[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Enrolling in an RN-to-MSN degree program allows nurses to advance their education and career without first completing a BSN degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN-to-MSN can qualify you for leadership, informatics, finance, or nursing administration roles. Other MSN specializations prepare you for advanced practice nursing roles or nursing education positions. Explore what to look for in an RN-to-MSN program, how to apply, and what to expect while in school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_in_Nursing_(MSN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why is Accreditation Important in RN-to-MSN programs?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program accreditation ensures your education meets national quality standards set by accrediting bodies. State boards of nursing and certifying agencies require completion of an accredited nursing program to offer licensure or certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] also impacts your future educational and employment opportunities. You must have graduated from an accredited BSN or MSN program to apply and be accepted to a doctor of nursing Practice (DNP) program or apply for advanced nursing licensure. Employers require applicants to graduate from an accredited program because they see it as a commitment to quality, which opens the doors for future opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two accrediting organizations evaluate MSN programs and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as official accrediting agencies for nursing education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenursing.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ACEN):[/hen-ui-text] This organization was formerly known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The organization focuses on all levels of nursing programs, from LPN to DNP.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation” target=”_blank”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education[/hen-ui-link] (CCNE):[/hen-ui-text] This agency accredits baccalaureate, graduate, and nurse residency programs in nursing. CCNE accreditation supports continuous self-assessment by the nursing program and the growth and improvement of collegiate, professional education, and nurse residency programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Look for in an RN-to-MSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Selecting the right RN-to-MSN program can affect your professional development and career opportunities. Consider several key factors when [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/applying-to-nursing-school/”]choosing a nursing program[/hen-ui-link], including its accreditation and whether it aligns with your career goals and schedule.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Accreditation:[/hen-ui-text] This ensures the program meets national quality standards and qualifies you for licensure and certification.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Specialization:[/hen-ui-text] RN-to-MSN programs offer specialties like nursing administration, nursing education, and advanced practice nursing, impacting your future job prospects and fulfillment.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Flexibility and format:[/hen-ui-text] Assess whether the teaching format fits your schedule and learning style, such as traditional in-person, online, or hybrid teaching options. Consider programs that offer part-time study options if you plan to continue working.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Faculty expertise and support:[/hen-ui-text] Programs with faculty who are recognized leaders in their field increase your networking opportunities. Programs should have strong support for students, including mentoring and advising.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Finances:[/hen-ui-text] The total cost includes [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/msn-degree-scholarships/”]financial aid options[/hen-ui-link] and forgiveness programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Student outcomes:[/hen-ui-text] The program’s graduation rate, job placement rate, and pass rate on certification examinations indicate the program’s strength.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Apply to an RN-to-MSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To apply to an RN-to-MSN program, you need an active and current registered nurse RN license and a degree from an accredited nursing program. RN-to-MSN program prerequisites can vary depending on the school and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]MSN specialization[/hen-ui-link], but common admission materials include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Official transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An active and unencumbered RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Letters of recommendation from professional or academic references[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A personal statement or essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A resume or curriculum vitae[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Programs may also require interviews or specific coursework as part of the admissions process[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”mt-8″]Explore More Master’s in Nursing Leadership Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-article-row variant=”3-col” ids=”56302,56302,34285″][/hen-ui-article-row][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect in an RN-to-MSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-adn-to-msn-bridge-programs/”]RN-to-MSN program[/hen-ui-link] allows registered nurses to earn an MSN. This advanced degree broadens their clinical skills and knowledge in specialized areas such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-nurse-educator-programs/”]education[/hen-ui-link], leadership, or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]advanced clinical practice[/hen-ui-link]. These bridge programs prepare RNs for roles in management and specialized practitioner fields, equipping nurses with the skills for higher-level professional responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Courses Taken[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Evidence-based practice:[/hen-ui-text] Teaches the integration of research with clinical practice to improve outcomes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Healthcare policy:[/hen-ui-text] Examines the policies that affect healthcare systems and practices[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Pathophysiology:[/hen-ui-text] Explores the biological and physiological processes that lead to disease[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Nursing research:[/hen-ui-text] Focuses on methods and application of research in nursing practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Advanced health assessment:[/hen-ui-text] Enhances the students’ skills in comprehensive patient assessment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Clinical specialty courses:[/hen-ui-text] Focuses on the student’s specialty, such as family nurse practitioner, nurse Educator, or nurse administrator.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Skills Learned[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Clinical Assessment:[/hen-ui-text] Perform comprehensive and systematic patient assessments to identify complex health issues.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision-Making:[/hen-ui-text] Analyze complex clinical data and make informed decisions regarding patient care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Health Education:[/hen-ui-text] Communicate with patients, families, and staff to improve health outcomes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Implementing Evidence-Based Practice:[/hen-ui-text] Integrate research into clinical practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Leadership and Management:[/hen-ui-text] Manage healthcare teams and develop policies and quality improvement initiatives within healthcare settings[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does an RN-to-MSN Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tuition for an RN-to-MSN program can be expensive. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/”]Nursing school costs[/hen-ui-link] can range from $20,000 to $100,000 for private institutions, leaving you with student loans that may take a decade or more to pay off. However, there are several options to help you pay off your education or speed up the payments on student loans.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Find out if your current employer offers tuition reimbursement, often in exchange for a service commitment. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/msn-degree-scholarships/”]Scholarships[/hen-ui-link] and grants are other choices, but there are [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/ways-to-finance-your-masters-degree-in-nursing/”]more ways to help finance your MSN[/hen-ui-link] degree, which can lead to higher salaries, strong job opportunities, and career growth.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Careers with an MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN-to-MSN programs allow nurses to specialize in various nursing fields, such as nursing education, nursing administration, and advanced practice nursing. MSN students can explore many responsibilities and opportunities for advancement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential roles with an MSN in leadership and administration include nursing administrator, chief nursing officer, director of nursing, and nurse educator. Each role is different, but some common responsibilities include policy-setting, strategic decisions, budget management, and improving quality care and safety within the healthcare organization.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSN degree opens the door to advancement opportunities. For example, specializing in informatics, policy, or compliance can lead to focussed leadership roles. Nurses with an MSN can advance their education and earn a doctorate, the terminal degree in nursing, which opens doors to high-level consultancy and academic positions. Advanced certifications improve credibility, employment opportunities, and qualifications for advanced positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Nurse Administrator[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm” tag=”em”]MSN required [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-administrator/”]nursing administrator[/hen-ui-link] is crucial in coordinating nursing services, managing budgets and resource allocation, implementing policies, complying with laws and regulations, and ensuring high-quality patient care. They focus on strategic planning, staff development, and operational efficiency, working as bridge-builders between clinical staff and organizational leadership to meet healthcare goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $96,000 ([hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Administrator/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale, Jan. 2024[/hen-ui-link])[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm” tag=”em”]MSN required [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) assess and diagnose patients, order and interpret tests, prescribe medication, and develop treatment plans. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/specializations/”]Nurse practitioners specialize[/hen-ui-link] in several patient care areas, including family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, and women’s health. Nurse practitioners focus on holistic patient care, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education. NPs may work independently or in collaboration with healthcare teams.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $126,260 (BLS, May 2023)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]Nurse Educator[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm” tag=”em”]MSN required [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse educators design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for nursing students and practicing nurses. Nurse educators work in academic settings, focusing on developing curriculum, teaching, and mentoring. They play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of nurses and ensuring ongoing professional development.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $80,780 (BLS, May 2023)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions about RN-to-MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I skip my BSN and get my MSN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can enroll in an RN-to-MSN program. This bridge program allows nurses to advance their education and open doors to new career opportunities without completing a full four-year BSN program before earning an MSN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to get from RN to MSN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADN-prepared nurses with clinical experience can complete an RN-to-MSN program in 19 to 31 months. The time it takes depends on the coursework the nurse completes before enrolling, whether they attend full-time or part-time, their MSN specialty, and the type of program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an MSN worth it?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses seeking career advancement and a higher salary may find earning an MSN is well worth their time and energy. An MSN can open doors to new job opportunities and greater salary potential. It typically takes two years of full-time study to complete an MSN program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is an MSN in nursing administration?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSN in nursing administration is a graduate-level degree that prepares you for leadership roles within healthcare organizations. The program combines advanced nursing coursework with management and administrative curricula, building necessary skills in strategic planning, financial management, human resources, and quality improvement.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”my-8″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed May 4, 2024[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-section-header title=”Related Pages” /][hen-ui-article-row variant=”3-col” ids=”56485,34293,34284″][/hen-ui-article-row]