional for some programs)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (for non-native English-speaking applicants)
Supervised Hour Requirements for MSN Degrees
The CCNE requires a minimum of 500 clinical hours to complete an accredited MSN program. However, it’s not uncommon for programs to need more than 500 clinical hours. In addition, some programs require more than the 500-hour minimum, such as the University of North Alabama’s BSN-to-MSN program, which requires a minimum of 600 clinical hours.
It’s worth mentioning that clinical placement environments have requirements for nursing students, such as:
- Criminal background check
- Current tuberculosis screening
- Liability and health insurance
- Negative urine drug screening
- Physical examination
- Proof of required immunizations
Featured Online MSN Degrees
Online MSN degrees make it possible to pursue a graduate degree while working full- or part-time. Here is a list of 15 top online MSN programs that admit students with nursing degrees at the associate’s and bachelor’s degree levels, including students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees.
RN-to-MSN or “Bridge” Programs
Western Governors University’s online RN-to-MSN bridge program is designed for registered nurses who aspire to become nurse educators. The program leads to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a master of science in nursing (MSN). Students will be prepared to teach a new generation of nurses upon completing the CCNE-accredited program.
The RN-to-MSN bridge program at Western Governors University is an affordable, flexible option for registered nurses who want to become nurse educators. Students in the program benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention from faculty, and a curriculum aligned with the latest industry standards.
- Location: Campuses across the US
- Duration: 42 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The University of Maryland’s RN-to-MSN program is an accelerated path to earning two degrees: a BSN and an MSN. Students take courses online and specialize in one of three areas: community/public health nursing, health services leadership and management, or nursing informatics.
The RN-to-MSN combines elements of the BSN and MSN programs by substituting the master’s core courses for BSN electives. Six credits completed during the BSN coursework are applied to the master’s portion of the program to reduce the overall cost. This program is ideal for registered nurses with baccalaureate degrees in another discipline or RNs who have earned associate’s degrees.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The accelerated RN to MSN clinical nurse leadership program at Chamberlain University is designed to help RNs earn their MSN in as little as three to four semesters. This online program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced nursing practice roles, including those requiring skill in delivering direct and indirect care and leading healthcare initiatives.
All content aligns with clinical nurse leader competencies, allowing students to complete the coursework and practicum hours needed to become a CNL. In addition, students in the program can expect a world-class education from faculty who are leaders in the nursing field, as well as support and guidance throughout the program from dedicated mentors and advisors.
- Location: Addison, IL
- Duration: Three to four semesters
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
BSN-to-MSN Programs
University of Maine, Fort Kent
The University of Maine at Fort Kent offers a 100 percent online MSN program for applicants who have their bachelor’s degrees. There are two NP specializations available online: adult-gerontology acute care and psychiatric-mental health. The school also has an RN-to-MSN bridge program. Notable, in fall 2024, this school will also offer a DNP program.
- Location: Fort Kent, ME
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The online BSN to MSN track at Walden University is designed for registered nurses who have already earned a bachelor of science in nursing degree. There are two ways to complete the program: course-based learning or tempo learning. Course-based learning is a traditional, instructor-led approach where students learn on a predetermined schedule. Tempo learning is a flexible learning experience with no set weekly deadlines, allowing students to make progress at their pace, and on their schedule.
Students in this program can choose from a nurse practitioner specialization or a specialty practice.
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Duration: 14 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Nevada Las Vegas
The online master of science in nursing (MSN) program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas currently offers four sub plans: family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), nurse educator (NE), certified nurse-midwifery (CNM), and direct entry (DE) – generalist. Students have part-time or full-time enrollment options. There are mandatory on-campus sessions per track. MSN graduates assume a leadership role in managing human, fiscal, and physical healthcare resources to improve nursing practice and healthcare delivery. MSN graduates can competently assess, diagnose, prescribe, evaluate, and create holistic treatment plans.
- Location: Las Vegas, NV
- Duration: Two to six years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Ohio State University Online offers a comprehensive and affordable online MSN program perfect for working nurses. The program offers four tracks, each preparing graduates for specialty certification. In addition, students can choose from various clinical settings, private practices, and managed care organizations.
The ACEN, the CCNE, and the CNEA accredit the MSN program at Ohio State University Online. Students must have a BSN degree from an accredited institution to be eligible to apply.
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Programs
The online clinical nurse leadership program at Widener University is designed to help nurses develop the skills to lead at every healthcare system level. The 41-credit program is offered in a hybrid format and includes courses in the School of Nursing and School of Business Administration. Students learn how to improve health outcomes for patients and populations through effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered leadership and healthcare delivery models using ethical and relationship-based business practices. The clinical nurse leadership program at Widener University is an excellent choice for nurses who want to develop the skills to lead at the highest levels in healthcare.
Graduates from this program can apply for certifications offered by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AORN) and the American Nurses Association and transfer nine business course credits toward a master’s of business administration degree.
- Location: Chester & Harrisburg, PA
- Duration: 24 to 36 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
California State University Dominguez Hills
The online clinical nurse specialist (CNS) programs at California State University Dominguez Hills prepare nurses to provide advanced care to patients with specific needs.
The programs cover evidence-based standards, practices, systems thinking, and clinical decision-making. The clinical hours allow students to gain experience in a specialty area of nursing practice and develop expertise in that area. This program will prepare graduates to become clinical nurse leaders in a chosen population.
- Location: Carson, CA
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Old Dominion University’s online clinical nurse specialist program offers a unique opportunity to learn how to provide quality care for babies and improve health outcomes. Students gain advanced clinical practice leadership skills through coursework working with models, standards, and regulations that direct advanced nursing practice.
Throughout the program, students can access course materials online from any location. There are some scheduled training and testing sessions to attend in person at ODU’s School of Nursing in Virginia Beach. ODU collaborates with Eastern Virginia Medical School’s Standardized Patient Program to provide students with the best local learning experience.
- Location: Virginia Beach, VA
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Accelerated BSN-to-MSN Programs
Marquette University’s College of Nursing offers a direct entry online MSN for non-nurses program that helps students with a bachelor’s degree fast-track their studies and obtain their master of science in nursing. This accelerated nursing program can be completed in as little as 19 to 21 months and provides students with the clinical skills and academic foundation they need to pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
To be eligible for this competitive nursing program, students must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. With a 93 percent pass rate among first-time and repeat testers in 2021, Marquette’s University MSN programs are some of the most successful in the country. In addition, students who complete the clinical nurse leadership specialization will be prepared for careers as clinical leaders and managers in healthcare organizations.
- Location: Milwaukee, WI
- Duration: 19 to 21 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Elmhurst University’s online master’s entry in nursing practice (MENP) program is designed specifically for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields who want to enter the profession of nursing. Through this program, students will earn their master of science in nursing (MSN) degree while preparing to sit for the registered nurse licensure exam (NCLEX-RN) and clinical nurse leader (CNL) certification. This direct-entry nursing program provides a fast-paced pathway to earning an MSN degree in as little as 20 months.
The accelerated nursing program offers an immersive educational experience in nursing that emphasizes hands-on clinical practice and exceptional skills, with a focus on quality and safety. The clinical nurse leadership concentration prepares students to be exemplary leaders in clinical settings, advocating for high-quality patient care and providing direction and mentorship to other nurses.
- Location: Elmhurst, IL
- Duration: 20 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Simmons University’s direct entry online MSN program is designed for students from all academic backgrounds pursuing a master’s degree in nursing. The direct entry MSN for non-nurses will prepare graduates for a family nurse practitioner (FNP) career and prepare them to take the family nurse practitioner (FNP) national board certification exam.
Our direct-entry MSN students go on to succeed in positions in primary healthcare and community care settings, private practice, or seek admissions to doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) programs.
- Location: Boston, MA
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Special Populations: BSN-to-MSN Programs
Purdue Global’s online BSN-to-MSN programs are designed for registered nurses who wish to pursue a master of science in nursing. Four MSN concentrations are available: adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Each concentration has a different population focus area.
The BSN-to-MSN programs are flexible and can be completed entirely online. Students can choose to study full or part-time, and there is no on-campus residency requirement.
- Location: West Lafayette, IN
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Gonzaga University online BSN-to-MSN program is designed to prepare registered nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) for advanced practice as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).
The online MSN tracks require 47 credits and can be completed in nine semesters. Clinical requirements include 660 clinical hours and six on-campus immersions. The online MSN courses are flexible, and students can complete the BSN-to-MSN program in as little as three years. Gonzaga University was founded in 1887 as a Jesuit institution and, to this day, offers degree programs that strive to educate students on a holistic level.
- Location: Spokane, WA
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The online BSN-to-MSN program at the University of North Alabama is designed for registered nurses who want to earn their master of science in nursing (MSN) degree and prepare for advanced nursing practice roles. The online MSN program offers four tracks: nursing in teaching-learning environments, nursing leadership in organizational settings, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
The BSN-to-MSN program is a post-baccalaureate degree program that builds on prior nursing education and experience. UNA’s MSN program prepares students for advanced nursing practice roles as nurse educators, nurse administrators, or family nurse practitioners.
- Location: Florence, AL
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Jobs for MSN Graduates
With an MSN degree, graduates can pursue advanced practice roles such as primary care nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or other specialty nurse practitioner positions. They may also pursue doctoral studies in nursing with a DNP or PhD program.
Here are three common careers for MSN graduates.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has completed a master’s degree or higher and has passed a national certification exam to practice legally. Nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and order and interpret diagnostic tests. In addition, they may also guide preventative health measures and education on chronic disease management. The scope of practice for nurse practitioners varies from state to state, but NPs typically have more autonomy than registered nurses (RNs).
As the demand for primary care providers continues to grow, nurse practitioner programs have seen increasing enrollment numbers and faster-than-average career growth. According to the BLS, nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $128,490 per year (BLS May 2023).
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. They often serve as consultants, providing expert guidance to other healthcare professionals on best practices for patient care. In addition, CNSs may also provide direct patient care, depending on their area of specialization. For example, CNSs specializing in pediatrics may provide primary care to children, while those specializing in geriatrics may care for elderly patients.
Regardless of their specific area of focus, CNSs are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care possible to their patients and the health systems within which they work. Salary.com (June 2024) showed the average annual salary of clinical nurse specialists was $124,681 per year.
Forensic Nurse Practitioner
A forensic nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with a specialized master’s degree and training to provide expert care to patients who have been victims of violence or trauma. RNs who specialize in forensics nursing combine their clinical knowledge with advanced forensic training, allowing them to provide vital services to patients and families in need.
The forensics nurse practitioner program graduates receive extensive training in forensic science and investigation techniques. This hands-on training helps students develop the skills they need to work effectively with police, prosecutors, and other legal professionals and provide expert care and support to victims of crime and violence.
Forensic NPs can pursue certification through the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) and earn the Sexual Assault Examiner (SANE-A or SANE-P) credentials to bolster their training. According to data from Ziprecruiter.com (June 2024), the average annual salary for a forensic nurse practitioner was $130,295 per year.
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.